By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Zeeland East High School has chosen a coach with strong experience at both the high school and collegiate levels to be its next varsity girls soccer coach.
Athletic Director Josh Glerum announced July 29 the hiring of Mario Zuniga-Gil to take over as head coach of the Chix. Zuniga-Gil replaces Gabrielle “G” Hunderman, who led East to a 16-11-9 record over the past two seasons, including a 9-6-4 mark this past spring.
“Coach Zuniga-Gil is a phenomenal teacher of the game and has a deep desire to have every student-athlete in his program have a positive experience,” Glerum said. “We are excited to see how the program continues to develop under his leadership.”
A native of Spain, Zuniga-Gil has coached at the high school, collegiate and club levels in the U.S. over the last 10 years. In addition to taking over the Zeeland East girls program, which plays in the spring, he is entering his first season as women’s soccer coach at Grand Rapids Community College this fall.
“I’m thrilled to join the Zeeland East family and its soccer program,” Zuniga-Gil said. “I think high school soccer is incredibly fun and exciting, and it’s clear that there is strong community support behind the team. With the addition of the new field, there is a lot to look forward to. I can’t wait for the spring season and to help this program continue to grow.”
Last fall, Zuniga-Gil served as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at Calvin University, helping the Knights to a 15-3-2 record, a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular season championship, an MIAA tournament championship and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament.
In the 2022-23 seasons, Zuniga-Gil was an assistant coach at Grand Valley State University, helping lead the Lakers to Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular season and tournament championships in 2022 and deep runs in the NCAA Division II tournament both years, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023.
In 2021, Zuniga-Gil was an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, helping guide the Wolverines to a Big Ten championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Division I tournament.
At the high school level, Zuniga-Gil has been the varsity girls soccer coach at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and varsity boys soccer coach at Chelsea High School. He led his teams to district championships at both schools.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at East and GRCC, Zuniga-Gil also works for the Michigan Rangers Football Club as its college recruiting coordinator and performance phase director.
Zuniga-Gil holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 'A' license, the second-highest credential attainable in European soccer coaching, and was selected for the United Soccer Coaches "30 Under 30" program, recognizing rising stars in the profession. He holds a degree in translation and interpretation from the University of Grenada in Spain and a master's degree in recreation and sports sciences with a concentration in soccer from Ohio University.
Zeeland Record
Zeeland East High School has chosen a coach with strong experience at both the high school and collegiate levels to be its next varsity girls soccer coach.
Athletic Director Josh Glerum announced July 29 the hiring of Mario Zuniga-Gil to take over as head coach of the Chix. Zuniga-Gil replaces Gabrielle “G” Hunderman, who led East to a 16-11-9 record over the past two seasons, including a 9-6-4 mark this past spring.
“Coach Zuniga-Gil is a phenomenal teacher of the game and has a deep desire to have every student-athlete in his program have a positive experience,” Glerum said. “We are excited to see how the program continues to develop under his leadership.”
A native of Spain, Zuniga-Gil has coached at the high school, collegiate and club levels in the U.S. over the last 10 years. In addition to taking over the Zeeland East girls program, which plays in the spring, he is entering his first season as women’s soccer coach at Grand Rapids Community College this fall.
“I’m thrilled to join the Zeeland East family and its soccer program,” Zuniga-Gil said. “I think high school soccer is incredibly fun and exciting, and it’s clear that there is strong community support behind the team. With the addition of the new field, there is a lot to look forward to. I can’t wait for the spring season and to help this program continue to grow.”
Last fall, Zuniga-Gil served as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at Calvin University, helping the Knights to a 15-3-2 record, a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular season championship, an MIAA tournament championship and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament.
In the 2022-23 seasons, Zuniga-Gil was an assistant coach at Grand Valley State University, helping lead the Lakers to Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular season and tournament championships in 2022 and deep runs in the NCAA Division II tournament both years, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023.
In 2021, Zuniga-Gil was an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, helping guide the Wolverines to a Big Ten championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Division I tournament.
At the high school level, Zuniga-Gil has been the varsity girls soccer coach at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and varsity boys soccer coach at Chelsea High School. He led his teams to district championships at both schools.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at East and GRCC, Zuniga-Gil also works for the Michigan Rangers Football Club as its college recruiting coordinator and performance phase director.
