Hope College student-athletes worked together this semester to help prevent child hunger in West Michigan.
Led by the Athletes Coming Together/Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (ACT/SAAC), Hope’s 22 varsity teams combined to raise more than $2,000 in donations. The money Hope student-athletes raised provided the opportunity to pack more than 2,000 snack packs at DeVos Fieldhouse for the Hand2Hand organization.
Based in Hudsonville, Michigan, Hand2Hand provides food for youth and children facing weekend hunger in West Michigan. Many of Hand2Hand’s recipients get free or reduced-price lunches during the school week.
From left, Hope College student-athletes Kealeigh Usiak, Evan Thomas, and Keaton Hamilton
“It’s super special and says a lot about our student-athletes and athletics program as a whole when we were all able to get together to work with Hand2Hand,” said Evan Thomas, a junior on the men’s basketball team and a biology major. “Everyone there has a genuine interest in giving back to something bigger than ourselves, and doing anything we can to help.”
Added junior Kealeigh Usiak of the women’s soccer team, “It was really cool to see so many Hope student-athletes coming together to support something bigger than our individual teams, and bigger than Hope College.”
Inspired to Help
Usiak, who is majoring in communication and computer science, said she was shocked to see how much money was raised and how many snack bags were packed.
“It was cool to see all of the teams work together to get enough funds to really make a difference,” Usiak said. “I’d say the Holland community inspired me to take part in this effort with Hand2Hand. The Holland community supports Hope Athletics so much and does so many things for us, so I felt driven to give back to the community in this way.”
Participating in ACT-SAAC for the first time last year inspired Thomas to join the organization’s community service team this year.
The mission ACT/SAAC at Hope College is:
Serve student-athletes as a liaison between the student-athletes and the Hope College Athletic Department Administration regarding the needs and concerns that impact their academic performance, athletic performance, and personal well-being.
Promote unity, camaraderie, communication and common purpose among all Hope College student-athletes.
Actively encourage a strong commitment to service, and uphold positive athletic, academic and social experience for all student-athletes.
Represent, endorse, and support athletics at institutional, conference, and national levels including the review of policies and proposed legislation at these various tiers.
“I knew I wanted to be more involved if I could, so that I could help put together events like this,” Thomas said. “Last year’s Hand2Hand event was such a great experience that was so fun that we knew we wanted to try and do this again this year and raise even more money.”
Editor’s Note: On June 23, 1972, a federal civil rights law was passed that prohibited sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX also gave girls and women the equal opportunity to compete in sports across the country.
Hope College women’s basketball alumnae: from left, Miranda DeKuiper ’11 and Jess Moorman ’21.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX’s passing next summer, Hope College Athletics will share the memories and perspectives from Hope College student-athletes, coaches, and alumnae on the 9th of each month during the school year.
In our third installment, we hear from two Hope College women’s basketball alumnae who both graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering and now work together for Gentex Corp. in Zeeland, Michigan: Miranda DeKuiper ’11 and Jess Moorman ’21. Gentex develops and manufactures custom high-tech electronic products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries.
What is your job title and role at Gentex?
Miranda DeKuiper: Production Manager — Electrical Assembly, Microelectronics, Aerospace. I lead a team of 250 of multiple engineering support disciplines and manufacturing teams. I’ve been with Gentex essentially since 2010 during my internship. My favorite thing about the company is that you cannot get bored – there are always other opportunities to continue to challenge yourself with. There’s a heavy emphasis on people development and innovation that makes it an extremely compelling place to work.
Jess Moorman: As a Production Group Leader for Gentex, it is my job to motivate and develop my production team so that we can achieve Gentex’s standards of quality and efficiency in our final products. I have been in the Group Leader role for one month and have been at Gentex for four months total. What I love most about Gentex is that it’s a world-class company with high standards and I’m surrounded by people who are willing to help you reach those high standards.
How did being a Hope student-athlete prepare you to work in your field? What did playing a college sport teach you about life?
