On Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m. at Wolters Stadium, the Hope College softball team will pay tribute to its five graduating seniors. Since few fans are allowed at the event to recognize these student-athletes’ careers, head coach Mary VandeHoef honors these seniors here.
Claire Bates — Hometown: Midland, Michigan (Bullock Creek HS); Major: Social Work – CSWE
“Claire pursues everything she sets her mind to with excellence and the way she fulfills her role on this team is no different. She cares about her teammates as whole people and is always pushing those on our team to be their best. She packs a lot of punch in her swing and has worked and improved in her four years to be able to help our team offensively.”
Jo Cook — Hometown: Birch Run, Michigan (Birch Run HS); Major: Nursing
“You want to be on a team with Jo Cook. She brings consistent energy, and through that brings a steadiness this team knows it can rely on. She is a tremendous leader and is someone who always has the team’s best at the forefront of her mind. She is a teammate who cares deeply, brings the fun, and has worked hard at her game to be great on both sides of the ball.”
Savannah Dixon — Hometown: Niles, Michigan (Edwardsburg HS); Major: Nursing
“Sav wants to win. Every game, every at bat, every play. That competitiveness she has within her has propelled her to play at an incredibly high level her entire career. She makes tough plays in the field look routine and gives everyone around her confidence defensively. She has also been an important piece of the puzzle in the heart of our line-up and has had a significant impact in her career both on the field and at the plate.”
Morgann Kanouse — Hometown: Cadillac, Michigan (Cadillac HS); Major: Business
“Morgann’s heart for this team is incredibly special. She would do anything to help a teammate out and puts others ahead of herself. She has grown into an outstanding servant-leader and has developed a strong voice within our team. She has been a force behind the plate and leaves it all on the field every time she competes so that our team has the best opportunity to win.”
Megan Soderbloom — Hometown: Dowagiac, Michigan (Dowagiac HS); Major: Public Accounting
“Megan is an incredibly fierce competitor who wants the ball in her hand and to be up at the plate in the big moments. She is willing to do whatever it takes to help our team succeed. Her intensity and mental toughness propel our team, and her drive to be successful has helped her develop and grow over her career. She has great command on the field and instills confidence in our team through her powerful presence.”