Athletic News Archive

Introducing Jenn Bradley, SMA’s New Athletics Director

St. Mary’s Academy is thrilled to announce the selection of Jenn Bradley as our new Athletics Director. With over two decades of experience in athletics, Jenn brings a dynamic blend of leadership, passion, and a commitment to holistic athlete development. 

Jenn’s extensive background includes serving as the Athletics Director at Lincoln Preparatory Academy in Arizona since 2016. Prior to that, she held key positions as the recruiting coordinator and women’s basketball coach at several Division I institutions,  including Santa Clara University, Colorado State University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

“What truly sets Jenn apart is her commitment to excellence, both on and off the court,” said Iswari Natarajan, SMA President & Head of School. “She upholds high standards while fostering scholar-athletes growth in sports, academics, and life, embodying a holistic approach to athletics administration. Recognizing coaches' crucial role in our athletes' lives, Jenn is steadfast in providing them with the essential support and guidance they need.”

Recognizing the pivotal role coaches play in athletes' lives, Jenn is dedicated to providing them with the necessary support and guidance to succeed. Her leadership style, characterized by approachability and vision, has already resonated deeply with the SMA community, particularly with Middle and High School students.

Jenn shares, “I am honored and excited to join St. Mary’s Academy as Athletics Director. I firmly believe in the power of sports to transform lives and build character. I aim to create a culture that develops exceptional scholar-athletes and nurtures well-rounded individuals who thrive during and after their time at SMA.”

Born and raised in Colorado, Jenn is thrilled to be returning home and is an avid Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies fan. She earned a full Division I basketball scholarship all four years at Santa Clara University and continued her education there, earning her master’s in counseling and psychology. An athlete to her core, she is passionate about sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition and is a competitive mountain biker.  
 

Congratulations to our winter sports athletes on their incredible seasons! At the Winter Sports Awards Banquet held on Feb. 27, coaches from each sport named their Varsity and Coach's Award recipients.

The Varsity Award is presented to the varsity team member whose exemplary effort, attitude, loyalty, character, and performance have earned the respect of her teammates and coaches.

The Coach's Award is presented to one athlete from each team to recognize outstanding sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Swim 

Varsity Award - Caitlin Crysel
3A swimmer of the year. In her high school career she has won 12 state tittles. Not only is Caitlin a great swimmer she an all american human being. She brings so much joy to the team. She inspires others, demonstrates integrity, quick witted and admired by her teammates. She is respected and respectful. She is humble and she is loved we are so lucky to have her. 

Coach's Award - Lola Bruns
Lola inspires and motivates her teammates in and out of the water. She showed up everyday and gave 100%. She is uses every practice as an opportunity to show case her positive attitude and incredible work ethic. She is respected and respectful.  As a freshman Lola earned a spot on the state team competing in the 200 Free.

Dive 

Varsity Award - Mia Williams 
Mia qualified for the state meet their very first meet ever. Mia sets a very high standard for herself and earned 3rd place at the state meet. She is an incredible driver and getting to watch her execute is amazing. 

Coach's Award - Bella Hurley 
Bella is a steady silent hard worker. She was at every practice just taking in all feed back and putting it to use. Bella underestimated herself a little bit and surprised herself during the season. I can see so much potential for years to come. 

Dance 

Varsity Award - Ava Misky 
Ava is a gifted choreographer and dancer, as well a patient and encouraging teammate. She constantly brings professionalism and passion to every practice. Ava is an exemplary leader as a co- captain.  Her level of motivation, positive energy and enthusiasm as earned her the respect of her peers and coaches. 

Coach's Award - Hannah Reyes
Hannah is such a gifted choreographer and dancer. She always bring joy and positive energy and fun to every practice and dance. Hannah leads the dance team with her co-captian with enthusiasm and passion. We are so lucky to have her and she will be missed next year.  

Basketball 

Varsity Award - Emily Rodriguez
Emily does so much for her team. As the coach I can see that her teammates look up to her. She is always smiling and dedicated. She hardly every gets subed out of game but you wont hear her complain. We move her around in positions and again no complaints she just puts in work to help the team earn a win. 

Varsity Coach's Award - Julia Stehno 
When you go out and have a player that doesn't care if she gets the recognition that they think the deserve. They go out and play hard because they love their team and they want everyone to feel supported Even if it is out her comfort zone and I ask her to go out on the court try something she just does it. 

JV Coach's Award - Selah Reihl 
Any time the gym was open Selah was there working, taking every opportunity to learn and improve her game.  Any game we played the other team's best players was in for a rough night because she asked to guard them and did so relentlessly. She will dive on the floor any ball and will give everything she's got for her team. Selah is an absolute joy to coach. 

