As spring arrives, Marist athletes are back in action, kicking off tryouts and practices for a new season as several of the state’s best programs aim to add to their legacy of success.
Baseball
With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and developing underclassmen, the RedHawks are bringing both leadership and fresh energy into this season. The team is focused on finishing on top.
“Obviously, the goal is to take home a state championship,” said senior infielder Ryan Rosas.
Marist routinely plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, and this season will be no different.
“A hard schedule every year prepares us for the playoffs,” said Rosas. “The better arms we face over the year, the more consistent we become with timing and everything on these pitchers. It helps us beat better teams deep in the year and not get nervous when we find out we’re playing a great team.”
No matter who they face, the RedHawks plan to keep the same mindset.
“Play hard, play clean, and be dominant,” said Rosas.
The team is set to open its season Thursday, March 19 at Fenwick. The home opener Wednesday was canceled due to snowy weather.
Softball
Coming in at #2 in 4A in the Illinois Coaches Association softball preseason poll, the RedHawks are entering the season with high expectations. The team is focused on achieving success while maintaining a positive culture.
“The goal is to have fun, win the conference in the final year of the ESCC, and obviously win state,” said head softball coach Colleen Phelan. “Our goal is always to win, but also create a really great experience for these girls where they have strong, positive memories of Marist softball.”
The team is working hard to continue to improve their performance on the field and teamwork off the field.
“I think we just want to continue to build off the team chemistry and a team-first, positive, love-for-each-other sort of environment,” said Phelan. “We can also always get better defensively and offensively.”
The RedHawks have started off their pre-season with good vibes.
“So far this year is a really fun, silly, easygoing, laid back group, and I kind of love coaching those teams more,” said Phelan. “They seem to be really having fun and enjoying each other’s company.”
The team begins their quest for the state title on Wednesday, March 18 at home vs Whitney Young.
Boys Lacrosse
Entering the season ranked #18 in the state, the RedHawks boys lacrosse team is focused on competing at a high level and making a post-season push.
“The goal this season is to make a deep run in the playoffs, be the best team Marist lacrosse has ever had, and hopefully make the final four,” said senior midfielder Finn Kelly.
The team has been working hard all off-season and is prepared to put in the work needed to reach their goals.
“The mindset is definitely to win,” said Kelly. “Everybody on the team is on board and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to win this year.”
The team opens up the season on Thursday, March 19 at preseason #2 Wheaton Academy. It’s the start of one of the most challenging schedules in the state, but they know that facing strong competition will help prepare them for the rest of the season.
“You got to beat the best to be the best,” said Kelly. “When you see the speed of the game like that, it makes games against neighborhood teams and other guys a lot easier.”
Girls Lacrosse
RedHawks girls lacrosse has won 15+ games each of the last three seasons and is looking to continue that success.
“The goal this year is to obviously win a majority of our games and finish with a good record,” said senior attacker Sofia McQuaid.
After graduating a heavy senior class last season, the team knows this year will look different with many new and returning players stepping into larger roles.
“We want to be really optimistic about it because it will be so different from last year,” said McQuaid. “There’s a lot of new girls on the team and we need to learn how to work together and see how everyone plays as an individual.”
The team is emphasizing going the extra mile beyond normal practices to get prepared for the season.
“We want to do more outside of practice to perform better on the field,” said McQuaid. “We also want to do a better job of bonding and getting together to click outside of playing.”
The team will open its season with an away game against Lockport this week, pending weather.
Boys Volleyball
The RedHawks boys volleyball team is coming off back to back state championships and is looking to continue the success that has become a standard in the program.
“The expectation is to win and that is not going to change this year,” said senior right side hitter Wyatt Olszewski.
With only two seniors on the team, this season’s roster is made up of mostly players taking on bigger responsibilities.
“We’re a pretty young team, but a lot of the younger guys are ready to step up,” said Olszewski.
The team opens up their season on Thursday, March 26 vs ranked O’Fallon township. It will be a challenging start, but the RedHawks see it as an opportunity to measure them themselves against a tough opponent.
“Our goal is to start off strong and set the tone for the season,” said Olszewski.