Jess Moorman: One of the most important things that I learned from being a student-athlete at Hope is that on every team you are a part of, there is always a role for you. Everybody is different. Everyone has things that they are good at and things that need improvement. The key is to know your strengths and play those to your team’s advantage. While playing basketball at Hope, I quickly realized that a little bit of energy can go a long way. You can’t always control if the ball goes in the basket, but you can always control how much energy you bring. That was my role. I have directly used this mindset while leading my own team at Gentex. I can’t always control if a machine goes down, or if life outside of work is not going well for someone on my team, but I can control how I approach those interactions with them. I can bring energy and enthusiasm to the floor and use this particular strength to benefit our team culture.
Miranda DeKuiper: Engineering and manufacturing are fields that require a large amount of grit, tenacity, and attention to detail. Problems may require you to have many attempts to perfect your technique or design. The tenacity to keep after it until you’ve achieved your max potential is something that translates both in basketball and in life. Those who are willing to get in extra shots or ask for feedback or study the scouting reports are the same ones who are particularly resourceful and creative in the workplace. Other than that I would say learning how to find the role that you need to play to help the team to be successful is critically important. When someone new joins your work team, the whole dynamic shifts and you adjust to whatever is required to help the team be successful. I’m sure every student-athlete can relate to that at the beginning of every season or when an unfortunate injury occurs and someone must step up and adjust.
How has your competitive drive in basketball translated to your career?
Miranda DeKuiper: Competitiveness is an inherent quality for most college athletes I would imagine! It actually took me a bit to make sure that I redefined what “winning” was post-Hope, however. The goal was not to beat other people any longer, it became beating the manufacturing scoreboard or beating team goals. At times, my competitive nature could be misdirected — essentially my own stat line was more important than the team ‘W’ — so, once I got my priorities straightened out, the competitive drive became one of my greatest assets.
Jess Moorman: Hope WBB has a Win Everything (WE) mentality. It means that in everything you do, you should strive to win. While playing at Hope, we were told to compete every day. Whether you were competing against yourself, your teammates, or your components, we were expected to leave everything we had on the floor. In my career today, I do my best to uphold the WE attitude. I compete with myself to grow and learn a little bit more every day. My team and I compete to hit our goals and be the best we can be. The WE mentality showed me that if you compete in every situation and strive to win, good things will follow.
How has being a leader at Hope translated to your leadership role at Gentex?
Jess Moorman: While at Hope, I was able to learn of the many different qualities that make a successful leader. Qualities like empathy, communication, and gratitude are just some of the attributes that make a leader great. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a leader for our basketball team. Although the goals of my Hope team were different from the goals of my Gentex team, it is important to know that I can lead in the same way. I can still show empathy to the ones around me. I can still give thanks and credit where it is due. I can do my best to communicate effectively. Leading at Hope has taught me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
Miranda DeKuiper: I was fortunate to have great captains throughout my time at Hope, and you get exposed to different types of leaders each year on the team. Then you begin to develop your own style as a leader, and it prepared me for the less glamorous side of leadership. It’s the genuine care for your teammates on and off the court, the tough conversations, and taking responsibility for outcomes that translate most easily. So often at work, just as on a team, it’s not about the skill set that a team has, but the chemistry. Knowing how to assemble that in such a way that provides the best results is such a fun endeavor.
What inspired you to pursue your career in the first place? Is there somebody in your life who has been an inspiration to you?
Miranda DeKuiper: Perhaps not necessarily a career in engineer, but a career in leadership in a male-dominated field — Coach Hackert (Dina Disney). I had the fortune to play for Coach Hackert in high school, and she had a confidence and swagger to her that I hadn’t seen in other women who coached at the time. She reveled in beating the guys and didn’t hold back. She always had tough conversations and held high expectations while having a huge heart for her players. I’ve always admired her ability to connect with her players and put together a foolproof strategy. Those skills apply to any field and planted a seed with me to want to be able to have the same impact on others one day that she had on me. Additionally, it definitely helps to channel a little bit of Coach Hackert swagger some days in a male-dominated field like engineering!
