Zeeland West's Ben Hondorp leads Dux to best season, earns Regional Coach of the Year
The Zeeland West girls soccer team reached new heights in a stellar season.
The Dux won their first ever district championship and made it all to the regional finals.
The success didn’t go unnoticed as coach Ben Hondorp was named Regional Coach of the Year by the state soccer coaches.
“I think the title for regional soccer coach of the year is so deserving for Hondo,” Zeeland West senior Tia Martinez said. “He puts everything into this program and into his teams. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to be coached by him. His sacrifices for everyone on the team does not go unnoticed. Hondo goes out of his way to make a connection with everyone on the team which is something that I've learned to never take advantage of. Overall being named regional coach of the year is a huge accomplishment but one that is so deserving.”
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As good coaches do, Hondorp got his team to buy into his style and built a program over several years. He knows the ins and outs of the sport, but his passion for the sport and his team takes his coaching to another level.
“Hondo is a people person, which helped to bring our team together as a family. He is smart, humble, understanding, motivating and fun. He has a high IQ for the game. He has brought such a light in my life, which made me more excited to step on the field each and every day,” said all-state senior Abby Winn.
Other senior Dux agreed, especially about Hondorp going above and beyond for his player.
“Coach Hondorp loves and is passionate about soccer but he cares about his team and their mental and physical well-being more than the outcome of any game,” Zeeland West senior goalie Grace Caywood said. “He’s personable and intentional about building trust and relationships with his team and coaching staff.”
It all added up to the best season in Zeeland West history and a deserving Regional Coach of the Year honor.
— Contact Sports Editor Dan D'Addona at Dan.D'Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDAddona and Facebook @Holland Sentinel Sports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland West's Ben Hondorp earns Regional Coach of the Year