Zuniga-Gil holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 'A' license, the second-highest credential attainable in European soccer coaching, and was selected for the United Soccer Coaches "30 Under 30" program, recognizing rising stars in the profession. He holds a degree in translation and interpretation from the University of Grenada in Spain and a master's degree in recreation and sports sciences with a concentration in soccer from Ohio University.
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Hope’s Kraus Named MIAA Female
Scholar Athlete of the Year
By Lauren Bryne
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Sara Kraus, a standout swimmer from Hope College, has been named the 2024-25 Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Scholar Athlete of the Year in a Women’s Sport by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
The prestigious award recognizes graduating seniors who have excelled academically and athletically while demonstrating outstanding leadership in their campus and wider communities.
The award honors Sheila Wallace Kovalchik, who served as MIAA Commissioner from 1991 to 2002 and was a driving force in elevating women’s athletics across the conference. Kraus becomes the sixth Hope College student-athlete to earn this recognition.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive this award," Kraus said. "I want to thank the MIAA not only for selecting me for this prestigious award, but for giving me the opportunity to compete, train and learn at a high level for the last four years. I also want to thank my coaches, teammates, friends, and family for supporting me on this amazing journey of being a student athlete. My Hope academic and athletic experience has been a huge blessing and I am privileged to carry on the legacy that this award signifies.”
A standout both in and out of the pool, Kraus graduated in May with a 3.66 GPA, double-majoring in business management and psychology with a minor in exercise science. She was a three-time MIAA Most Valuable Swimmer (2022, 2023 and 2025), seven-time NCAA All-American, and four-time First Team All-MIAA honoree. She won the MIAA championship in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke all four years she competed. She departs Hope holding six school records and five MIAA records, cementing her status as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history.
Her academic accolades are equally impressive, earning spots on the MIAA Honor Roll all four years, being named a Scholar All-American by The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA), and earning College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition in 2024.
Her leadership shined just as brightly. She was elected team captain as a sophomore and held that role through her senior year. Kraus also served as the swim team’s recruiting coordinator, planning visits, managing communications, and helping shape the future of the program.
"We couldn't be happier for Sara," Hope head coach Jake Taber said. "She has been such an instrumental part of the program here at Hope over the last four years. We are proud of the way she's represented herself both in the water and in the classroom during her tenure at Hope."
Beyond the swim team, Kraus made a significant impact across campus and in the community. From 2022 to 2025, she served as a representative for Students Teaching and Empowering Peers, where she was trained in sexual assault and violence prevention and became a liaison for her team. She also worked as a Hope athletics aide during the 2022-23 academic year, assisting coaching and kinesiology staff and facilitating recruit visits across all sports.
Her academic and professional curiosity led to a variety of experiences. In 2023, Kraus studied abroad in France through the Institute for the International Education of Students, where she immersed herself in French culture and led a tour of a historic landmark. She also presented published research at both the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference and Hope’s Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, exploring topics such as attachment to home and personality types.
In 2024, Kraus served as a Center for Leadership Consultant, advising Gentex Corporation on business decisions related to their skills-tracking systems. Her work involved in-depth research, meetings with subject matter experts, and formal presentations. She was also selected for the Michigan Colleges Alliance-Cooperative Learning Collective, where she collaborated with young professionals across West Michigan to develop cross-disciplinary skills and build industry connections.
That same year, she worked as a strategic procurement intern at Gordon Food Service. Her project uncovered over $160,000 in cost savings, and she won the company-wide intern case competition for her innovative approach.
Kraus’s achievements were also recognized through multiple campus honors. She was named the 2022 Hope College Newcomer of the Year and the 2025 recipient of the John Schouten Senior Athlete Award, presented annually to Hope’s top senior female athlete.
"We are thrilled to celebrate Sara as the recipient of the Kovalchik Award," Hope Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said. "This honor reflects her outstanding commitment to the core pillars of Hope College athletics: academic success, competitive excellence, and transformational experiences. Sara truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and represents Hope College with excellence both in and out of the pool. Her dedication to the values and ideals of Sheila Wallace Kovalchik and the MIAA is something we are deeply proud of. We are excited to see all that God has in store for Sara in the years ahead and know that she will continue to inspire others through their character, leadership, and pursuit of excellence."
