District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – For the Ottawa Hills Bengals soccer team, winning starts with culture. Coaches Sergio Sepulveda and Nate Willink have taken a “culture-first” approach with the Bengals girls soccer program, emphasizing connection, communication, and inclusion alongside skill development.

With more than 50 players trying out this year, the program didn’t make cuts; instead, the squad now boasts varsity, junior varsity, and reserve teams, ensuring every player is fully part of the program.

“This year, we’re really focusing on building the community,” said senior Miranda Miheve, who made all-conference last season and serves as a key leader both on and off the field.

Her leadership extends beyond strategy. She’s intentional about mentoring younger players and creating a family-like environment.

“We’ve done a good job of combining JV and varsity and getting to know each other better this year,” Miheve added.

Senior Corena Willink echoes that sentiment.

“In past years, we haven’t necessarily been quite like a family. As a senior this year, it’s my goal to build that foundation for the next years,” she explained. “We’re working on better understanding our positions so we can work together on the field as a unit rather than individually. Once we understand [how our positions relate], we’ll be more successful offensively.”

The culture-first mindset has created a welcoming space for freshmen, who are stepping in with talent and ambition.

“I’m excited but also a bit scared,” said freshman Clementine Baron. “I also feel like it’s going to be a great chance to get better.”

Fellow freshman Zalina Jabil agrees: “Everyone is already pretty familiar for only having a couple weeks together. The level of competition can be scary. But when you play up, you push yourself.”

Teamwork and camaraderie define every level of the Bengals program.

“My responsibility is to keep the mood up and keep everyone confident and ready,” junior varsity captain London Ritsema said. “I also need to give feedback to improve. I want it to be like a family.”

Rising freshman Colette Jandernoa reflects a similar mindset. “I hope to contribute to my team by making everyone feel welcome and included,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to becoming a better player and meeting new people that I will play with in the future.”

With the foundation of a family-like environment in place, the Bengals are also emphasizing on-field communication as a key part of their strategy.

“As a defender, I can see the whole field from the back, and I need to make sure everyone knows what is going on,” said Baron.

“Talking and communicating with teammates is really important if we want to win,” Jabil added.

With senior leaders setting the tone, incoming freshmen embracing the culture, and coaches emphasizing inclusion, the Ottawa Hills Bengals are building something special. This season, the team is as much about connection, mentorship, and community as it is about soccer - and that might be the Bengals’ strongest asset yet.