BRIGHTON, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its 2026 All-MIAA Men's Soccer award winners, voted on by the head coaches from the MIAA's eight member institutions, recognizing standout performances, leadership, and excellence across the conference.
Most Valuable Player – Colin Nieuwenhuis, Calvin University
Calvin junior Colin Nieuwenhuis has been named the MIAA's Most Valuable Player after helping lead the Knights to a 6-0-1 conference record, a 14-1-2 overall mark, and the MIAA regular-season championship.
A dynamic presence in Calvin's attack, Nieuwenhuis finished tied for the conference lead with 13 points, recording five goals and three assists in league play. He also led the MIAA with three game-winning goals against conference opponents. The Hudsonville, Michigan, native registered 21 shots, including nine on goal.
Nieuwenhuis has been a consistent offensive threat throughout the overall season, leading the Knights with 11 goals, eight assists, and 30 points overall. His ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver in key moments has been instrumental in Calvin's success. Earlier in October, Nieuwenhuis earned MIAA Offensive Athlete of the Week recognition after helping the Knights secure victories over Adrian and Alma.
Dr. Marvin A. Zuidema Award – Josh Weigel, Hope College
Hope senior Josh Weigel has been selected as the recipient of the Dr. Marvin A. Zuidema Award. Presented to a senior selected for contributions to team play, leadership qualities, demonstration of ethical virtues, and excellence in athletics and academics, the award was established in 1999 in honor of the late Dr. Marvin Zuidema, longtime men's soccer coach and athletic administrator at Calvin.
A four-time All-MIAA honoree, Weigel has been a cornerstone of the Flying Dutch midfield throughout his career. The Naperville, Illinois, native has demonstrated consistent excellence on the field while serving as a team captain and helping guide Hope's success in conference competition.
Weigel's accomplishments extend well beyond the soccer field. A three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll selection, he maintains a 3.97 GPA while double majoring in Business Administration and Accounting. His academic achievements include the 2024–2025 Sophomore Business Student Award, the 2025–2026 Outstanding Junior Accounting Student Award, and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District recognition.
His commitment to service and leadership is equally impressive. Weigel participated in a mission trip to São Paulo, Brazil, where he volunteered with the AECA after-school program through Push The Rock, helping paint tennis courts and coaching and playing sports with children. Through Hope's Center for Leadership, he worked with the Holland Symphony Orchestra to develop initiatives aimed at engaging younger audiences. He has also volunteered with Team IMPACT, spending time with and mentoring a youth team partner facing a disability or chronic illness.
Weigel's combination of athletic achievement, academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to serving others exemplifies the values represented by the Zuidema Award.
Freshman of the Year – Huib Alberts, Albion College
Albion's Huib Alberts made an immediate impact in his debut collegiate season, earning MIAA Freshman of the Year honors.
A promising young midfielder, Alberts helped guide the Britons to an unbeaten 4-0-3 conference record and the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament. His contributions in the midfield helped Albion establish itself as one of the conference's top teams throughout the season.
Alberts' ability to contribute in his first year of collegiate competition played a role in the Britons' success, as Albion finished conference play unbeaten while allowing just one goal against MIAA opponents. His recognition highlights a strong beginning to his collegiate career and his potential to remain an important contributor for the Britons.
2026 Men's Soccer First Team All-MIAA Honorees
F - Jackson Mindling, Hope (3)
F - Colin Nieuwenhuis, Calvin
F - Seth Walters, Hope (4)
M - Matt Torrell, Calvin (2)
M - Josh Weigel, Hope (4)
M - Chase Alexandre, Calvin
M - Mats Bramer, Calvin
D - Jake Ziolo, Calvin (3)
D - Wil Hornbaker, Calvin
D - Lucas Anderson, Albion (2)
D - Benjamin Smitley, Hope (2)
GK - Tom Veresh, Albion
2026 Men's Soccer Second Team All-MIAA Honorees
F - Ivan Murillo, Albion
F - Christian Orpineda, Albion
F - Hans Pruis, Calvin (2)
M - Huib Alberts, Albion
M - Zac Brooks, Calvin
M - Brody Plumstead, Kalamazoo
M - Khalil Camara, Albion (2)
D - Binck-Jan Bakker, Albion (2)
D - Evan Tsandes, Hope
D - Pol Sabe, Calvin
D - Travis Zeleji, Adrian
GK - Eli Sizemore, Adrian