Gunnar ElderGunnar Elder

Gunnar Elder overcame pain and injury to put together the best season ever for a Hope College varsity men’s lacrosse player.

The gritty effort made the junior attacker from East Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS) an All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First-Team honoree for the second consecutive season. 

Elder is one of 13 first-team selections overall and three first-team attackers. 

Elder also was recognized as a first-team player as a sophomore. 

Hope coach Michael Schanhals said he is tremendously proud of Elder. 

“He didn't advertise this, but he injured his shoulder in the middle of the season and battled every day to be as competitive as possible,” Schanhals said. “For him to achieve a record-breaking season speaks to his work ethic and character. He has set a standard that future Flying Dutchmen can strive for, and we can't wait to see what is in store for Gunnar his senior season.” 

Elder finished second in the MIAA in scoring with 25 goals in seven league matches. He also was second in the MIAA with 40 total points. 

For all matches, Elder sets Hope varsity records with 65 goals, 34 assists and 99 points.