With an unmatched combination of academic drive, athletic excellence, and meaningful leadership, Sara Kraus leaves behind a legacy worthy of the Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Scholar Athlete of the Year award.
MIAA Commissioner Jason Horn remarked, "Sara is a great example of what Division III and the MIAA are all about. She has excelled in the classroom, in the pool, and has made a real difference on campus and in the community. We had an incredibly strong group of finalists from across all of our institutions, which made the selection committee’s decision a tough one. That makes Sara’s recognition all the more special, and we’re proud to honor her with the Kovalchik Award and to also submit her as our NCAA Woman of the Year nominee."
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Sara Kraus, a standout swimmer from Hope College, has been named the 2024-25 Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Scholar Athlete of the Year in a Women’s Sport by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
The prestigious award recognizes graduating seniors who have excelled academically and athletically while demonstrating outstanding leadership in their campus and wider communities.
The award honors Sheila Wallace Kovalchik, who served as MIAA Commissioner from 1991 to 2002 and was a driving force in elevating women’s athletics across the conference. Kraus becomes the sixth Hope College student-athlete to earn this recognition.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive this award," Kraus said. "I want to thank the MIAA not only for selecting me for this prestigious award, but for giving me the opportunity to compete, train and learn at a high level for the last four years. I also want to thank my coaches, teammates, friends, and family for supporting me on this amazing journey of being a student athlete. My Hope academic and athletic experience has been a huge blessing and I am privileged to carry on the legacy that this award signifies.”
A standout both in and out of the pool, Kraus graduated in May with a 3.66 GPA, double-majoring in business management and psychology with a minor in exercise science. She was a three-time MIAA Most Valuable Swimmer (2022, 2023 and 2025), seven-time NCAA All-American, and four-time First Team All-MIAA honoree. She won the MIAA championship in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke all four years she competed. She departs Hope holding six school records and five MIAA records, cementing her status as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history.
Her academic accolades are equally impressive, earning spots on the MIAA Honor Roll all four years, being named a Scholar All-American by The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA), and earning College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition in 2024.
Her leadership shined just as brightly. She was elected team captain as a sophomore and held that role through her senior year. Kraus also served as the swim team’s recruiting coordinator, planning visits, managing communications, and helping shape the future of the program.
"We couldn't be happier for Sara," Hope head coach Jake Taber said. "She has been such an instrumental part of the program here at Hope over the last four years. We are proud of the way she's represented herself both in the water and in the classroom during her tenure at Hope."
Beyond the swim team, Kraus made a significant impact across campus and in the community. From 2022 to 2025, she served as a representative for Students Teaching and Empowering Peers, where she was trained in sexual assault and violence prevention and became a liaison for her team. She also worked as a Hope athletics aide during the 2022-23 academic year, assisting coaching and kinesiology staff and facilitating recruit visits across all sports.
Her academic and professional curiosity led to a variety of experiences. In 2023, Kraus studied abroad in France through the Institute for the International Education of Students, where she immersed herself in French culture and led a tour of a historic landmark. She also presented published research at both the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference and Hope’s Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, exploring topics such as attachment to home and personality types.
In 2024, Kraus served as a Center for Leadership Consultant, advising Gentex Corporation on business decisions related to their skills-tracking systems. Her work involved in-depth research, meetings with subject matter experts, and formal presentations. She was also selected for the Michigan Colleges Alliance-Cooperative Learning Collective, where she collaborated with young professionals across West Michigan to develop cross-disciplinary skills and build industry connections.
That same year, she worked as a strategic procurement intern at Gordon Food Service. Her project uncovered over $160,000 in cost savings, and she won the company-wide intern case competition for her innovative approach.
Kraus’s achievements were also recognized through multiple campus honors. She was named the 2022 Hope College Newcomer of the Year and the 2025 recipient of the John Schouten Senior Athlete Award, presented annually to Hope’s top senior female athlete.
"We are thrilled to celebrate Sara as the recipient of the Kovalchik Award," Hope Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said. "This honor reflects her outstanding commitment to the core pillars of Hope College athletics: academic success, competitive excellence, and transformational experiences. Sara truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and represents Hope College with excellence both in and out of the pool. Her dedication to the values and ideals of Sheila Wallace Kovalchik and the MIAA is something we are deeply proud of. We are excited to see all that God has in store for Sara in the years ahead and know that she will continue to inspire others through their character, leadership, and pursuit of excellence."