Jess Moorman: My dad is a big reason why I am in the position I am today. Growing up, he was always fixing things around the house, and I loved to help. I loved watching him take things apart and put them back together. I learned how to solve problems from him. That is one of the main reasons that I decided to pursue engineering. My dad has always worked hard, both at work and in life. Watching his hard work turn into success has been a great inspiration for me. I am incredibly grateful to have him as my dad and I hope to leave an influence on others the same way he has influenced me.
What is it like working full-time with or for the same company as another Hope women’s basketball alum?
Jess Moorman: Playing basketball for four years at Hope was such an important time in my life. I learned so much about myself and also grew tremendously as an individual. With this different stage of my life, I am really lucky to work with someone who has gone through the same experiences I have. Miranda has not only been a great mentor to me but being able to relate to her on a Hope Women’s Basketball level has been very special. Not many people know and understand what it’s like to be a part of the Hope WBB program and it is comforting knowing that someone who does, is close by. Miranda was a great player at Hope and is a great leader at Gentex. I am very fortunate to have that connection in my career.
Miranda DeKuiper: It’s great! There’s a common language and set of experiences we can both relate to, which is even cooler considering we were not at Hope at the same time so the tradition transcends classes. Jess and I have different styles and will no doubt take our own unique career paths, but I’ll certainly always be there in her corner championing her! Hope plays, Hope wins!
This week marks the fourth annual NCAA Diversity & Inclusion social media campaign, and NCAA schools across the nation are using sports as a platform to create dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
At Hope College, we believe that sport offers powerful experiences for education and personal development. As individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, the communities of which we are a part of can be our biggest strengths and sources of support. The communities that are formed through sport offer our student-athletes and coaches a space to learn and grow together.
Members of the Hope College Athletics coaching staff share how experiences and perspectives are shaped by the community and inclusion developed through sport.
Kevin Cole, Head Track & Field Coach
“Track and field is a sport that is uniquely positioned to prepare student-athletes for their future endeavors because of its dual nature as both a team sport and an individual sport. Athletes can experience the exhilaration of standing on the top of the podium alone and also of taking a victory lap with 60 other people who have shared their dreams and goals and helped each other achieve heights (metaphorically and literally) that they could not have achieved alone.
Seldom in life outside of athletics are we rewarded for mindless dedication to a team or conversely for an ego-driven drive for personal glory. Rather, we are most successful when we strike a balance between these two dichotomies and sacrifice some of ourselves for the good of the team, while also maintaining the special qualities that make us unique and contribute to the huge advances of which we are capable as humans.
While these thoughts are not likely in the forefront of most track athletes’ minds as they are training and competing, they do contribute to the wide diversity in thoughts, attitudes, backgrounds, talents and even physical features of a championship track and field team. The Hope College student-athletes that I have worked with have been exceptional at utilizing this diversity to achieve more than they ever could alone and I am confident that it will serve them well in all their future triumphs outside of the sporting arena.”
Becky Schmidt, Head Volleyball Coach
“For me, we spend so much time trying to build cohesion in team sports that sometimes it washes out the value of difference on our teams. If a team has 6 people on it and all of them have the exact same skill set, then 5 of those people are redundant. We need to appreciate that much like skill sets, a diversity of perspectives and experience can bring about so much greater potential of a group of people. But, respecting and honoring diversity within athletics should not happen just because it leads to more productive or industrious groups, it should be honored because it is the right thing to do when living into the community with others. It may make the process more challenging and the process for growth might have a steeper curve, but we shouldn’t shy away from those challenges in educational, co-curricular sport. It may, indeed, be where its greatest value is found.
We support diversity on our teams when we seek out the opinions and perspectives of those whose voices are not the loudest. We support diversity by empathizing with the experiences of those on our teams who have had different lived experiences and by proactively respecting their differences. We support diversity by doing a lot of listening but by also creating an environment where everyone is empowered to speak. We support diversity by appreciating that the differences in our perspectives and experiences bring value to our team as a whole.”
