MEN’S SOCCER
David Blahnik Named Men’s Soccer Head Coach
David Blahnik is bringing a winning collegiate pedigree to the Hope College men’s soccer team.
The former head coach at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, has been named head coach for the Flying Dutchmen, Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld announced today.
Blahnik guided Olivet Nazarene to a .707 winning percentage over six seasons from 2012 through 2017. Blahnik served as an assistant men’s soccer coach at Hope in 2019, helping the Flying Dutchmen return to the NCAA Division III Tournament and finishing with a 14-6-1 overall record.
“We are excited to welcome Dave Blahnik to Hope College as the leader of our men’s soccer program,” Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said. “He has a proven record of success both on and off the field and is an outstanding leader of men. We are confident that he will do a fantastic job meeting our mission and leading a program that competes with excellence while helping to transform the lives of its student athletes. We want to welcome Dave, Karlynn, Brek and Koen to the Hope family.”
MEN’S LACROSSE
Men’s Lacrosse Sweeps MIAA MVP Honors
On opposite ends of the lacrosse field, Brayden Blackburn and Jack Radzville both proved to be dynamic forces for Hope College.
Their superb play for the MIAA’s men’s lacrosse champions earned their top laurels from the league’s coaches.
As MIAA Defensive and Offensive MVPs, Blackburn and Radzville headed a group of 13 first-team selections that includes five teammates: seniors Ian Bosman, Andrew Conlon, Ethan Pinto, and Cole Scheffler, and sophomore Michael Mann.
Four Flying Dutchmen claimed second-team distinction: seniors Brian Bera, Liam Cunningham, Garret Fragnoli, and Zach Wiggins.
Hope went undefeated in six MIAA matches this season to claim the third regular-season championship in team history. The Flying Dutchmen previously won in 2019 and 2018.
Blackburn (Muskegon, Michigan / Reeths-Puffer HS) is Hope’s second MIAA Defensive MVP. The long pole joins goalie Nick Schanhals, who earned the honor in 2019.
Radzville (Howell, Michigan / Howell) is Hope’s first repeat MIAA Offensive MVP and the Flying Dutchmen’s third all-time honoree. Attacker Rocco Mularoni claimed in the honor in 2018.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
Women’s Lacrosse Puts Five on All-MIAA Teams
Three members of the Hope College women’s lacrosse team have claimed All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First Team honors for the 2022 season.
Senior Madison Micho, junior Delaney Kirinovic, and sophomore Elena Salazar are among 14 first-team selections by the league’s coaches. They made the first team for the first time in their careers.
Two Flying Dutch received second-team honors: seniors Sophie Ackermann and Madison McCreery.
MEN’S TENNIS
Men’s Tennis Puts Three on All-MIAA Teams
Three spots within the All Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams were filled by Hope College men’s tennis players.
Jacob Burkett, Cameron Coates, and Tyler Stafford are the Flying Dutchmen honorees after helping the orange and blue to a 7-12 overall record for the team.
Burkett, a junior from Clarkston, Michigan (Clarkston HS), was selected as a First Team honoree for the second time in his career, as was junior Cameron Coates (Stevensville, Michigan / Laurel Springs).
Stafford is receiving All-MIAA honors for the first time in his career after landing a spot on the second team.
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