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The Hope Athletics Orange and Blue PodcastBe Strong. Be True. Author: Alan Babbitt
Interviews and discussions with Hope College coaches and student athletes Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Caroline Curnutt: Orange and Blue Podcast
Episode 2
Monday, 15 December, 2025
Caroline Curnutt is grateful that a sixth-grade classmate brought a lacrosse stick to recess one school day in Fishers, Indiana. The sport has taken the now–Hope College senior lacrosse standout to many places and has been a transformational force in her life. Caroline Curnutt Curnutt, a three-time All-MIAA defender for the three-time MIAA champion Flying Dutch, is this month’s guest on the Hope Athletics Orange and Blue Podcast. The elementary education major spoke with Sports Information Director Alan Babbitt about her introduction to lacrosse and how the sport propelled her to experience the Hope Athletics mission of academic success, competitive excellence and transformational experiences. “I’m really not sure what drew me to it. We didn’t have a middle school lacrosse team at my school, but for some reason, my friends and I decided that we wanted to have one,” Curnutt said. “My sixth-grade year, my friends, some of my soccer teammates, and I got together. Our PE and health teacher was willing to coach our team, and I played my first season of lacrosse. “Having a coach at my school, and then in club that summer, who really saw potential in me and was willing to call that out, really encouraged me. Somebody saw that I could be a great defender, called out those qualities in me and wanted to help me grow. I think that’s what really helped the sport take root and led me to truly love it for myself.” Growing Through Faith Four years later, Curnutt visited Hope College while vacationing in Michigan at the recommendation of a neighbor. The soon-to-be high school sophomore met with Flying Dutch women’s lacrosse coach Keagan Pieri on her first college visit. After navigating the college recruiting process, Curnutt felt drawn to Hope College and the women’s lacrosse program, committing to the Flying Dutch. On the field, Curnutt has been a driving force in Hope winning the first MIAA regular-season and tournament titles in program history and becoming the first team in league history to claim three consecutive tournament championships. The Flying Dutch have a chance this spring to become the first team to four-peat in MIAA women’s lacrosse. Off the field, Curnutt has found academic success as a three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient and a member of the inaugural 2024-25 MIAA Academic Elite class. She has also grown her faith through organizations such as MetByLove and mission trips, including last summer’s travel to Zambia through Hope Athletics’ Sports Evangelism to Equip Disciples (SEED). “I’m reminded that people at Hope want to know God,” Curnutt said. “Athletes here are hungry to grow their faith.” Read a transcript of the Orange and Blue Podcast interview