Brian Morehouse, Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“A team requires a group to both bend to what is best for the team and celebrate the differences we all have. This is what makes us more powerful. Diversity on a team is the inclusion of all with no strings attached. When we take the time to learn from our different backgrounds and experiences, it helps us work towards the common goal of being a highly functioning team. I believe that you should be able to maintain your unique identity and feel valued in it. Understanding the identities represented on a team helps to maximize the ability of the group.”
Earlier this fall, 40 Hope College student-athletes headed off campus to Camp Geneva on the shores of Lake Michigan to participate in a Leadership Development Retreat.
Winter and spring sport athletes engaged in conversations surrounding the attributes of servant leaders and had the opportunity to hear from a variety of coaches and staff members. During the 24 hours, the group was together, athletes were inspired and equipped to grow in their leadership with their teams.
This retreat was the fifth conducted in partnership between Hope Athletics and the Hope College Center for Leadership (CFL). Click here to learn more about the Leadership Development Program at Hope College. Hope Athletics will continue to partner with CFL in February 2022 when fall sport athletes will have the opportunity to attend a Leadership Development Retreat.
Four student-athletes share what they gained from the experience.
“This retreat gave me a special opportunity to not only learn about servant leadership but to be surrounded by other athletes whose coaches believe they have strong potential to be a good leader on their team. I get the chance to take back what I learned to my team and hopefully watch it change Hope Softball for the better and maybe even inspire others to lead well too.”
“The most valuable part of the retreat for me was connecting with other student-athletes on different teams. The different perspectives and goals shared were awesome to hear. I was inspired to lead through the different speakers, coaches, and being surrounded by other like-minded athletes. This was a really really powerful opportunity and something that I am very blessed to have experienced!
“The most valuable part of the retreat for me was getting to talk to and meet student-athletes from different sports that are sophomores like me. I joined track and field partway into second semester of my freshman year and, having never been on an individualized team sport, it was a lot different than what I knew. During the retreat, I was in a group with two swimmers and it was nice to talk to them about how to support teammates.
This retreat inspired me to lead by example and to be there for my teammates. In one of the talks, we heard about being a ‘5-minute friend’ and this really spoke to me. I will use this as a leader by being there and showing my teammates that they can depend on me to be there when they need me, in 5 minutes or less.”
“The most valuable part of this trip for me was getting to hear from all of these coaches who have a crazy amount of intelligence and experience when it comes to leadership. I’m a person who loves to learn from those around me and will use those resources to the fullest capabilities.
What I am most excited to bring back to my team is the new understanding of the different kinds of leaders. Every single person has a specific strength and weakness when it comes to leadership, I’m very excited to take that new understanding and apply it to my team.”
Hope College student-athletes work on an activity together during their Leadership Development Retreat.
Editor’s Note: On June 23, 1972, a federal civil rights law was passed that prohibited sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX also gave girls and women the equal opportunity to compete in sports across the country.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX’s passing next summer, Hope College Athletics will share the memories and perspectives from Hope College student-athletes, coaches, and alumnae on the 9th of each month during the school year.In our second installment, Hope College women’s soccer student-athletes pay tribute to head coach Leigh Sears, a cancer survivor.
Cancer Survivor
“When I think of Leigh, I see a strong, resilient, and beautiful woman who overcame one of the toughest things anyone could go through. Through her battle with cancer, she continued to put others before herself and pour into our team. She is a continuous inspiration to me, as she fought tirelessly and came out the other side healthy!” — Senior Hannah Mitroff
Coach
“I can sincerely say that Leigh is one of the best coaches that I have ever had. She not only pushes you to be the best player on the field but also pushes you to be best that you can be in life. Her compassion and kindness extends to every single person on the team regardless of their role and her dedication and love for Hope women’s soccer is truly one of the main reasons our program is strong as it is.” — Sophomore Jenna Mustapha
Educator
“Leigh is a lot of things, an educator being one of them. Education and learning are really important to her. I’ve taken a class with her and it’s fun to see her in that setting and see how she cares for students as well as her athletes. She always tells us school comes first. If we have a class conflict we go to class before going to practice. I think that she prepares us well on the emphasis of how important education is and I am beyond thankful for that.” — Junior Cassidy Broekhuizen
Role Model
“Leigh is an incredible role model because she has this innate ability to empower everyone around her. She is everything you want in a role model – she’s kind but stern when she needs to be, incredibly strong and courageous throughout every struggle she encounters, and she’s intentional in making the people around her feel loved, cared for, and seen. I am so lucky to have had these last four years to look up to her.” — Senior Sarah Mikesell
Editor’s Note: On June 23, 1972, a federal civil rights law was passed that prohibited sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX also gave girls and women the equal opportunity to compete in sports across the country.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX’s passing next summer, Hope College Athletics will share the memories and perspectives from Hope College student-athletes, coaches, and alumnae on the 9th of each month during the school year.In our first installment, we hear from Hope College Volleyball head coach Becky Schmidt ’99. The Flying Dutch’s first volleyball All-American also received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship as a student-athlete. In 2014, Schmidt guided her alma mater to its first national title in NCAA Division III volleyball.
