Thomas ConertyThomas Conerty

Hope College’s Thomas Conerty has been selected this year’s recipient of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Dr. Marvin Zuidema award given to a senior selected for his contributions to team play, leadership qualities, demonstration of ethical virtues and excellence in athletics and academics.

The senior from Ada, Michigan (Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central HS) is a political science major. He was a co-captain this season for the Flying Dutchmen.

Hope coach Steven Smith said he is excited that Conerty was chosen by the league’s coaches.

The award has been presented since 1999 in honor of the late Dr. Marvin Zuidema, longtime men's soccer coach and athletic administrator at Calvin College.

“Thomas was nominated due to his outstanding character over his four years at Hope College,” Smith said. “He is just the kind of recipient that​ Marv Zuidema had in mind as Thomas is an excellent student, a great citizen leader, and an excellent impacting soccer player as well. Thomas has shown leadership through his involvement in soccer, politics, and campus leadership.”

Conerty said he plans to use his degree to aid his legal education after he graduates from Hope College.

In addition to spending four years on the Hope men's soccer team, Conerty has been president of the Pre-Law Society, a member of the Tocqueville Forum and an Honor's Scholar with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

Conerty is Hope’s seventh Zuidema award honoree. He follows Gavin Midlam (2014), Jason Muller (2013), Luke Dishnow (2012), Ed Huebner (2003), Matt Margaron (2002) and Stephen Rabuck (2000).