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Saint Monica Preparatory Welcomes Dr. Erin Luby as New President

Saint Monica Preparatory Welcomes Dr. Erin Luby as New President

We are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Luby as the next President of Saint Monica Preparatory, effective July 1, 2025. After an extensive nationwide search, the School Board and Msgr. Torgerson are confident that Dr. Luby’s broad leadership experience in Catholic education, combined with her passion for faith, community and innovation, will be transformative for our school and its mission.

Dr. Luby’s journey in Catholic education spans the globe. Dr. Luby began her career as a teacher in the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education Program, where she taught at a high school in Phoenix and then a K-12 school in Santiago, Chile. She went on to serve in various leadership roles at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, including Director of Student Activities, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal. Since 2016, Dr. Luby has served as the Principal of Seattle Preparatory School, where she has been instrumental in advancing the school’s mission and strengthening its academic and spiritual foundation. Additionally, her work as a faculty member and executive coach with the University of Notre Dame’s Remick Leadership Program and as a Board member of the Jesuit Schools Network has further deepened her commitment to developing future leaders in Catholic education.

With a deep personal faith and commitment to Catholic values, Dr. Luby will continue to build upon Saint Monica Preparatory's strong foundation of Catholic identity and academics, placing Saint Monica Preparatory as one of the most innovative and engaging learning environments in Los Angeles. Msgr. Torgerson shared his enthusiasm, “This marks a new and grace-filled chapter for Saint Monica Preparatory. Erin will help us shape a school that not only serves but leads—one that prepares young people for a life of faith, learning and service.”

Dr. Luby shared her excitement in accepting the role, “It is truly an honor to serve as the next President of Saint Monica Preparatory. I am inspired by the transformational mission and vibrant culture of this community. Together, with the School Board, faculty, parents, alumni and students, we will build upon this school’s nearly 100-year history and look forward to a future full of possibilities.”

Dr. Luby holds a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University and several degrees from the University of Notre Dame, including a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and a Master of Education. Her academic credentials, paired with her extensive leadership experience, make her a dynamic and visionary leader for Saint Monica Preparatory.

This is an exciting time for Saint Monica Preparatory, and we are grateful for the dedication and thoughtful engagement of the search committee and our entire community throughout this process. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Deacon Kevin McCardle for his steady leadership and unwavering commitment during this transitional period.

As we enter this new chapter of growth and innovation, we look forward to Dr. Luby’s leadership in guiding Saint Monica Preparatory into our next century of excellence, faith and service. The future is bright, and we are excited to embark on this journey together!

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Miriah Lopez Named Head Coach of Inaugural Mariner Varsity Girls Flag Football

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.

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Celebrating the People Who Serve Our Mariner Community

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.

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Mariners Take Center Stage at SoFi Stadium

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.

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