As the 2025 fall season officially comes to a close, there’s much to celebrate across AHA athletics. Our student-athletes delivered an exceptional season filled with effort, teamwork, and memorable performances. From thrilling finishes to postseason success, it’s been a fall to remember for the entire AHA community.

AHA Athletic Director Carolyn Arnebeck reflected on the season, saying, “I’ve been very pleased with the consistency across our programs. I believe this reflects the stability and dedication of our coaches and their staffs. It’s also been wonderful to witness the strong support from our AHA community, both at home and on the road.”

One of the greatest strengths of AHA athletics continues to be the continuity among our coaching staff. The average tenure of our head fall sport coaches stands at 12 years, providing a strong foundation of experience, leadership, and mentorship for our student-athletes.

To further support our athletes, the Academy of Holy Angels Athletics Department partnered with Human Powered Health to launch a comprehensive performance assessment and monitoring program for the 2025–2026 school year. Expanded from a successful pilot with our football and girls soccer teams in fall 2024, this initiative helps athletes stay at the top of their game while reducing the risk of injury during and beyond their seasons.

Here’s a look back at how each team performed this fall:

Boys Soccer - You can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram

The team capped off an incredible season by earning its second straight State Championship and finishing with a 19-0-1 record. Along the way, the STARS captured their fourth section title in the past 6 years and extended their unbeaten streak to 33 matches, the third longest in MSHSL boys soccer history. They are currently ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 2 in Region 6 by the United Soccer Coaches Association. The team also claimed the Tri Metro Conference championship for the third consecutive season.

Coach James See was named Section 3A and Class A State Coach of the Year after leading the team to an outstanding season.

Key Victories - at #1AAA Minnetonka, at #9AA DeLaSalle, at #6AA St. Cloud Tech, at #8AA Totino-Grace, vs. #4A Minnehaha Academy, vs. #5A St. Cloud Cathedral, vs. #9A Southwest Christian, vs. St. Thomas Academy, 

Girls Soccer - You can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram

The girls soccer team continued its remarkable run of success, advancing to the State Tournament for the eighth straight year and finishing with a third-place trophy. The Stars posted a 14-5-3 record, captured their sixth consecutive Tri-Metro Conference championship, and spent the season ranked among the top five teams in Minnesota. Head Coach Dave Marshak earned Section 3AA Coach of the Year honors and surpassed 275 career victories, while senior Ellen Neuharth was recognized as the Class AA Ms. Soccer.

Key Victories - vs. #10AAA Duluth East, at Cretin-Derham Hall, vs. #5AA Mankato East, vs. #10AA St. Francis, at DeLaSalle, vs. Visitation

Girls Tennis

The girls tennis team wrapped up a standout season with a 13-4 record and their fourth consecutive Tri-Metro Conference championship. The STARS finished the year ranked No. 5 in the state and made program history as Elizabeth Payne ’27 became AHA’s first-ever State Champion, winning the Class AA Individual State Tournament. In doubles play, Katie Jung ’27 and Josephine Brown ’26 added to the success with an impressive runner-up finish at the State Tournament.

Key Victories - vs. #1AA Blake, vs. #1A Breck, vs. DeLaSalle, vs. Visitation, vs. Minneapolis Southwest

Volleyball - You can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram

The STARS completed another strong season last week, finishing 26–5 and ranked No. 6 in Class AAA and No. 25 overall in the state. They captured their fifth consecutive Tri-Metro Conference championship and claimed first place at the Chisago Lakes Tournament, finished fourth at the Class AAA Showcase, and took fifth at the Twin Cities Challenge. Head Coach Tom Emanuel also celebrated a major milestone, recording his 300th career victory. This season marks the program’s tenth consecutive 20-win campaign.

Key Victories - vs #6AAA Cretin-Derham Hall, at #5AAA Byron, vs. #11AAA St. Cloud Tech, at DeLaSalle, vs. Visitation

Football - You can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram

STARS football finished the season 8-2, advancing to their sixth straight Section 5AAAA Championship. The team also captured the District Skyway (Gold) Championship, their fourth in the past six seasons. Head Coach Jim Gunderson was named District Coach of the Year, and Jeff Boyle earned District Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

Key Victories - vs Benilde-St. Margaret's, vs. SMB, vs. DeLaSalle

Cross Country - You can follow the team on X.

Louis Ahern ’26 and Mia Lund ’28 competed in the State Cross Country meet over the weekend. Louis finished 14th and earned 2025 All-State honors, while Mia became the first female cross country runner from AHA to participate in the meet since 2013.

We are grateful to our coaches, families, and fans whose support made these achievements possible. As we celebrate the highlights of fall, we look forward to the excitement ahead and hope to see you at upcoming games as our winter sports programs kick off.