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Becky Schmidt
In 1988, I was in the eighth grade and saw a sign posted in the school hallway announcing tryouts for the school’s soccer team. At the time, I loved soccer and eagerly awaited the tryout opportunity. As I arrived in the gym after school for tryouts, I waited in line with all of the other kids trying out for the team.
I was the only girl in the line. Apparently, it hadn’t occurred to the administration to designate the tryouts as being for the boys team. I hung around for a little while but after dealing with some taunting and mocking from the boys in line I decided it wasn’t worth it. I walked the hallways of the school and cried. A principal at the school saw me and asked what was wrong. I managed to muster an explanation through my tears of disappointment.
What does Title IX mean to me? It means opportunity — the chance to compete in a sport that has given me some of my best friends and taught me countless lessons about perseverance, toughness, teamwork, and leadership. It means knowing that my teammates and I matter — that our passion and interests were as worthy as anyone else’s. It means appreciating the courage and drive that so many women before Title IX showed as they pursued their dreams despite inequitable challenges. It means helping to make sure that today’s female student-athletes never take for granted the amazing opportunities they have in front of them.
Head coach Becky Schmidt talks to her team during a timeout.
I like to think that if I’d been born 20 years earlier, I would have been one of those pioneering women who fought against the inequities experienced by so many female student-athletes (or women who wanted to join science clubs as Title IX protects access to all educational opportunities).
The year after I ran away from that soccer tryout our school started a girls soccer team. It wasn’t because I started a campaign or led any protests. It wasn’t because my parents complained until more opportunities for girls were available at the school. That middle school added a girls soccer team the next year because the process of developing Title IX and enforcing it had changed the lens through which our school administrators saw educational opportunities for girls — and when there was an unmet need they felt compelled to act. It didn’t take the threat of a lawsuit, but there is not a doubt in my mind that it was the law that helped change the way women’s sports were valued.
In 2014, we took the Hope Volleyball team to compete in a tournament in Washington DC. We were able to spend a morning touring the National Archives and one of the documents we came across was the original draft of Title IX.
When I saw it, my mind took me right back to that hallway in middle school and my eyes filled with tears. But this time it was also accompanied by a smile reflecting how thankful I am for how far we have come.
On Friday, May 7 at 2 p.m. at Boeve Stadium, the Hope College baseball team will pay tribute to its eight graduating seniors. Since few fans are allowed at the event to recognize these student-athletes’ careers, head coach Stu Fritz honors them here.
“Cal is our starting catcher as a senior. He waited his turn to be behind the plate and was our DH as a junior. Cal has hit in the middle of our line-up and is a very good defensive catcher. He has a great ability to receive the baseball and a very good working relationship with our pitching staff. Cal is also involved with the Formula Race team as an engineering student.”
Evan Becker
Evan Becker — Hometown: Rochester, Michigan (Stoney Creek HS); Major: Business
“Evan is a captain and a go-to guy in our program. He is an incredibly hard worker in the classroom and on the field. He is also one of our fastest players and best athletes. Evan is the glue that holds our team together; he’s a great teammate and a better friend. First class young man all the way around.”
