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.
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Hannah Bredeweg — Hometown: Benton Harbor, Michigan (Stevensville-Lakeshore HS); Major: Nursing
“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 — 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
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 — 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 Knafel — Hometown: Marshall, Michigan (Marshall HS); Major: Exercise Science
“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 — 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
Nicole Prihoda — Hometown: Poretage, Michigan (Portage Central HS); Major: Biology
“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 Thompson – Hometown: Portage, Michigan (Hackett Catholic Prep); Major: Exercise Science
“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: 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 Tyner — Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ann Arbor Skyline HS); Major: Exercise Science
“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 — 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 — 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