Maeve Turmel of Pope Francis Preparatory School: Student-Athlete of the Month for March 2026

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is immensely proud to announce that senior Maeve Turmel, a senior at Pope Francis Preparatory School, has been selected as the MIAA Student of the Month for March 2026. This prestigious honor recognizes Maeve’s extraordinary balance of elite athletic performance, academic rigor, and a profound commitment to community service.

Academically, Maeve has defined her high school career through a relentless pursuit of excellence. Maintaining a 3.91 cumulative GPA while navigating a demanding curriculum, she has been a mainstay on the Honor Roll for four consecutive years. Beyond the classroom, Maeve’s leadership is woven into the fabric of the school as a member of both the National Honor Society and the Latin National Honor Society, reflecting her dedication to scholarship and classical studies. Serving as a vital voice for her peers, Maeve has been an elected representative for all four years.  Clearly a great representative of her peers, Maeve serves as the primary face of Pope Francis Prep for prospective families as a Student Ambassador.

Spiritual Mentorship: Selected for the Christian Leadership program as a senior, where she provides guidance and upholds the mission of the school community.

Maeve’s athletic resume is one of the most decorated in recent school history, characterized by versatility and elite competitive drive across three seasons. In Soccer, she has been named All-New England (2025), three-time All-State selection (2023–2025),First Team All-Western Mass (2023, 2024, 2025) and First Team All-League while also serving as Team Captain in 2025.  On the Basketball court, Maeve was a three-year captain, scoring 1,334 Career Points and being named a Four-time First Team All-Western Mass selection (2022–2025).  Spring Season highlights Maeve’s athleticism on the Track & Field Team as she holds school records in Javelin and Discus.  Elected Captain for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, she was also a New Balance National Qualifier (2023) and multi-year podium finisher at the Western Mass Division II Championships.

Maeve’s impact on her community extends far beyond the scoreboard as she dedicates her time to fostering inclusivity and supporting the local community through her involvement in three great causes.  Serving as a Peer Player with the Westfield Unified Basketball Team, Maeve is active in the Special Olympics.  Teaching first-grade CCD at Sacred Heart Church she is a role model and strengthens her faith and participating actively in the Key Club and the Memorial Day Foundation, she gives back to her immediate community.

In his recommendation to the MIAA, Varsity Head Soccer Coach Brent Dillard noted: "Maeve is the type of individual who quietly does the extra work that others may overlook. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Her positivity and encouragement are contagious, and she has a natural ability to bring people together. She represents the values of the MIAA with honor and distinction."

Congratulations, Maeve, on this well-deserved recognition! You embody the true spirit of a Cardinal and the MIAA.