Girls to attend Marmion Academy for 1st time this fall, presenting challenges, opportunities

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- This fall, Marmion Academy will open for its 94th school year.

But it will be the first with girls on campus. And that is presenting challenges and opportunities in the classroom and the athletic fields.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It's hardly unusual to watch high school girls basketball. The sport began in Illinois more than a century ago. But it's quite unusual to see girls playing basketball at Marmion academy.

The nearly century-old Catholic high school has never allowed girls, until now.

"It's really exciting. There are just so many opportunities that are open with being the first class of girls," said Payton Czupowski, with Marmion girls basketball.

The girls basketball program will be filled with freshmen and a few sophomores: the first girls ever in the storied athletic program at Marmion Academy.

The trophy case is filled with hardware from boys championships. But now the girls will get to play.

Megan Wille will coach the girls volleyball team, which will be the first coed sport to play in the school's history.

SEE ALSO: Parents have hope for future of Hoffman Estates Catholic school as Vatican agrees to review closure

"There's a lot of eyes, a lot of eyes on the program as we develop," Wille said.

Andrew Lifka will coach both the boys and girls cross country teams in the fall.

"It's a new thing, a new challenge, exciting for the girls," Lifka said.

Anne Iwinski will coach boys and girls soccer.

"It's a challenge. I'll say that. But it is exciting. It's always fun to build something of your own," Iwinski said.

They are still finishing construction of the new girls locker rooms. The private school has fewer than 500 students, but already has plenty of sports facilities, including an indoor track, a swimming pool and a large outdoor stadium.

School President Tony Tinnerella was a student there, as well. He says sports are an important part of the school's principles.

"Leadership: One great and impressive way to become a leader is through athletics," Tinnerella said.

Marmion expects to have seven girls sports this year.

But in the future, as enrollment grows, they expect to add more sports accordingly.