In 2006, the Hope College women’s basketball team traveled to three states, including the birthplace of its sport, to become national champions.
Ten years later, those Flying Dutch will gather at DeVos Fieldhouse — where the journey started — to celebrate the accomplishment.
On Saturday, Hope will recognize the anniversary of its second national champion during Alumni Day at DeVos Fieldhouse.
There will be a 1 p.m. exhibition game between past Flying Dutch players and this season’s junior varsity team.
At 3 p.m., the varsity team will play Saint Mary’s College in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association action. The Flying Dutch are off to 20-0 start and lead the MIAA with a 12-0 league record.
Members of the 2005-06 national championship team will be honored at halftime.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It will be an emotional day,” said head coach Brian Morehouse, whose career record is 499-76. “The 2006 team is special because they won it all. That’s an incredible thing to do and should be celebrated.”
The 2006 team finished with a school-record 33 wins in 34 games, including victories in Springfield, Massachusetts of 69-56 against Southern Maine in the national championship game and 59-56 against Scranton, Pennsylvania in the national semifinals.
Guard Bria Ebels was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Guard Julie Henderson also made the all-tournament team.
Hope also defeated in the NCAA Tournament DePauw, Indiana 76-60, Washington-St. Louis 92-89, Capital, Ohio 75-56 and Denison, Ohio 72-51. The Flying Dutch completed the season on a 30-game win streak.
Morehouse is looking forward to everything involved with Alumni Day.
“That’s everything about this program,” Morehouse said of Alumni Day. “Respecting the foundation that’s been laid before us, whether they played for me, coach Tod Gugino or Sue Wise. It’s about respecting who became before us and made it possible to play this game we love.
Current players do a great job of wanting to know about the people before them and respecting them, Morehouse added.
2005-06 ROSTER
Players
Becky Bosserd, junior from Sparta
Jordyn Boles, sophomore from Grand Rapids
Brieann Bryant, freshman from Farwell
Bria Ebels, senior from Holland
Linda Ebels, senior from Falmouth
Julie Henderson, junior from Grand Haven
Jennie Intveld, senior from Carson City
Sarah Jurik, junior from Mesick
Courtney Knox, freshman from Mattawan
Kaitlyn Kopke, freshman from Haslett
Lindsay Lange, sophomore from Manistee
Megan Noll, senior from Lake Orion
Kate Reincke, freshman from Eaton Rapids
Joanne Stewart, senior from Big Rapids
Stacy Warsen, sophomore from Cutlervillle
Ellen Wood, junior from Naperville, Illinois
Coaches
Brian Morehouse, head coach
Colly Carlson, assistant coach
Becky Sutton, assistant coach
Dean Morehouse, assistant coach
Colleen Corey, junior varsity coach