With an unmatched combination of academic drive, athletic excellence, and meaningful leadership, Sara Kraus leaves behind a legacy worthy of the Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Scholar Athlete of the Year award.
MIAA Commissioner Jason Horn remarked, "Sara is a great example of what Division III and the MIAA are all about. She has excelled in the classroom, in the pool, and has made a real difference on campus and in the community. We had an incredibly strong group of finalists from across all of our institutions, which made the selection committee’s decision a tough one. That makes Sara’s recognition all the more special, and we’re proud to honor her with the Kovalchik Award and to also submit her as our NCAA Woman of the Year nominee."
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Hope’s Hesselbein Chosen as MIAA
Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
By Lauren Bryne
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Hope College men’s soccer goalkeeper Daniel Hesselbein has been named the 2024-25 recipient of the Albert L. Deal Scholar Athlete of the Year award in a Men’s Sport by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
The prestigious award honors a senior student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics while demonstrating exceptional leadership. It is named in recognition of former MIAA Commissioner Albert L. Deal, who served the conference from 1971 to 1991.
A native of Barrington, Ill., Hesselbein becomes the sixth student-athlete in Hope College history to receive the Deal Award, joining Nick Hoffman (2021-22), Josh Gibson (2018-19), Harrison Blackledge (2016-17), Boone Marois (2015-16) and Cory Schmidt (2012-13).
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition for leadership, athletic, and academic excellence,” Hesselbein said. “This achievement would not have been possible without God’s Grace, the unwavering support of my family, teammates, and the exceptional Hope College athletic department.”
A May 2025 graduate with a degree in physical and health education, Hesselbein compiled a 3.84 grade-point average. He appeared on Hope’s Dean’s List during all eight semesters of his college career and earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Hesselbein was also recognized as the 2024 Major of the Year by SHAPE Michigan and received Hope’s 2025 Otto VandeVelde All-Campus Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates leadership, service, and excellence across campus.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Daniel as the recipient of the Albert L. Deal Award,” Hope Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said. “This honor reflects his outstanding commitment to the core pillars of Hope College Athletics: academic success, competitive excellence, and transformational experiences. Daniel truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and represents Hope College with excellence both on and off the field. His dedication to the values and ideals of Albert L. Deal and the MIAA is something we are deeply proud of. We are excited to see all that God has in store for Daniel in the years ahead and know that he will continue to inspire others through their character, leadership, and pursuit of excellence.”
On the field, Hesselbein made a lasting mark as a four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year team captain. The goalkeeper was named First Team All-MIAA in 2024 and Second Team All-MIAA in 2023.
He capped his senior season with Second Team All-Region honors, helping lead Hope to a competitive showing in one of the nation’s toughest NCAA Division III conferences.
“Daniel has represented everything that we strive for in our program’s culture,” Hope men’s soccer coach David Blahnik said. “He has truly lived a purpose-driven life and wakes up every day wanting to help others and succeed in the classroom. As much as I am going to miss having Daniel in our program, I am excited to see the positive impact he is undoubtedly going to have on others in his future.”
Hesselbein started all 20 games for Hope last fall, posting a 0.65 goals-against average and a save percentage of .824. He recorded a shutout in Hope’s first NCAA Division III tournament win in 11 years, a 2-0 victory over DePauw (Ind.) University.
Beyond the classroom and competition, Hesselbein served as a spiritual and community leader throughout his time at Hope. He participated in Senior Witness, developing and sharing his personal faith testimony with more than 1,500 college-aged peers. He also spent two years as a student intern for Hope’s Athletics Chaplain, helping organize Bible studies and faith-building events for student-athletes.
Hesselbein was a small group Bible study leader for two years, meeting one-on-one with peers to offer care and support. He also helped launch Unified Hope, serving as the vice president and co-founder of the program that organized and coached Unified basketball teams in intramural play, providing inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Additionally, Hesselbein captained an intramural volleyball team for two years, scheduling games and maintaining communication with his teammates.
“My time at Hope has been transformative, helping me grow both personally and professionally,” Hesselbein said. “The culture here taught me the importance of service to others and building meaningful relationships within our community. I’m grateful for how these experiences have shaped my success in athletics, academics, and most importantly, in connecting with those around me. This honor truly belongs to everyone who supported me throughout my journey at Hope.”
