The 2025 fall season will be remembered as one of the most electrifying, successful, and transformational seasons in Marian Athletics history. Across every program, our Mustangs showcased the grit, talent, resilience, and unity that define what it means to wear Marian across the chest.

From championship performances to academic excellence, from record-breaking rosters to historic postseason finishes, the Mustangs left an unmistakable mark on Michigan high school sports. Each team added a powerful chapter to Marian's tradition of excellence, and together they created a fall season worth celebrating—and remembering.

Let's take a closer look at a remarkable season across all five fall sports.

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. Their performance cemented Marian as one of the premier swim programs in the state.

In one of the most impressive achievements of the season, an outstanding 19 swimmers qualified for the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals, a true testament to the depth and competitive strength of the program.

Marian not only brought home team hardware, but also stacked up an impressive list of individual All-State finishes—highlighting the depth, versatility, and competitiveness of the roster.

All-State Results

• Simona Berishaj – 7th: 200 IM, 7th: 500 Free
• Grace Dery – 5th: 200 IM
• Stella Glorio – 7th: 200 Free, 2nd: 500 Free
• Cece Grace – 5th: 50 Free, 7th: 100 Free
• Catherine Howe – 4th: 50 Free, 4th: 100 Free
• Lila Solomon – 3rd: 100 Breaststroke

Relay All-State Finishes

• 2nd – 200 Free Relay: Grace Dery, Lila Solomon, Peyton Rehbine, Catherine Howe
• 5th – 400 Free Relay: Simona Berishaj, Malin Murphey, Stella Glorio, Catherine Howe

CHSL Honors

• 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

The future is bright—and fast—for Mustang Swim & Dive.

Cross Country

This year, Marian Cross Country experienced a historic breakthrough season defined by growth, depth, and undeniable heart. Under the leadership of Coaches Alan Ganshorn, Gary Warrick, Chris Vanneste, and Kate Kolongowski, the program reached record-breaking numbers with 31 runners, establishing one of the largest and most engaged teams in school history.

Marian delivered its strongest season in more than two decades, with standout placing across major invitationals, including:

• 3rd place – Dryden Invitational
• 6th place – Gabriel Richard Invitational
• 4th place – CHSL Championships

But the defining moment came when the Mustangs qualified nine runners to the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals, delivering an outstanding 19th-place team finish at MIS—their best result since 2001.

Individual Accolades

• All-Region: Gabby Schuff, Lucy Clark
• Academic All-State: Lucy Clark, Gabby Schuff

CHSL Honors

• All-Catholic: Gabby Schuff, Roisin Whelan, Lucy Clark

This season showed that Marian Cross Country is rising—fast, strong, and together.

Volleyball

Year after year, Marian Volleyball sets the standard—and this season was no exception. Under the exceptional leadership of Head Coach Mayssa Cook and assistant coaches Dianne Phillips, Ben Ratkov, Daniel Smith, Scott Pitcher, and Morgan Watler, the Mustangs carved their place as one of Michigan's most dominant volleyball programs.

Marian finished:

• 2nd in the CHSL
• Beast of the East Tournament Champions
• An astonishing 44–6–0 record, with their only losses coming against the two Division 1 semifinalists

The Mustangs played with power, precision, and poise all season long. With four seniors graduating—and three moving on to play at the collegiate level (Allie Davison, Jayla Zayti, and Meredith Martin)—Marian Volleyball continues to be a model of excellence, discipline, and next-level competitive fire.

All-State Honors

• First Team: Allie Davison
• Second Team: Sophia Smith, Quinn Nelson
• Honorable Mention: Meredith Martin, Ashlyn Pelon

All-Region

Allie Davison, London Gibson, Meredith Martin, Quinn Nelson, Ashlyn Pelon, Sophia Smith

CHSL Honors

• All-Catholic: Allie Davison, Quinn Nelson
• All-League: Sophia Smith, Ashlyn Pelon, London Gibson
• All-Academic: Maddi Koch

Academic All-State Team Award

• Marian Varsity Volleyball – Academic All-State Team

Individual Academic All-State

• Maddi Koch – Academic All-State
• Meredith Martin – Academic All-State
• Allie Davison – Academic All-State

The Mustangs' championship culture remains unmatched—on the court and in the classroom.

Field Hockey

The Marian Field Hockey program took a massive step forward in 2025 under Head Coach Karen Wick. The Mustangs embraced a culture centered on discipline, relentless defense, and steady offensive growth—all of which paid off in memorable fashion.

The highlight of the season:
Marian earned its first postseason win in school history, dominating Clarkston 8–0 in the Regional Quarterfinal. The team went on to finish with a strong 9–6–4 record, showing grit and improvement against tough competition.

