June 28 Hope Sports Report

Hope College guard Kenedy Schoonveld (photo courtesy Hope College Athletics)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Hope College’s Kenedy Schoonveld is the 2021 recipient of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Female Scholar-Athlete Award.

Deemed the highest honor for an MIAA female student-athlete, the Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Female Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes female seniors who have excelled in academics and athletics, as well as displayed outstanding leadership in their respective communities. 

The award honors former MIAA Commissioner Sheila Wallace Kovalchik, who served the conference as commissioner from 1991 to 2002.

“Kenedy is more than deserving of this award.  Her passion — not only on the court but in the classroom and community — really shines through and is an inspiration to all who have seen her in action.”

Schoonveld is Hope’s fourth Kovalchik Award recipient. The Hope women’s basketball standout and senior guard joins previous honorees: Erin Herrmann (2017, track and field), Jenna Grasmeyer (2015, volleyball), and Nora Kuiper (2009, track and field).

”Like Sheila Wallace Kovalchik, Kenedy is one who leads by example,” assistant athletic director Lindsey Engelsman said. “She has been a tremendous leader at Hope College, both on and off the court throughout her career.  Her character, integrity, compassion for others, and work ethic are inspiring to those around her.”