Father McGivney gathered on Monday in Glen Carbon for a 45‑minute ceremony to honor the school's first Class 1A girls soccer state championship.
Coach Jason Turkington, who guided the Griffins to a 24‑2‑3 record, said the magnitude of the achievement still hasn't fully settled in, describing the team as special and highlighting their personalities throughout the season.
A Defensive Masterclass
The championship game ended 3‑0 over Pleasant Plains at North Central College in Naperville, capping a postseason in which the Griffins posted seven straight shutouts, allowing only two shots across two state tournament victories.
Senior forward Natalie Beck reached a personal milestone with her 100th career goal in the sectional semifinal, finishing the state final with 104 goals, while keeper Peyton Ellis anchored a defense that recorded seven consecutive clean sheets.
Principal Joe Lombardi praised the community's support and the culture of unity, hard work and determination that defined the team's journey, noting that the title reflects the collective effort of players, coaches and families.