All-State Honors

• All-State: Maddie Najor

CHSL Honors

• All-Catholic: Maddie Najor, Kamryn Draper
• All-League: Jordyn Farida, Lucy Mobily
• All-Academic: Julia Rogers

Showcase Honors

• 2025 Great Lakes High School Showcase – Top Performer: Julia Rogers

The foundation is set—the future is promising.

Golf

Guided by veteran coach Leon Braisted, the Marian Golf team delivered a season of poise, competitiveness, and standout postseason performances.

The Mustangs achieved:

• 2nd place – MHSAA Regionals
• Top 10 finish – MHSAA State Finals
• Oakland County D2 Champions

With consistency across the lineup and clutch performances under pressure, the team continued Marian's rich golf tradition. Four seniors graduate from the program this year, including Pippa Dawson, who will continue her golf career at the collegiate level.

Postseason Recognitions

• Pippa Dawson – All-State, First Team All-County
• Gabby Wenzel – All-State Honorable Mention, Second Team All-County

CHSL Honors

• All-League: Pippa Dawson
• All-Academic: Emerson Turkot

Academic All-State

• Marian Varsity Golf – Academic All-State Team

Another season defined by excellence—on the course and in the classroom.

Sailing

The Marian Sailing program took a bold and exciting step forward during the 2025 fall season, marking a period of transformation, ambition, and competitive growth. With a new home club and new coaching leadership, the Mustangs embraced change—and the results spoke volumes.

In a decisive move away from the status quo, the team transitioned from Pontiac Yacht Club to Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, training alongside a more competitive fleet to elevate their skills, strategy, and racing intensity. The dedication, passion, and focused concentration shown by the sailors throughout the fall set the tone for a breakthrough season.

In just a few short months, the Marian Sailing team traveled across four states and three time zones, qualifying for both regional and national-level competition. The highlight of the season came at the Girls National Championship Regatta in San Diego, where the Mustangs placed 23rd overall in the United States—and first among all Michigan teams.

Coed competition results were equally impressive:

• 21st overall out of 62 teams in MISSA
• 16th place in the Great Lakes Region
• 3rd place at the State Championships

These results reflect a program on the rise, competing confidently on some of the biggest stages in high school sailing.

Team Spotlight

• Erin DeGrazia – A Fleet Skipper, Team Co-Captain
A true leader on and off the water, Erin embodied the role of captain this season. She spearheaded the transition to a new home club and played a key role in hiring the team's coach. Competing in the highly competitive A Fleet, Erin made significant strides in tactical racing and decision-making.

• 23rd nationally – All-Girls Skippers
• 15th coed – Regional
• 4th coed – State

• Claire Fagan – B Fleet Skipper, Team Co-Captain
Claire was the team's most improved sailor, making major contributions to Marian's overall success. From Fall 2024 to Fall 2025, her regional B Fleet ranking jumped from 31st to 15th, showcasing her growth and consistency under pressure.

• 20th nationally – All-Girls
• 15th coed – Regional
• 2nd coed – State

• Katie – B Fleet Crew
The breakout rookie of the season, Katie brought raw talent, high energy, and immediate impact to the team. Racing alongside Claire, she matched the same impressive national, regional, and state rankings. Her performance at championship events earned her a varsity letter in her first season—a rare and well-deserved achievement.

As the program looks ahead to the spring season, Marian Sailing hopes to welcome new athletes—no experience required. For those ready to try something new, the message is clear: fill your sails and discover a passion for one of the most exciting sports Marian offers.

The future of Mustang Sailing is strong, competitive, and gaining momentum fast.

Rising Stars: Top Catholic League Underclassmen

This fall, Marian's future shined brilliantly as several young Mustangs were recognized by MLive as Top Underclassmen Athletes in the Catholic League. These talented rising stars made significant contributions to their teams and represent the next generation of Marian excellence.

Cece Grace, Class of 2028 – Swimming
Catherine Howe, Class of 2028 – Swimming
Quinn Nelson, Class of 2028 – Volleyball
Ashlyn Pelon, Class of 2028 – Volleyball
Gabriella Curioca, Class of 2029 – Golf
Gwen Slapak, Class of 2029 – Golf
Anna McCarthy, Class of 2029 – Cross Country

These outstanding underclassmen are already making their mark—and the future of Mustang Athletics is in exceptional hands.

A Season to Celebrate

Across every field, course, pool, and court, Marian student-athletes showcased elite competitiveness, disciplined preparation, and championship character. Their accomplishments are a testament to:

• The commitment of our athletes
• The leadership of our coaches
• The pride of our families
• And the strength of our community

The 2025 fall season reflects everything Marian Athletics stands for—excellence, integrity, teamwork, and Mustang spirit.

Congratulations to all our fall athletes and coaches on a phenomenal season.
The Mustangs don't just compete—they lead.
And this year, they led the way in unforgettable fashion.