Marian Athletics 2025-2026 Year in Review
A Year of Championships, Growth, and Historic Moments
The 2025–2026 school year will be remembered as one of the most successful and impactful years in Marian Athletics history. Across every season, Marian student-athletes continued to compete at the highest level, earning championships, breaking records, making history, and representing their school with pride.
From the first whistle of fall to the final race of spring, the Mustangs demonstrated what Marian Athletics is built on: discipline, resilience, teamwork, faith, and excellence. This year was not simply about trophies and banners—it was about building culture, creating unforgettable moments, and continuing the tradition of Mustang greatness.
Throughout the year, Marian teams reached new milestones, celebrated individual achievements, and showed what it means to compete for something bigger than yourself.
Fall Season
Building the Standard
The fall season set the tone for the year, establishing momentum through championships, historic performances, and individual excellence across every sport.
Swim & Dive
In his debut season, Head Coach Alex Margherio ushered in a new era for Marian Swim & Dive—one marked by intensity, precision, and championship standards. The Mustangs surged through the fall with purpose, culminating in runner-up finishes at both the Catholic High School League Championships and the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals.
Marian's State Runner-Up finish (228 points) cemented the program as one of Michigan's premier swim teams.
What made the season especially impressive was the team's consistency across every event. Marian showcased elite depth in both sprint and distance races, along with strong relay performances that helped separate them from much of the competition.
Beyond the results, the Mustangs built a culture of accountability and excellence under first-year leadership that paid off immediately. Week after week, Marian proved they could compete with the best in the state, not just through individual talent but through team depth and collective effort.
The success at both the league and state level highlighted the program's balance of veteran leadership and rising underclassmen. With so many state qualifiers returning and a new standard already established, the foundation for continued success has never been stronger.
In one of the season's most impressive accomplishments, 19 swimmers qualified for the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals.
Awards & Honors
All-State
- Simona Berishaj
- Grace Dery
- Stella Glorio
- Cece Grace
- Catherine Howe
- Lila Solomon
Relay All-State
- Grace Dery
- Lila Solomon
- Peyton Rehbine
- Catherine Howe
- Simona Berishaj
- Malin Murphey
- Stella Glorio
All-Catholic
- Simona Berishaj
- Peyton Rehbine
- Grace Dery
- Lila Solomon
- Cece Grace
- Catherine Howe
- Malin Murphey
All-League
- Megan Critchfield
- Stella Glorio
All-Academic
- Claire Damman
Cross Country
Marian Cross Country experienced a historic breakthrough season defined by growth, depth, and grit.
With 31 runners, the Mustangs built one of the largest teams in program history. The team's depth translated into success all season long, including a 19th-place finish at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals, the program's best finish since 2001.
This year's success was built on a commitment to consistency. From summer miles to postseason racing, the Mustangs bought into the process and trusted the work. That dedication translated into improved times across the roster and created a team culture centered around accountability and growth.
The state finals appearance served as a major benchmark for the program and proved Marian can compete with the top distance programs in Michigan.
Awards & Honors
All-Region
- Gabby Schuff
- Lucy Clark
Academic All-State
- Lucy Clark
- Gabby Schuff
All-Catholic
- Gabby Schuff
- Roisin Whelan
- Lucy Clark
Volleyball
Year after year, Marian Volleyball continues to set the standard.
The Mustangs finished:
- 44–6 overall
- Beast of the East Champions
- CHSL Runner-Up
Marian's ability to sustain excellence while facing one of the toughest schedules in the state speaks volumes about the culture of the program.
What separated Marian this season was its ability to rise in the biggest moments. Against top-ranked opponents and high-pressure tournament environments, the Mustangs consistently found ways to compete at the highest level.
Just as impressive was the program's excellence in the classroom, earning multiple Academic All-State honors while maintaining one of the most competitive schedules in Michigan.
