Both Hope College cross country teams have been honored for academic excellence by the College Cross Country Coaches Association.

The recognition is especially significant for the women's cross country program which has been named to the Academic Honor Roll every year since the award was initiated in 1990.  The men's program has been recognized every year but one during that time.

To qualify for the award, a team needed to maintain a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average and compiled a team score at an NCAA regional meet. The women's team posted a 3.40 cumulative GPA while the men's team recorded a 3.10 GPA.  The leading women's team was Hamline, Minn. with a 3.74 GPA and topping the men was MIT at 3.68.

In addition, freshman Joanne Gabl of Saline (Saline HS) received individual All-Academic recognition from the coaches association. To be eligible for the award a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 25 percent of the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.  Gabel led Hope's team at the Great Lakes Regional finishing 46th.

Coached by Mark Northuis, both Hope cross country teams finished third in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings this past fall.