“Teddy would have been a three-year starter at first base and a force in the middle of our line-up. He has had a nagging shoulder injury this year and has missed most of the season. He led our team in home runs as a sophomore, and we have missed his presence in our line-up this year.”
Max Gaishin
Max Gaishin — Hometown: Stevensville, Michigan (Stevensville Lakeshore HS); Major: Integrated Science Group Elementary Education
“Max is an outstanding person. He has every quality you want in a son, or your son’s, or daughter’s, teacher. This year he is one of our captains. Max has been a four-year starter on the mound for us and pitched some outstanding games. I am excited to watch Max goes out into the world as an educator.”
“Evan is a four-year starter and a two-year captain. He will go down as one of the best to play at Hope during my tenure. He has been a great leader on and off the field, a very good student and a tenacious competitor. He is a very gifted athlete and excels at a variety of tasks. Evan is our single-season and career stolen-base record holder and currently leads the nation in stolen bases. He’s a first class young man whom I have had the pleasure to coach.”
Kameron Miller
Kameron Miller — Hometown: Coldwater, Michigan (Coldwater HS); Major: Business
“Kam has been our #1 pitcher this year. His cornerstone game was a complete shutout shutout against Alma in the league tourney. He has worked tirelessly to get to the top of his game. Kam is a very bright student and has accepted an accounting job after graduation.”
Joey Merucci
Joey Merucci — Hometown: Northville Township, Michigan (Catholic Central HS); Major: Business
“Joey had a very good sophomore season as a first-year starter. He is a very driven and focused young man. He has a high baseball IQ and a level of passion for the game that we don’t see every day. Joey plays a very good third base with his biggest asset being the strength of his arm. He is also a very good leader/coordinator in our program.”
“Al has come back from Tommy John surgery and has had a great senior year. He has been our #2 starter. Al came to our program as a transfer and has not had much of an opportunity to compete because of COVID. We have been beyond excited to watch him his senior year. His work ethic is second-to-none.”
On Thursday, May 6 with the start of MIAA Field Day at the Alma College, the Hope College men’s track and field team will pay tribute to its 10 graduating seniors. Since the squad did not have a home meet this year to celebrate those seniors, they are honored here by their coaches.
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Andrew Althouse
Andrew Althouse — Hometown: Ludington, Michigan (Ludington HS); Major: Business
“As a two-sport student-athlete (he plays football too), Drew has done a nice job balancing the demands of athletics and school in his schedule. This is the first year on the track and field team, but he’s been absolutely coachable and ready to make any changes needed to improve his technique. His physical stature may be what you first notice about him, but it’s been his work ethic that has allowed him to keep finding improvements in his personal records. Drew has been an awesome addition and I’m glad to have had the chance to work with him.” — Assistant Coach Paul Markel
“Barry has been the core of the men’s pole-vaulting squad for 4 years and has steadily improved through hard work and dedication. He is now among the best vaulters in the conference. Barry may also be one of the nicest guys to ever put on a Hope uniform. He is always willing to help out coaches and other athletes and can always be counted on to be a leader.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
“Lukas is a very talented athlete who has been able to out-jump almost everyone on the team since his freshman season. His quiet intensity belies his underlying desire to be the best. He steadily improved each year and was poised to have a great senior year with some impressive early jumps. Unfortunately, his season was ended prematurely by an injury but he was a very important part of our jumps squad for 4 years and we will miss him next year.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
Jacob Kelley
Jacob Kelley — Hometown: Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS); Major: Religion – Christian History and Theology
“Jacob has really developed these past four years as a runner and a leader on the team. He was willing to try a new event (steeplechase) and has become one of the top performers in the conference. Hopefully he remains open to trying new things.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Jared Lowe
Jared Lowe — Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio (Wyoming HS); Major: Business
“Jared has been one of the best high jumpers in the conference since his freshman year and has also been successful in the triple jump. Jared keeps himself very busy but still has time to be a great athlete and an excellent team-mate. It is always fun to be around Jared and he is always willing to help out his fellow athletes. We will miss having his laid-back, fun attitude on the jumps squad.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
