A Big Week for Mariner Athletics: National Headlines and League Titles

Saint Monica Preparatory is proud to welcome Miriah Lopez as the new Head Coach of the Mariner Varsity Girls Flag Football team for the 2026-27 season. This year marks a milestone for SMPREP Athletics as the school launches its first-ever Girls Flag Football program, joining a rapidly growing sport that became CIF-sanctioned in California in 2023.

Lopez brings an impressive combination of professional playing and collegiate coaching experience, as well as a passion for empowering the next generation of female football players. A three-time All-Pro athlete, Lopez currently plays professional tackle football for the Los Angeles Legends of the Women’s National Football Conference, where she was named team MVP in both 2024 and 2026. She is also the co-founder of Football Sisterhood, an organization dedicated to creating a positive, supportive community for girls and women in football.

Service is at the heart of the Saint Monica Preparatory community. Throughout the year, parents, faculty, staff and students give their time, talents and energy to strengthen our school and support those around us. This spirit of generosity was celebrated during the Feast of St. Monica Weekend with the David Hines Awards, recognizing volunteers for years of dedicated service.

Jermaine Shelton, a beloved member of the SMPREP community for 25 years as the parent of Rayne ’17 and Scarlett ’26, was among the award recipients. "Jermaine’s unwavering involvement in all aspects of our school and community is an inspiration," said Suzette Sornborger, SMPREP Dean of Spirituality & Faith Formation.

SMPREP celebrates fellow honorees including Mike Dwyer, whose years of service have touched both the parish and school communities. Faculty, staff, parents and students were recognized by Msgr. Torgerson for their relief efforts following the Palisades and Eaton Fires: Patrick Friend, Katherine Leach, Monica Moore, James Spellman, Vincent Torroba, Renett Young and Julie Zaller.

Saint Monica Preparatory student-athletes recently had the opportunity to step inside the world of professional football as part of a Media Day experience hosted by the Los Angeles Rams and Nike LA at SoFi Stadium. Saint Monica Prep was among a select group of high school football and flag football teams invited to participate in the special event, designed to shine a spotlight on both youth football and the rising popularity of girls flag football. SMPREP will host a girls flag football team for the first time this Fall.

For our Mariners, the day was about much more than football. Student-athletes explored the many avenues of how to represent themselves, their team and their school at the highest levels. The event offered them a unique glimpse into the opportunities that exist beyond the field while equipping them with skills in leadership, communication and personal branding that will serve them well wherever their athletic journeys take them.