Awards & Honors
First Team All-State
- Allie Davison
Second Team All-State
- Sophia Smith
- Quinn Nelson
All-State Honorable Mention
- Meredith Martin
- Ashlyn Pelon
All-Region
- Allie Davison
- London Gibson
- Meredith Martin
- Quinn Nelson
- Ashlyn Pelon
- Sophia Smith
All-Catholic
- Allie Davison
- Quinn Nelson
All-League
- Sophia Smith
- Ashlyn Pelon
- London Gibson
All-Academic
- Maddi Koch
Academic All-State
- Maddi Koch
- Meredith Martin
- Allie Davison
Field Hockey
Field Hockey took a major step forward this fall.
The Mustangs finished 9–6–4 and earned the first postseason victory in program history.
The season was defined by growth, resilience, and belief. Marian steadily improved and built confidence with every contest.
Their first-ever playoff win was a major milestone, but even more importantly, it showed the progress the program has made and the direction it is heading.
Awards & Honors
All-State
- Maddie Najor
All-Catholic
- Maddie Najor
- Kamryn Draper
All-League
- Jordyn Farida
- Lucy Mobily
All-Academic
- Julia Rogers
Golf
Marian Golf continued its championship tradition.
The Mustangs earned:
- Oakland County Division 2 Champions
- MHSAA Regional Runner-Up
- Top 10 at the MHSAA State Finals
Marian Golf's season was built on consistency and composure. Competing in high-pressure tournament settings, the Mustangs continually delivered strong performances when it mattered most.
The leadership provided by the senior class, combined with strong underclassmen contributions, helped maintain Marian's longstanding tradition of excellence.
Awards & Honors
All-State
- Pippa Dawson
All-State Honorable Mention
- Gabby Wenzel
First Team All-County
- Pippa Dawson
Second Team All-County
- Gabby Wenzel
All-League
- Pippa Dawson
All-Academic
- Emerson Turkot
Sailing
Marian Sailing reached new heights this season, qualifying for and competing at the Girls National Championship Regatta.
Reaching the national stage is no small accomplishment, and Marian's ability to qualify reflects the commitment and talent of the team.
The season offered invaluable experience and gave the program exposure to some of the top competition in the country.
Winter Season
Raising the Standard
Basketball
Basketball embraced a season of growth, leadership, and resilience.
While the season brought its share of challenges, it also provided opportunities for growth and development. The Mustangs showed toughness throughout the winter and continued to compete with determination against a demanding schedule.
The leadership from upperclassmen and the emergence of younger players helped shape the identity of the program moving forward.
Awards & Honors
All-League
- Liv Rotter
All-Academic
- Kennedi Marsh
Bowling
Bowling delivered a season built on steady improvement and strong leadership.
Marian Bowling continued to build momentum throughout the season, improving match by match and embracing the challenges of competition.
The team's commitment to improvement and consistency was evident in both individual and team performances.
Awards & Honors
All-League
- Maria Burlingame
All-Academic
- Madeline Kizy
Pompon
Pompon once again upheld Marian's championship standard.
The Mustangs captured 1st at the MPA Championships and finished 3rd at the State Finals.
Marian Pompon once again demonstrated why it remains one of the most respected programs in the state. Their success was the product of discipline, precision, and countless hours of preparation.
Awards & Honors
All-Catholic
- Pippa Dawson
All-League
- Jan Bodagh
All-Academic
- Madelyn Doil
Ski
Ski was one of Marian's most dominant teams this year.
The Mustangs finished a perfect 7–0 in league competition while winning Division, League, and Regional Championships.
The Mustangs' dominance was built on depth and versatility, making them one of the most complete teams in the state.
Awards & Honors
First Team All-State / Team MVP / All-Catholic
- Ava Hierlihy
All-Catholic
- Mirabelle Dawson
- Summer Borromeo
Hockey
Hockey delivered one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
The Saints reached the MGHSHL State Tournament Semifinals and earned the program's first-ever playoff victory.
This season marked a major turning point for Marian Hockey and set a new standard moving forward.
Awards & Honors
First Team All-State
- Jordyn Farida
Second Team All-State
- Isabella Jaradi
Spring Season
Finishing Strong
Softball
Softball continued building momentum through a season filled with growth.