Zack is a strong leader and motivator. He gives everything he has in races and helps to bring the best out of his teammates. I really appreciate the impact he has had these past four years in the classroom and on the course and track.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Noah Russo
Noah Russo — Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS); Major: Business
“From the first week working with Noah his freshman year, I would’ve bet he would be a team captain by his senior year (he made it by his junior year instead). He shows leadership by example and by providing support, helping out with our younger throwers wherever possible. Noah is great at building the type of camaraderie in our group that helps turn the individual events of track and field into a team experience. Now at the end of his four years, he’s put in countless hours honing his technique and training himself to be faster, stronger, and more fit, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does at the end of the season.” — Assistant Coach Paul Markel
Brett Slayton
Brett Slayton — Hometown: Holland, Michigan (Hamilton HS); Major: Communication
“Consistency and hard work define Brett’s career. He is a person we can depend on to lead others, give his all, and perform well where we place him.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Chris Stamatopoulos — Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois (Wheaton-Warrenville South HS); Major: Biomedical/Biomechanical Engineering
“Chris has been a very successful 400m hurdler for the team and after rehabbing an early injury has also become our best javelin thrower. He is a very talented individual who sets lofty goals for himself and works hard to attain them. He is always fun, always outspoken and always looking for ways to get better. He has evolved into a very good leader on the team and his influence will be missed after he graduates.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
John Vander Vliet
John Vander Vliet — Hometown: Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Eastern HS); Majors: Public Accounting and Business
“John has been great to have on the team and enjoys the training aspects of track and field as much as anyone I’ve coached. He’s always eager to put in extra effort in the weight room and his extra work has shown in his performances this year. John has high expectations for himself, and with a few meets to go this year, I believe he’ll hit his goals. Moving forward, as long as he can apply the discipline he’s shown in his training, diet, and preparations for throwing, I know he’ll be successful in whatever he does.” – Assistant Coach Paul Markel
On Thursday, May 6 with the start of MIAA Field Day at the Alma College, the Hope College women’s track and field team will pay tribute to its 11 graduating seniors. Since the squad did not have a home meet this year to celebrate those seniors, they are honored by their track and field coaches here.
“Hannah has been a mainstay of our jumps group for 4 years. She’s competed in all of the jumps and has been one of our best jumpers since her first year. She works hard, has a lot of fun and always has a smile and encouragement for everyone every day. We will miss her beauty queen wave and her infectious laugh but the world may be safer without her driving the cart.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
Jacinda Cole
Jacinda Cole — Hometown: Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS); Major: English Language Arts K-8 Education
“Jacinda became a strong, confident leader and is leaving a lasting impression on the rest of the team. Her hard work has led to tremendous improvements all while demonstrating how to effectively balance the strain of academics and athletics and excel at both.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Addy Gerig
Addyson Gerig — Hometown: Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS); Major: Integrated Science Group Elementary Education
“Addy has been THE best high jumper in the MIAA every year since her sophomore season and has also been one of the top triple jumpers, long jumpers and hurdlers. She worked hard in-season and out of season to become visibly stronger and more proficient every year. Her work ethic is infectious, and she has grown into an amazing leader with a wealth of knowledge about her events.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
Hannah Kenny
Hannah Kenny — Hometown: Grand Haven, Michigan (Grand Haven HS); Majors: Spanish and Social Work-CSWE
“Losing her senior season last spring, Hannah has returned for another year and we are very pleased! Her maturity at practice and in competition has a calming influence on the younger runners and has helped to motivate them to work hard together to reach their goals.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
“Mical has been a terrific senior pick up for the throwers and has had a great attitude from day one. Though completely new to track and field, she has fit right in with our group and has put in the work at each practice to improve her technique. She takes a constructive approach toward training, whether a session is going well or not, and pushes herself to get better each day. Her positivity is contagious at practice and I’m glad she accepted the invitation to join the team.” — Assistant Coach Paul Markel
