SOFTBALL
Mary VandeHoef Steps Down as Softball’s Head Coach
Mary VandeHoef is stepping down as Hope College softball coach after 12 successful seasons with the Flying Dutch.
Since 2011, VandeHoef has guided the Flying Dutch to three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, two Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular-season championships, and a .625 overall winning percentage. A nationwide search for a new softball head coach will begin immediately, Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said.
“Mary has been an amazing representation of all we look for in Hope Athletics. Her legendary competitive spirit has created highly successful teams and her care and concern for the women on those teams have led to lives being transformed,” Schoonveld said. “Her commitment to a culture that changes lives has produced women that are changing the world. To see the amazing alumni who have come from her program is something very special.
“We are grateful for all she has done, and while we are very sad to see her leaving, we are excited for her and looking forward to seeing where God takes her. She is a great friend, colleague and someone we will miss leading our program.”
Hope recorded a 272-163-2 overall record during VandeHoef’s tenure. This season, the Flying Dutch went 26-12, including a runner-up finish in the MIAA Tournament and a second-place MIAA record of 13-3. VandeHoef ranks second in all-time Hope softball coaching victories to Karla Wolters, who went 513-320 and won four MIAA titles over 23 seasons from 1988 through 2010.
TRACK/FIELD
Four members of the Hope College men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams have earned All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors for the 2022 season.
Senior Nick Hoffman, junior Eli Meder, and freshman Aidan Kyle represented Hope on the men’s team.
Junior Anna Mason is the Flying Dutch’s recipient on the women’s team.
All four student-athletes claimed the recognition by winning individual events at last week’s MIAA Championships at Albion College.
TRACK/FIELD
Jacinda Cole Named Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Hope College’s Jacinda Cole has been chosen as the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week.
The senior from Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS) is receiving the honor for the first time in her career. An education major, Cole helped the Flying Dutch win their fourth consecutive MIAA outdoor championship last week and earn her 10th team championships during her Flying Dutch career. IUn the 4×400 relay, Cole ran a leg on the second-place group that clocked a time of 4 minutes, 3.83 seconds.
Cole finished fourth in the 1,500 meters with a run of 4:5021 and fifth in the 800 meters with a run of 2:20.22.
Taylor Novotny Selected as Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Hope College’s Taylor Novotny has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week.
The sophomore from Batavia, Illinois (Batavia HS) is receiving the honor for the first time in her career.
Novotny helped the Flying Dutch win their fourth consecutive MIAA outdoor championship last week. During the two-day meet, Novotny scored in two events. Nototny placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 4.92 meters (16 feet, 1 ¾) and sixth in the triple jump at 10.20 meters (33-5 ¾). The nursing major also took sixth in the high jump by clearing 1.35 meters (4-5).
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Saydee Johns Chosen as MIAA Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week
Hope College’s Saydee Johns has been selected as the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week.
The senior from Holland, Michigan (Holland HS) is receiving the honor for the second time this season and in her Flying Dutch career. A business major, Johns helped Hope win the MIAA Tournament for the 10th consecutive time last week by winning three matches.
The Flying Dutch swept Saint Mary’s College in the semifinals, 5-0, and Kalamazoo College in the final, 5-0. Johns teamed with junior Taylor Truman (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) at No. 2 doubles for an 8-5 win vs. Saint Mary’s and an 8-6 win vs. Kalamazoo. Against Kalamazoo, Johns clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 4 singles.
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