MIAA Commissioner Jason Horn said, “Daniel has been a standout in every way — academically, athletically, and through his leadership at and away from the net. The finalist pool this year was exceptional across all of our campuses, and the selection committee had a very tough decision. Daniel rose to the top, and we’re proud to recognize the impact he’s made at Hope and in the MIAA with the Deal Award.”
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Hope College men’s soccer goalkeeper Daniel Hesselbein has been named the 2024-25 recipient of the Albert L. Deal Scholar Athlete of the Year award in a Men’s Sport by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
The prestigious award honors a senior student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics while demonstrating exceptional leadership. It is named in recognition of former MIAA Commissioner Albert L. Deal, who served the conference from 1971 to 1991.
A native of Barrington, Ill., Hesselbein becomes the sixth student-athlete in Hope College history to receive the Deal Award, joining Nick Hoffman (2021-22), Josh Gibson (2018-19), Harrison Blackledge (2016-17), Boone Marois (2015-16) and Cory Schmidt (2012-13).
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition for leadership, athletic, and academic excellence,” Hesselbein said. “This achievement would not have been possible without God’s Grace, the unwavering support of my family, teammates, and the exceptional Hope College athletic department.”
A May 2025 graduate with a degree in physical and health education, Hesselbein compiled a 3.84 grade-point average. He appeared on Hope’s Dean’s List during all eight semesters of his college career and earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Hesselbein was also recognized as the 2024 Major of the Year by SHAPE Michigan and received Hope’s 2025 Otto VandeVelde All-Campus Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates leadership, service, and excellence across campus.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Daniel as the recipient of the Albert L. Deal Award,” Hope Director of Athletics Tim Schoonveld said. “This honor reflects his outstanding commitment to the core pillars of Hope College Athletics: academic success, competitive excellence, and transformational experiences. Daniel truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and represents Hope College with excellence both on and off the field. His dedication to the values and ideals of Albert L. Deal and the MIAA is something we are deeply proud of. We are excited to see all that God has in store for Daniel in the years ahead and know that he will continue to inspire others through their character, leadership, and pursuit of excellence.”
On the field, Hesselbein made a lasting mark as a four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year team captain. The goalkeeper was named First Team All-MIAA in 2024 and Second Team All-MIAA in 2023.
He capped his senior season with Second Team All-Region honors, helping lead Hope to a competitive showing in one of the nation’s toughest NCAA Division III conferences.
“Daniel has represented everything that we strive for in our program’s culture,” Hope men’s soccer coach David Blahnik said. “He has truly lived a purpose-driven life and wakes up every day wanting to help others and succeed in the classroom. As much as I am going to miss having Daniel in our program, I am excited to see the positive impact he is undoubtedly going to have on others in his future.”
Hesselbein started all 20 games for Hope last fall, posting a 0.65 goals-against average and a save percentage of .824. He recorded a shutout in Hope’s first NCAA Division III tournament win in 11 years, a 2-0 victory over DePauw (Ind.) University.
Beyond the classroom and competition, Hesselbein served as a spiritual and community leader throughout his time at Hope. He participated in Senior Witness, developing and sharing his personal faith testimony with more than 1,500 college-aged peers. He also spent two years as a student intern for Hope’s Athletics Chaplain, helping organize Bible studies and faith-building events for student-athletes.
Hesselbein was a small group Bible study leader for two years, meeting one-on-one with peers to offer care and support. He also helped launch Unified Hope, serving as the vice president and co-founder of the program that organized and coached Unified basketball teams in intramural play, providing inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Additionally, Hesselbein captained an intramural volleyball team for two years, scheduling games and maintaining communication with his teammates.
“My time at Hope has been transformative, helping me grow both personally and professionally,” Hesselbein said. “The culture here taught me the importance of service to others and building meaningful relationships within our community. I’m grateful for how these experiences have shaped my success in athletics, academics, and most importantly, in connecting with those around me. This honor truly belongs to everyone who supported me throughout my journey at Hope.”
MIAA Commissioner Jason Horn said, “Daniel has been a standout in every way — academically, athletically, and through his leadership at and away from the net. The finalist pool this year was exceptional across all of our campuses, and the selection committee had a very tough decision. Daniel rose to the top, and we’re proud to recognize the impact he’s made at Hope and in the MIAA with the Deal Award.”
