New Coaches

Over seven seasons as head coach at Rosary, Brown led the team to back-to-back IHSA state championships in 2023 and 2024, followed by a third-place finish at the 2025 state meet. His teams produced more than 30 All-American performances, over 50 All-State honors, and numerous All-Conference selections. Additionally, more than 20 of his student-athletes went on to compete at the collegiate level following high school. Brown was also recognized with three Sectional Coach of the Year honors and four Conference Coach of the Year awards.

Since joining Marmion Academy as the boys swim coach, Brown has continued his championship-level success. He earned IHSA Sectional Coach of the Year honors, led the Cadets to the 2025 IHSA Sectional Championship, and guided the team to a runner-up finish at the 2025 IHSA State Finals.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Brown lead our swimming programs at Marmion Academy,” said Mr. Joe Currie, Athletic Director. “His proven success at the highest levels of high school swimming, combined with his familiarity with Marmion and commitment to student-athlete development, make him the ideal leader as we continue to grow our program.”

Brown expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to expand Marmion’s swimming offerings. “I am honored to continue building Marmion’s swimming tradition,” Brown said. “I look forward to developing our student-athletes and creating programs that compete at the highest level while representing Marmion with pride.”

The addition of girls swimming further expands Marmion Academy’s athletic offerings, and the school is fortunate to have Glenn Brown leading both of its swim programs into this exciting new era.

At Marmion, Coach Lifka’s roles have included teaching Theology, Mathematics, and Leadership, leading faith retreats with the Department of Campus Ministry, and serving as the Head Boys Cross Country Coach and Assistant Boys Track & Field Coach for the last five seasons. Under Coach Lifka, the Marmion Cross Country program has pursued the team’s mission daily: “Glorify God by doing the best we can every day to become the best version of ourselves.” Coach Lifka teaches that running on the Marmion Cross Country team transcends the individual act of running itself. He explains that this team’s running builds healthy personal habits and Catholic virtues that help each runner become the best version of themselves in every realm of their life. To run on this team entails the pursuit of a goal that is higher than the individual, a pursuit where you are called to sacrifice for the teammates running alongside you and overcome all forms of adversity – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – together for the greater glory of God.

This team mission has proven successful in producing disciples of Christ in our school and world AND developing high-caliber runners on the cross country course. The Marmion Cross Country program has produced many successes and accolades under Coach Lifka’s leadership throughout his five-year term as head coach, including: 3 team qualifications for the IHSA State Finals (‘23, ‘24, ‘25), 4 individual qualifiers for the IHSA State Finals (‘21, ‘22), 1 Sectional Championship Team Title (‘23), 2 Regional Championship Team Titles (‘23, ‘24), 1 Chicago Catholic League Championship Team Title (‘23), 18 runners earning All-Chicago Catholic League Honors, 1 runner earning IHSA All-State Honors, and Coach Lifka himself earning the Chicago Catholic League Tony Lawless Coach of the Year Award (‘23).

Coach Lifka is grateful and excited to receive this opportunity to expand the Marmion Cross Country team’s storied legacy of greatness, character development, and Catholic discipleship to the first-ever Marmion Girls Cross Country Team this upcoming fall.

But beyond the wins and accolades, Coach Murray is known for instilling the values of hard work, perseverance, and team unity. His leadership has inspired countless student-athletes not only to succeed on the court but also to continue their playing careers at the next level and thrive in all walks of life.

“We are truly blessed to welcome Coach Murray to Marmion Academy,” said **Joe Currie, Athletic Director. “He has been successful everywhere he has gone, building programs that not only win but also develop young people into outstanding leaders. His vision, passion, and record of success make him the perfect choice to build our first women’s basketball program.”

Coach Murray is energized by the opportunity to launch this new era in Marmion history and is eager to build a program rooted in the same values that have fueled his success for more than two decades. “I am excited to get started at Marmion and to create a program that emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and team unity,” he shared.

With 28 years of coaching experience, Anne has worked across all levels of the game. She spent five years as part of the Illinois Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaching staff, training some of the top female soccer players in the state. Over her club coaching career, she has helped guide numerous athletes to successful collegiate careers at programs such as the University of Missouri, University of Tennessee, DePaul University, University of Illinois–Springfield, North Central College, Illinois Wesleyan, Case Western Reserve University, and many more.

Most recently, Anne coached the River Light FC Women’s Reserve team, working with a talented group of current NCAA players and elite high school athletes from across the Chicago area.

In addition to her new role, Anne also serves as our Head Men’s Varsity Soccer Coach. We are super excited to have Anne leading both of our programs and bringing her passion, experience, and proven success to guide the next generation of Marmion soccer players.

Wille also brings unique perspective through her academic background. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a second degree in Behavioral/Disabilities Studies, which she integrates into her coaching philosophy. Her approach emphasizes teamwork, communication, resilience, and respect—while fostering an environment where athletes feel supported, empowered, and celebrated.

“I am incredibly excited to join Marmion Academy and to help establish the foundation of the women’s volleyball program,” Wille said. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up, and I look forward to empowering our student-athletes both on and off the court.”

Marmion Academy Athletic Director Joe Currie expressed enthusiasm for Wille’s leadership: “Megan’s experience, energy, and vision make her the perfect fit to lead our first women’s volleyball program. She not only understands the game, but she also understands the importance of developing the whole student-athlete.”

Marmion Academy looks forward to the launch of women’s athletics in 2026 and is confident that under Wille’s leadership, the volleyball program will quickly become a source of pride and tradition for the entire Marmion community.