Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Mich., won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 girls soccer state championship June 16 with a 3-0 victory over Grosse Ile High School.
The state championship is the 11th girls soccer title for Unity Christian, but its first since 2016. The Crusaders did not allow a goal in the final state competition, outscoring their opponents in their six-game tournament run 35-0.
“We had a tremendous group of seniors. Last year, we got to the final and lost in the last minute-and-a-half. So I think that group (of returning players) was very focused and determined to get back and see if they could get it done this time,” said longtime Unity Christian coach Randy Heethuis. “I was very happy for them that they were able to do that.”
Unity Christian posted a record of 21 wins, one loss and two ties, allowing only eight goals the entire season and no more than one goal in any game.
Heethuis, a member of Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Mich., has achieved the most wins of any coach in Michigan high school girls soccer history, having led Unity Christian to 621 wins during his 33-year coaching career. He also coached the Unity Christian boys soccer team to 502 wins and five MHSAA state championships over 28 seasons before he stepped down from that position in March 2022. He plans to resume coaching the girls team next season.
About the Author
Greg Chandler is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
