Athletics

Student Spotlight: Ella Kuhlman ’21

For senior Ella Kuhlman, her high school choice was clear after she shadowed a Magnificat student as an eighth grader at St. Raphael. She was attracted to the school’s holistic approach to education, and throughout her time as a Magnificat student, she has participated in a number of co-curricular activities, like the Ambassadors Club, Magnificat Outreach, and the Business Club, in addition to being a three-sport athlete. She credits these opportunities for teaching her the importance of learning, leading, and serving. “I have had the opportunity to learn from my teachers, my coaches, and my peers. With endless Outreach opportunities, it has been both humbling and rewarding to see how a small act of kindness can make such a difference. Cooking and serving dinners at Moriah House has been one of my favorite Outreach activities. And as the captain of my [cross country] team, I have had the opportunity to lead my teammates in a sport that I love, and I have personally grown from that experience.” Ella played soccer her freshman and sophomore year, and switched to cross country in the fall of her junior year. In addition to cross country, she has run indoor track all four years and will compete on the outdoor track team for a fourth year this spring. Despite cross country being an individual sport, it has taught her about the importance of teamwork. “I would not be the runner I am today without my teammates,” Ella said. “There is no better feeling than seeing them cheering on the sidelines, then running up to give me a hug and congratulate me on finishing a race.”

While Ella does not plan on running cross country or track at the collegiate level, she does plan to join a running club. Right now, she is deciding between The Ohio State University and Indiana University and plans to study finance. No matter where she ends up, she knows her Magnificat education will serve her well. “The most important thing I’ve learned at Magnificat is how to be confident in my authentic self,” she said. “As I move onto college, I feel that I can handle anything that comes my way!”

Three Student Athletes Commit to Collegiate Athletic Programs on NCAA Signing Day

On Friday, November 13, 2020, three members of the class of 2021 committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level in a socially distant, live-streamed ceremony.

Allison Carroll will join the rowing team at The Ohio State University; Nora Kotnik will play field hockey at Central Michigan University; and Anna Smith will join the soccer team at Penn State Univeristy - Behrend.

Fall Sports Recap

CROSS COUNTRY

9th Place finish in OHSAA Division I District Meet 1st Place finish at the Battle of Turtle Creek, the Huron Invitational, and the Open Door Meet

Ella Kuhlman ’21 advanced to the OHSAA Division I Regional meet as an individual.

SOCCER

Finished 10-5-4 overall I District Semi-finalist

TENNIS

Five individuals qualified for the OHSAA Division I State Tournament: Audrey Smitek ’22 (singles); Natalie Smitek ’24 & Caroline Moritz ’23 (doubles); Kayra Koprulu ’22 & Lexi Ospelt ’22 (doubles). Audrey and the doubles team of Kayra and Lexi lost in the round of 16. The doubles team of Natalie and Caroline advanced to the State Semi-Final where they were defeated. The Magnificat Tennis team won the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association (OTCA) Division I District to advance to the State Semi-Final match, where they lost to Mason. In the reprieve match, they defeated Notre Dame Academy (Toledo) for a 3rd place finish in the Division I OTCA State Tournament.

GOLF

1st Place finish at the NEOISGGL Championship 1st Place finish OHSAA Division I Sectional Championship Cara Heistercamp ’24 shot a 67 and was the Division I Sectional Champion. 6th Place finish OHSAA Division I District Championship Cara Heistercamp ’24 advanced to OHSAA Division I State Tournament and finished as the Division I State Runner-Up.

VOLLEYBALL

Finished 18-5 overall.

OHSAA Division I Sectional Champion OHSAA Division I District Finalist