video interview with interim head coach Nate Price
A young Hope College men’s tennis team is aiming to build on a successful turnaround last season and contend again in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association this spring.
The Flying Dutchmen return six players from their 2016 lineup, five of which are now sophomores.
Hope went from missing the MIAA Tournament in 2015 to finishing runner-up in both the regular-season and league tournaments to Kalamazoo in 2016.
Senior captain Sam Kreps of Holland, Michigan (Holland HS) is back to lead the Flying Dutchmen, who start their spring schedule on Saturday, Feb. 4 with a non-league match at fifth-ranked University of Chicago.
Hope’s group of sophomores includes Michael Kiley of Muskegon, Michigan (Mona Shores) - an All-MIAA First Team selection a year ago. He played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles for the Flying Dutchmen.
Sophomore Andrew Klein of Augusta, Michigan (Kalamazoo Christian) paired with Kiley at No. 1 doubles. Klein topped Flying Dutchmen with 11 singles wins.
Other sophomores Hope is counting on are Justin Folkert of Hamilton, Michigan (Hamilton), Christian Rhoades of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian), and Mark VanderStoep of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa). Rhoades and VanderStoep were the Flying Dutch’s most successful doubles pairing with 10 wins.
Three freshmen are looking to make a contribution: Alec Berrodin of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Northern), Danny Kroeze of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian), and Matt Werkman of Jenison, Michigan (Hudsonville Unity Christian).
Interim coach Nate Price is guiding the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch tennis teams this spring. He will be assisted by Jay VanderLaan.
Price led the Hope women’s tennis team to a 48-24 record and one MIAA title between the 2010-12 seasons.