St. Mary's Academy Swim & Dive placed first in the 3A Tri-Peaks League Championship for the third consecutive year! The Wildcats dominated the competition, winning first in several events with an accumulation of 532 points, more than 100 points over their League performance last year, and over 150 points ahead of the second-place finisher! Coach Kelly Shipley was also named the Tri-Peaks League Swim Coach of the Year!

Our Wildcats will next compete in the State Championships on Friday, Feb. 9 (prelims), and Saturday, Feb. 10 (finals) at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton. We have 14 athletes competing at State, one of our largest teams on school record! Caitlin Crysel also returns to defend her state title in the 200-yard individual medley. 

Congrats to Lauren Anderson (Gr. 11), Lola Bruns (Gr. 9), Kate Callender (Gr. 10), Devon Chambers (Gr. 12), Caitlin Crysel (Gr. 12), Madison Crysel (Gr. 10), Annika Damon (Gr. 10), Blair Franciscus (Gr. 12), Malika Haro (Gr. 10), Ryan Hilgers (Gr. 9), Bella Hurley (Gr. 9), Riley Mills (Gr. 11), Sofia Redhead (Gr. 9), and Mia Williams (Gr. 10) for qualifying for state! 

Coach Shipley remarks, "Every season holds its own beauty, and this one has radiated magic on many fronts. With our exceptionally talented team, egos took a backseat to true friendships. We focused on creating a culture of positivity that energizes and encourages our athletes, fostering strong bonds and teamwork. Our athletes celebrated both our budding swimmers and the most talented ones alike. We became a team that empowers each athlete to excel, allowing these young women to truly shine. It's been an honor to stand alongside these extraordinary scholar-athletes this season. Go Wildcats!" 

St. Mary’s Academy and Englewood High School have forged an extraordinary alliance, joining forces in Track and Field. As the season draws to a close, this dynamic partnership has achieved remarkable success - competing in the State Championships this weekend! 

The team competed in the Frontier League Championship in JeffCo Stadium on May 2 and took the top spot with the team defeating Platte Canyon 131 to 123! The 4x800 Meter Relay team, composed of SMA athletes Chloe Callendar, Lulu Zeppelin, Olivia Jones, and Hana Husmann, took first place. The 4x400 team Relay Team, with SMA athletes Lulu and Sara Orrego, also took first place! 

• Hana (Grade 12) placed first in the 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:37.01 and 1600 Meter Run with a time of 5:37 (a personal best), and placed second in the 3200 Meter Run with a time of 13:08.72
• Chloe (Grade 12) placed second in both the 800 Meter Run 2:37.59 and 1600 Meter Run 5:50.60, and third in the 3200 Meter Run 13:25.87.
• Lulu (Grade 9) placed fourth in the 400 Meter Run 1:09.28 and fifth in the 1600 Meter Run 6:16.43.
• Olivia (Grade 10) placed sixth in the 3200 Meter Run 13:25.87 and eighth in the 800 Meter Run 2:55.20.
• Sara (Gr
• ade 10) placed sixth in the 400 Meter Run 1:10.84 and fifth in the Long Jump.
• Ellie Martin (Grade 12) placed seventh in the Long Jump. 
• Lillian Kinsella (Grade 9) placed 10th 100 m hurdles with a time of 25.10 6th in the high jump and 10th in the long jump. 
• Isabel Rayner (Grade 11) placed 9th in the 100 meter run with a time of 14.59 and 12th in the 200 meter run with a time of 31.73

The talented team also competed in the Windjammer Invitational at Englewood High School  on May 12 and 13:

• Hana Husman placed third in the 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:28.52, and sixth in 1600 Meter Run with a time of 5:31.69.
• Chloe Callendar placed sixth in the 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:33.46, and eighth in the 1600 Meter Run with a time of 5:36.75.
• Lulu Zeppelin placed sixth in the 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:40.53, and ninth in the 1600 Meter Run with a time of 5:40.80.
• The 4x800 Meter Relay Team of Chloe, Lulu, Olivia, and Hana, placed seventh with a time of 10:25.77.
• Olivia Jones placed ninth in the 3200 Meter Run with a time of 6:22.28, and 24th in the 1600 Meter Run with a time of 6:22.28.
• Isabel Rayner placed 19th in the 200 Meter Run with a time of 30.72, and 25th in the 100 Meter Run with a time of 14.56.
• Ellie Martin placed 25th in the 400 Meter Run with a time of 1:16.65,  28th in the 200 Meter Run with a time of 32.11, and 32nd in the 100 Meter Run with a time of 15.15.

SMA and Englewood athletes will compete this weekend in the 3A Track and Field State Championships. The SMA-led 4x800 Meter Relay team will compete, and Hana will compete in the 800 Meter Run.

Come root for our incredible athletes at the State Tournament, happening from May 18 to May 20 at the Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood.