Signed, Sealed, and College-Bound

Signing Day is one of the many joyful days on the Marlborough calendar each spring, as we start to wrap up the year and celebrate our soon-to-be graduates. This year, 11 student-athletes made it official, committing to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and classmates, the room was full of pride in all these Marlborough Mustangs have accomplished, on and off the field, court, pool, and track. They worked hard, competed with heart, and represented Marlborough well. They set the bar high and we cannot wait to watch them continue to thrive. 

Below are excerpts from the remarks each coach shared with the athletes during the celebration. Thank you to the coaches for helping capture part of what makes each of our athletes so special.

Taylor B. ’26
Basketball - University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
“Taylor is a huge factor in my incredible start here at Marlborough six years ago. She is a tough player on the court. Taylor, as you celebrate this incredible achievement, remember it is not the finish line, it's a starting point. So continue to grow, no shortcuts, don't be satisfied. As you go to the next level, remember that your work ethic must now match or exceed this new higher level of competition. I cannot wait to see your success!” -Coach Sixx Johnson

Sophia C. ’26
Lacrosse - Syracuse University
“I think often when people see a person like Sophia shining at what they love to do, and making it look so effortless in the process, we fail to appreciate the Mount Everest of work that went on behind the scenes to get there. The way Soph moves on the field with such grace and poise feels like a gift that must have been engrained in her from the moment she picked up a stick. Sophia’s talent on the field is magnetic to those around her. She has a gift for using her own talent to make her teammates shine. Her journey has been so special to watch, and as I look forward to her next chapter at Syracuse, I can't wait to see all the potential that's still waiting to be realized.” -Coach Sloane Murphy

Ria D. ’26
Soccer - University of Pennsylvania
“My first year coaching the soccer program here was Ria’s first year starting at the Varsity level. One of the big things I wanted to implement into our program is a motto: ‘Leave the program better than you found it.’ I don't think anyone represents that motto better than Ria. She's someone who is honest, driven, a true leader, someone who we would rely on as coaches, and someone who we thought was exemplary in terms of her performance on the field, too.. We are really happy for her and proud of her.” -Coach Julian Asta

Aubrey G. ’26
Lacrosse - Harvard University
“Everyone who is lucky to know Aubrey knows her work ethic, her character, her integrity, her passion for everything she does, and the way it shines through and affects those around her. On the field, Aubrey keeps a cool demeanor. She lets the game come to her, and she comes up with massive plays and game-changing moments. Her work ethic raises the bar for her teammates around her, and each day she shows up to practice, she reminds us what it looks like to enjoy the process. Both in the classroom and on the field, Aubrey holds herself to the highest standard, and I can't wait to see her push to new heights [at Harvard].” -Coach Sloane Murphy

Cara H. ’26
Track & Field - Williams College
“[Cara] sees things around her and her teammates and in herself that help her on the track, help her in relationships, and will help her far beyond in this life. And since she's not the loudest person on the team, when she does talk, people listen. She brings this thoughtfulness, kindness, and attention to the things that she says—and it helps her teammates. Williams is gaining an incredible athlete. I'm so excited to see what you're gonna do, Cara, but we're going to deeply miss you having you around. It's been so special watching you grow, and I'm very excited to see you fly.” -Coach Diana Newton

Sonia H.S. ’26
Swimming - Wellesley College
“Sonia is one of the most goal-driven athletes I've ever coached, and one of the most beloved. A standout in the 100 butterfly and sprint freestyle, she brings both speed and purpose every time she steps onto the blocks. After telling her in 7th Grade that she is a butterflyer—the hardest, most physically demanding swimming stroke there is—she embraced it. She started setting goals for herself, sharing them with her coaches, and committing to the process in a way that was truly special. Sonia set a goal to break one minute in the 100m butterfly by her Senior year, and just last week she achieved it. Her long-term vision and execution says everything about who she is. She's enthusiastic, supportive, and inclusive. She genuinely cares about her school, her team, her coaches, and everyone around her. She makes the environment better just simply by being in it. ” -Coach Peter Lambert

Abby L. ’26
Swimming - Cornell University
“Abby is one of the fiercest competitors I've had the privilege to coach. A lightning-fast breaststroker and a true individual medley swimmer, she brings a rare combination of precision toughness and composure to the water. What separates Abby isn't just her speed, it's how she races. She fights for every place, every touch, every inch of the pool. No moment is too small for her to compete at her highest level. And in practice, Abby is relentless. She's the kind of athlete who does extra work without being asked, who raises the standard for everyone around her. That fortitude and consistency is what earned her multiple MVP honors throughout her years swimming here at Marlborough, and more importantly, the respect of her teammates. Abby, we are incredibly proud of you and the person you have become.” -Coach Peter Lambert

Alicia M. ’26
Swimming - Johns Hopkins University
“I have known Alicia for a long time, since she was [a very young swimmer], and even then I knew she had a spark: a precocious personality full of energy and confidence, and somebody you knew who was going to make an impact. It has been special watching that same spirit grow with her. There's a determination in how she swims. She follows through no matter what and that mindset shows up every single day in practice and at our highest level meets. As a captain, she's been incredible, fully invested in her team, supportive of her teammates, and someone who both swimmers and coaches trust. And now she'll take on one of the most prestigious biomedical engineering programs in the country at Johns Hopkins University. We are proud of you, Alicia, and we can't wait to see what you can do next.” -Coach Peter Lambert

Amirah M. ’26
Basketball - Lake Forest College
“Amirah, I am forever grateful that you walked through the door as a new 10th grader three years ago. You are a tenacious competitor on the court, super tough. As you move on to the next level, remember that your journey is not on anyone else’s timeline. Your passion, your resilience, your perseverance, and your character are what define you. Stay rooted in the present, embrace it all and enjoy it all, even in tough times. And like you and Taylor have both heard me say many times: treat everything like it's the most important thing. Congratulations!” -Coach Sixx Johnson

Katlia S. ’26 
Sailing - Brown University
“I've had the chance to coach Katlia for the past four years and watch her grow not only as a sailor but also as a person. Katlia has been a huge part of our program and is one of the top sailors in the country. But what really separates Katlia isn't just the results, it's her mentality. She's extremely competitive, coachable, and loves the process of improving every day. Katlia, I'm really proud of everything you've accomplished. Keep pushing yourself, keep loving the sport, and enjoy every part of what's ahead. Brown University and the Ivy League are getting an amazing athlete.” -‭Coach Gabriel Sequeira

Tatawan V. ’26
Volleyball - UC Irvine
“Tata is a libero, the defensive specialist in volleyball. It’s an Italian word that means ‘to be free.’ It describes the position not only from a sense of the rules, but it equates to what happens for Tata on the court. She is a free spirit, which is why she has been recognized so heavily in our sport. In volleyball, liberos aren’t always looked at for recruitment or scholarships. But Tata? Tata received offers from Division 1 schools in the very first available recruiting period. It speaks to the way she embraces, loves, and impacts her teammates. It’s a rare skill to not only be good at your sport but to also raise those up around you. I’m nothing but proud of what Tata’s accomplishments have been and what she’s going to accomplish in the future.” -Coach Nicki Holmes