Marian Athletics Spring 2026 Season Recap

The Spring 2026 season was another outstanding chapter in Marian Athletics history. Across softball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and track & field, our student-athletes represented Marian with excellence, determination, and sportsmanship. Through championship performances, individual honors, academic achievements, and memorable team moments, Marian athletes continued to embody the values of commitment, faith, leadership, and competitive excellence.

Softball

The Marian softball team experienced a season filled with growth, resilience, and valuable learning opportunities. Throughout the spring, the Mustangs continued to develop as a team while competing against a challenging schedule and building a strong foundation for the future.

Although their season concluded with a hard-fought loss to Orchard Lake St. Mary's in the MHSAA Pre-District, the Mustangs demonstrated determination, resilience, and growth from start to finish. The experiences gained throughout the season will serve as important building blocks as the program looks ahead.

Several Mustangs earned postseason recognition for their outstanding performances. Poppy Turner was named CHSL All-Catholic, while Ellie Jansen and Gracie Griffis earned CHSL All-League honors. Ava Hierlihy was recognized as a CHSL All-Academic selection for her success in the classroom and on the field.

The team's success was further highlighted by postseason awards, as Ellie Jansen and Ruby Hanna earned both All-District and All-Region honors. Gracie Griffis and Poppy Turner were also recognized with All-District selections, reflecting the talent and dedication displayed throughout the season.

With a strong returning core and valuable experience gained throughout the year, Marian softball is poised to return stronger and more determined next spring.

Soccer

The Marian soccer program delivered one of the most memorable postseason runs of the 2026 season, advancing all the way to the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship and cementing itself as one of the premier teams in Michigan. Throughout the season, the Mustangs showcased exceptional teamwork, defensive discipline, and offensive creativity while competing against some of the toughest competition in the state.

After battling through a demanding regular season, Marian elevated its level of play in the postseason, putting together an impressive tournament run that demonstrated the team’s resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Although the Mustangs fell in the Division 2 State Championship game, their remarkable playoff run was a reflection of the hard work, preparation, and commitment displayed all season long.

Several Mustangs were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the season at the league level. Nia Bordogna, Clair Dauer, Leah Nalichowski, and Emma Wyciskalla earned CHSL All-Catholic honors. Frankie Kulpa, Lily Robinson, and Brooke Salkowski were named CHSL All-League, while Maddie Najor earned CHSL All-Academic honors for her success both on the field and in the classroom.

The team’s success was further highlighted by an impressive list of postseason honors. Leading the way were First Team All-State selections Olivia Bussa, Nia Bordogna, and Clair Dauer. Lilly Robinson earned Second Team All-State honors, while Frankie Kulpa, Emma Wyciskalla, and Leah Nalichowski were named Third Team All-State. Laney Jallad earned All-State Honorable Mention, adding to an already remarkable list of recognitions.

In addition to her First Team All-State honors, Nia Bordogna was also selected to the prestigious Dream Team, recognizing her as one of the top players in the state.

The program’s success was built upon a culture of hard work, accountability, and a team-first mentality that continues to make Marian soccer one of the state’s premier programs. The combination of a Division 2 State Runner-Up finish and numerous league and All-State honors made 2026 one of the most successful seasons in recent program history.

Lacrosse

Marian lacrosse once again established itself among the state's elite programs with another successful season. The Mustangs showcased their talent, competitiveness, and dedication while competing against top opponents throughout the spring.

Several players were recognized for their outstanding performances at the league level. Kate Frye, Caroline Quaine, Meghan MacMichael, and Liv Rotter earned CHSL All-Catholic honors, while Molly Conroy and Caroline Carter were named CHSL All-League selections. Julia Rogers was recognized as a CHSL All-Academic honoree, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

The postseason brought additional recognition for numerous student-athletes. Liv Rotter earned First Team All-State honors, while Gracy Dery and Meghan MacMichael were named Third Team All-State selections. Kate Frye, Caroline Carter, Caroline Quaine, and Molly Conroy all received All-State Honorable Mention recognition.

Additionally, Caroline Quaine was named a USA Lacrosse Academic All-American, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence both academically and athletically.

The continued success of Marian lacrosse reflects the dedication of its players, coaches, and supporters who have helped build one of the premier programs in Michigan. The combination of team success, league honors, state recognition, and academic achievement made 2026 another memorable season for Mustang lacrosse.

Tennis

The Marian tennis team enjoyed another outstanding season, finishing as the MHSAA Division 3 State Runner-Up while demonstrating exceptional depth, talent, and competitiveness throughout the spring. Competing against many of the state's top programs, the Mustangs consistently showcased resilience, sportsmanship, and excellence on the court.

The season culminated with an impressive showing at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals. Marian crowned three individual state champions, led by Gwen Slapak at 4 Singles, Emerson Turkot and Stella Glorio at 2 Doubles, and Lexa Hindo and Emerson Villalba at 3 Doubles. The Mustangs also earned state runner-up finishes from the 1 Doubles team of Allegra Curis and Brielle Daood and the 4 Doubles team of Lizzie Plunkett and Clare Reaume. Elizabeth Torok added to the team's success with a State Semifinal appearance at 2 Singles.

The team's state runner-up finish and success at the state tournament highlighted the depth that has become a hallmark of Marian tennis. Through countless hours of practice and competition, the student-athletes represented Marian with class, determination, and excellence while continuing to establish the program among the state's elite. The season was a testament to the commitment of the athletes and coaches and serves as a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.

Track & Field

Marian Track & Field enjoyed another successful season highlighted by championship performances, state meet appearances, and numerous personal bests. The Mustangs' dedication throughout winter training and the spring season was evident in their accomplishments both on and off the track.

At the regional level, Maria Burlingame, Lanie Smith, and Lucy Clark earned Regional Championships, with Lucy capturing two regional titles. Madelyn Prantera finished as a Regional Runner-Up, while Elisabeth Klawender earned All-Regional honors and recorded multiple personal records throughout the season. Maria, Lanie, Lucy, and Madelyn all advanced to the MHSAA State Finals.

At the state meet, the 4x800 relay team of Lucy Clark, Maria Burlingame, Lanie Smith, and Gabby Schuff qualified for the second consecutive season and improved upon last year's finish, placing 18th overall. Individually, Lucy Clark and Madelyn Prantera delivered outstanding performances in the 3200-meter run, both recording personal-best times on the state's biggest stage.

The coaching staff would like to thank all athletes who participated in winter training and spring track and field, as well as the families whose unwavering support helped make the season a memorable one. Through hard work, commitment, and team spirit, Marian Track & Field continued its tradition of excellence.

Looking Ahead

As the Spring 2026 season comes to a close, Marian Athletics celebrates the accomplishments of all student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who contributed to another memorable year. From a Division 2 State Runner-Up finish in soccer, to a Division 3 State Runner-Up finish and three individual state championships in tennis, All-State recognition in lacrosse, state qualifiers in track & field, and a growing softball program poised for future success, the spring season showcased the very best of Marian Athletics.

The dedication displayed throughout the spring reflects the values that define Marian Athletics and sets the foundation for continued success in the years ahead. Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, and families on an outstanding season. We look forward to celebrating even more accomplishments as Marian Athletics continues its tradition of excellence.