Softball's season may have ended earlier than hoped, but the progress made throughout the year was undeniable.
The lessons learned this season, combined with the experience gained by returning players, provide a strong foundation for the future of the program.
Awards & Honors
All-Catholic
- Poppy Turner
All-League
- Ellie Jansen
- Gracie Griffis
All-Academic
- Ava Hierlihy
All-District / All-Region
- Ellie Jansen
- Ruby Hanna
All-District
- Gracie Griffis
- Poppy Turner
Soccer
Marian Soccer delivered one of the most exciting postseason runs in recent school history.
The Mustangs advanced all the way to the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship, ultimately finishing as State Runner-Up.
The Mustangs' postseason run was a testament to their resilience and belief in one another. Each round brought new challenges, but Marian consistently found ways to compete and advance.
Falling in the state championship does not diminish the significance of the season. Instead, it reinforces Marian's place among Michigan's elite.
Awards & Honors
All-Catholic
- Nia Bordogna
- Clair Dauer
- Leah Nalichowski
- Emma Wyciskalla
All-League
- Frankie Kulpa
- Lily Robinson
- Brooke Salkowski
All-Academic
- Maddie Najor
First Team All-State
- Olivia Bussa
- Nia Bordogna
- Clair Dauer
Second Team All-State
- Lilly Robinson
Third Team All-State
- Frankie Kulpa
- Emma Wyciskalla
- Leah Nalichowski
Honorable Mention
- Laney Jallad
Dream Team
- Nia Bordogna
Lacrosse
Marian Lacrosse once again proved itself as one of the strongest programs in Michigan.
The recognition earned at both the league and state level reflects the consistency and excellence that have become synonymous with Marian Lacrosse.
Awards & Honors
All-Catholic
- Kate Frye
- Caroline Quaine
- Meghan MacMichael
- Liv Rotter
All-League
- Molly Conroy
- Caroline Carter
All-Academic
- Julia Rogers
First Team All-State
- Liv Rotter
Third Team All-State
- Gracy Dery
- Meghan MacMichael
Honorable Mention
- Kate Frye
- Caroline Carter
- Caroline Quaine
- Molly Conroy
USA Lacrosse Academic All-American
- Caroline Quaine
Tennis
Marian Tennis delivered one of the strongest seasons in program history, finishing as MHSAA Division 3 State Runner-Up.
The depth of the Marian Tennis lineup was one of its greatest strengths this season.
Finishing as Division 3 State Runner-Up while crowning three state champions speaks to the overall strength of the program.
Awards & Honors
State Champions
- Gwen Slapak
- Emerson Turkot
- Stella Glorio
- Lexa Hindo
- Emerson Villalba
State Finalists
- Allegra Curis
- Brielle Daood
- Lizzie Plunkett
- Clare Reaume
State Semifinalist
- Elizabeth Torok
Track & Field
Track & Field continued to build momentum through a season of hard work, personal growth, and postseason success.
The commitment shown in winter training laid the groundwork for a spring filled with breakthrough performances.
The team's success at regionals and strong state meet performances reflect the dedication and progress of the athletes.
Awards & Honors
Regional Champions
- Maria Burlingame
- Lanie Smith
- Lucy Clark
Regional Runner-Up
- Madelyn Prantera
All-Regional
- Elisabeth Klawender
State Qualifiers
- Lucy Clark
- Maria Burlingame
- Lanie Smith
- Madelyn Prantera
- Gabby Schuff
A Year to Remember
By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, Marian Athletics has once again proven why it remains one of the premier athletic programs in Michigan.
This year brought:
- 44 volleyball wins
- Three team state runner-up finishes
- Three tennis individual state championships
- One soccer state finals appearance
- One swim state runner-up finish
- Multiple league, regional, and county championships
- Historic playoff wins
- Dozens of All-State, All-Region, and Academic honors
Congratulations to all Marian student-athletes, coaches, and families on an unforgettable 2025–2026 school year.
