2020 has been quite a year for all of us. Normally, we would have just finished a fall season with some league championships and NCAA national tournament runs. We would be excited as we watch our winter teams play their non-conference competitions and look forward to league championships in the coming months. Our staff would be finishing up the final loose ends of the year in their offices and would be getting ready for some rest with family and friends. We would be seeing many of you at events and would be wishing you well. Yet, here we are unable to compete or spend time together while waiting for a vaccine to stop the spread of COVID-19.
As we move towards Christmas, we want to encourage all of you. I have been reminded that this year has been filled with unexpected blessings and gifts in the midst of the struggle. Today, I write to share some of what I am grateful for this 2020 Christmas season:
- Coaches who love their student-athletes and have chosen the transformation of lives over competition.
- President Scogin and his visionary, positive, and spirit-filled leadership of Hope.
- The countless faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to provide a meaningful in-person experience for our students.
- Our fans and supporters who have continued cheering us on through financial support and words of encouragement.
- Our athletic leadership team of Courtney Kust, Caroline Dykstra and Lindsey Engelsman who continue to give and serve our student-athletes because they desire to live out impact daily. They inspire me!
- A family who brings more joy than I could ever have imagined or deserved!
I want to thank each of you for the ways you love and support Hope Athletics. IT MATTERS. Please do not ever underestimate your impact on our lives. I hope and pray this holiday season that you are able to look back on 2020 and see the good that the Lord our God has given to us this year.
This Christmas season may we all be reminded of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. One of my favorite songs describes Him this way:
He is our Author, our Maker, our Ransom. Our Savior, our Refuge, our Hiding Place. He is our Helper, our Healer, our Blessed Redeemer. Our Answer and Saving Grace. Our Hope in the shadows. Our Strength in the battle. Our Anchor for all our days.
May God bless you and your families this Christmas season and may we all cling to this hope.
Tim Schoonveld, Director of Athletics
Tim Schoonveld, thanks for your positive Christmas message. I hope there is enough Covid-19 testing to keep the virus from cancelling sport activities during the second semester. Merry Christmas to you and your staff. “Stay safe. Love your neighbor. Wear a mask.” Bob Visscher