FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Hope College head coach Michael Schanhals has been named the 2026 MIAA Men’s Lacrosse Coach of the Year after guiding the Flying Dutchmen through a historic and undefeated regular season.

Schanhals led Hope to a perfect 6-0 conference record to secure the MIAA regular-season title, while also capturing the program’s fifth MIAA Tournament championship. The Flying Dutchmen enter NCAA postseason play with an unblemished 18-0 overall record, marking the first time in program history the team has reached 18 wins.

Hope’s 18-0 start is not only a program milestone but also places the Flying Dutchmen among the nation’s elite, as they are one of just three remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division III and the first to reach 18 victories this season.

Under Schanhals’ leadership, Hope placed nine players on the All-MIAA teams, including seven First Team selections and two Second Team honorees. The group was highlighted by MIAA Most Valuable Defensive Player John Foster and MIAA Rookie of the Year Jackson Vasquez, reflecting the team’s balance of experience and emerging talent.

A 1991 Hope graduate, Schanhals has been deeply connected to the program for decades—first as a student-athlete, then as coach of the college’s club team, and since 2013 as head coach of the varsity program. His leadership has helped elevate Hope lacrosse to new heights, culminating in this record-setting season.

“We have a wonderful team and I would like to thank the men for their hard work and discipline," commented Schanhals. "I am grateful to our coaching staff who have worked so hard: Chris Scheldt, Pablo Peschiera, John Hunger, Caden Brainard, Al Karaba and Jack Morris. Our Director-of-Ops, Rachel Wozniak, has been outstanding. Thank you to Tonia Gruppen and the Athletic Training Staff, Dan Smith our bus driver, and the Athletic Administration team and Sports Information department for all their time and investment in our program. We are also fortunate to have excellent support from our parents and families. A special thank you to my wife, Elizabeth, who is the best.”

Hope will now turn its attention to the NCAA Tournament, where the Flying Dutchmen will face Ithaca College in the second round on Friday, May 8, looking to continue their perfect season on the national stage.