Claire Muckian
Claire Muckian — Hometown: Saint Charles, Illinois (Saint Charles East HS); Major: Neuroscience
“Claire contributes to the team in so many ways: leader, encourager, mentor and friend. Injuries have not slowed her desire to help others improve and we are better because of her dedication to the well-being of others.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
“Returning from leg surgery, it is exciting to see Nicole running again. The joy she brings to the team and the example she shows by her dedication is truly an inspiration to the other women.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
“Lauryn is dedicated to excellence in the classroom and on the course. Her lasting legacy is that she works very hard and encourages her teammates to do likewise. She is always ready to help others.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Brooke Truszkowski
Brooke Truszkowski: Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City Central HS); Majors: Business and Communication
“Her investment in the lives of the younger runners is so evident by the support they mutually share for her and their teammates. She works hard in practice and races to the finish line, encouraging her teammates all the way.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
“Emily joined the team after transferring to Hope with an incredible desire to be amazing at every event possible. She pole-vaulted, jumped, ran hurdles, threw and even ran the second fastest time by anyone at Hope in the 2k. It eventually became evident that her greatest gift was in javelin throwing where she has been among the very best throwers in the MIAA each year. She has a deep desire to succeed and is not afraid to work hard to get there while infecting others with her boundless energy.” — Head Coach Kevin Cole
Emma Wabel
Emma Wabel — Hometown: Linden, Michigan (Linden HS); Majors: Biology and Philosophy
“Emma specializes in middle distance and is one of the leaders in her training group. She works very hard and has enjoyed solid improvements in her performances. Her encouragement of her teammates at practice and in meets is appreciated by everyone.” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
Julia Wilson
Julia Wilson — Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Lancaster Mennonite HS); Major: Biology
“Julia was a great surprise to our program last year. She had never competed competitively but quickly learned how to train and race. Her positive attitude and encouraging spirit helped to make her teammates better everyday. I wish we had her for two more years!” — Assistant Coach Mark Northuis
On Wednesday, May 5 with the start of the MIAA Tournament at the Etheridge Tennis Complex, the Hope College women’s tennis team will pay tribute to its three graduating seniors. Before Bailey Chorney, Brigid DeVries and Leah Newhof wrap up their careers at Hope, head coach Bob Cawood honors these seniors here.
“Thank you seniors for everything you’ve done for this program!” said Cawood. “You’ve made the experience for your teammates and coaches enjoyable. You three have left a lasting impression for future years.”
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Bailey Chorney
Bailey Chorney — Hometown: Waunakee, Wisconsin (Waunakee HS); Majors: Business and Spanish
“Bailey, along Brigid, are the first players I have coached for all four years. We’ve shared and created so many memories together. One of my all-time favorite coaching moments actually came in a loss against Kenyon College during Bailey’s sophomore year. She battled at the No. 5 singles spot against a very good player and still is one of the best singles matches I’ve seen her play. We almost took down a top-15 team during nationals. My hope is that we are playing our best tennis at the end of the year and that is exactly what Bailey did that day. I was so incredibly proud of Bailey’s fight and play! She has been an absolute joy to coach and this program is better because of her. Bailey’s match record over four years: Doubles: 49-28; Singles: 33-27”
Brigid DeVries
Brigid DeVries — Hometown: Bradenburg, Kentucky (Meade County HS); Major: Business
“B’s has been a tremendous part of this team for four years. She comes to practice with a positive attitude, works hard, has been an amazing teammate and has done all this with a grace about her that has made it extremely enjoyable to be around. B’s match record over four years: Doubles: 3-2; Singles: 8-4”
“It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Leah for the past two years. She transferred to Hope after her sophomore year and since she was my first transfer student-athlete, I didn’t know what to expect. Her charismatic personality helped her make the transition extremely quick and smooth, not only with the team but my relationship with Leah. She will go down as one of the easiest players to coach on court. Her competitive spirit and coach-ability made it extremely enjoyable. I am so happy Leah transferred. She has brought a lot to make this program better. Leah’s match record over two years (parenthesis is previous two years): Doubles: 16-3 (38-15) Singles: 15-6 (42-14)”
