ALUMNAE ATHLETES GIVING BACK
9/27/2026
Seven former Maverick athletes are giving back to Montrose by serving as coaches in the athletic program this season. “It feels like coming home, although there are new girls and new facilities,” said Gabriella Bachiochi ‘21 – a sentiment echoed by the other alumnae coaches.
The cross country team boasts two alumnae coaches: Gabriella and Rebecca Sullivan ‘09. “I hope to give the girls someone who they can trust, as they challenge themselves and push their body to new heights,” said Gabriella, who went on to compete in Boston College’s Division I track program after Montrose. “I found it really helpful to have someone who knew more than I did standing by my side, as I slowly discovered all that sport had to offer me and all I had to offer the sport.”
Lauren Francis ‘16, the varsity soccer coach, played soccer, basketball, and a year of lacrosse when she was at Montrose. “It means a lot to me to come back to Montrose and to coach the next generation of athletes in the same environment and community that I played in. I remember looking up to and learning from all my coaches as a player, and now standing in that leadership role of a coach, I know the impact I can make on them.” Lauren added, “I hope to give my athletes a safe and fun space where they can build their self-confidence, develop their skills, trust their teammates, and learn to be resilient, all while building a community and experiencing the joy that comes from working together towards a common goal.”
Catherine (Bettinelli) Grisbauer ‘21 played field hockey and lacrosse as a Maverick, and now serves as the coach for both JV teams. “It is such a gift to return to Montrose,” said Catherine. “I hope to give my athletes a genuine love for the sport while encouraging them to approach everything they do, both on and off the field, for the glory of God.” Catherine continued, “It has been so special to watch Montrose grow over the years. From playing my very first year of field hockey in sixth grade at McCarthy Field to coaching our JV lacrosse team to its first win on our new Miracle Field turf last season, I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of so many special moments in Montrose athletics.”
In the Montrose volleyball program, which began as a club team ten years ago, alumnae are coaching at every level.
Amira Akar ‘21, an alumna of the volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams, now coaches the varsity and JV teams. “It means a lot to me, because during my time at Montrose I always felt like my time on the volleyball court was my time to build my confidence and be able to show it,” Amira recalled. “As the years went on, I grew in confidence in both the classroom and in my life because of my time on the volleyball team. I had a coach that pushed me to be my best – so I could see what I am truly capable of and how strong I really am! Now I want to help my athletes grow confident, not just in their volleyball skills but in themselves as a whole.”
Issie Russo ‘21 also coaches the JV volleyball team after playing as a Maverick. “Coming back to coach means getting to continue a tradition of mentorship and collaboration in athletics among students, coaches, and the entire Montrose community. I love watching the girls grow as athletes, and more importantly, as people!” Issie went on, “My coaches taught me to trust myself. I hope I can give my athletes that same ability, teaching them to trust their instincts in athletics and beyond.”
Katie Hogan ‘20 played volleyball, basketball, and softball at Montrose, and has coached all three. This season, she is focusing on the Thirds volleyball team. “I’m excited to give back to a school that gave me so much when I was growing up," Katie said. “I hope to give my athletes the courage to try new things that may scare them and persevere through the hard days – and to have fun!”
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