Hope College Athletics

Hope College competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal development rather than athletic scholarships. The Flying Dutchmen field 18 varsity teams with 631 total athletes, meaning about 19% of students participate in varsity athletics. The college competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, one of the oldest conferences in the country. Hope has built a particularly strong reputation in football, consistently ranking among the top Division III programs nationally with multiple playoff appearances. The basketball programs also compete at a high level within the MIAA. Cross-town rival Calvin University provides heated competition across multiple sports. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, athletes receive personalized attention both academically and athletically. The Dutch heritage shows through in the school's athletic identity and community support for teams.