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WESTERVILLE -- Four members of the Marietta College Women’s soccer team were recognized as part of the 2026 All-Ohio Athletic Conference team announced Friday morning. Senior defender Tati Grigoryan was named to the first team. Senior goalkeeper Francesca Agliolo and junior forward Jaylyn Thornton were named to the second team. Senior defender Myah Byers was a third team honoree.
“It’s incredible to continue to get this kind of recognition from the conference,” said Marietta head coach Zack Votra. “We had five all-conference selections a year ago, and to add four more this year is fantastic. It shows the continued growth of the program and is a testament to how competitive this group has been.”
This is the second year straight that Grigoryan was named to the first team. Even while dealing with challenging injuries, the senior anchored the defense and took on the responsibility of covering the opponent’s most dangerous attacking threats. She also scored two goals on the season.
“Tati is an incredible defender,” said Votra. “She has really good instincts and is lock-down in 1v1 situations. She’s played the entire year with an obliterated knee and is still one of the best in the conference. This is another well-earned honor for her, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Agliolo was the reigning OAC Goalkeeper and put together another phenomenal season. She played 18 matches in the nets and was second in the OAC with a .833 save percentage. She was also fourth among all OAC goalies with a 1.10 goals against average, 5.28 saves per game, and six shutouts on the year.
“Francesca is the best goalkeeper in the conference. You can’t change my mind about that,” said Votra. “She is one of the first names on our opponents’ scouting reports, and not just because of her shot-stopping ability. What she can do with the ball at her feet or in her hands is second to none, and she started a ton of attacks for us. Her recognition is well earned!”
Thornton transferred into the program at the start of the year and made an immediate impact. She lead the team in goals (10), putting her fourth in the conference and was also fourth in points (23). Her five goals against Muskingum earlier in the year tied a program record.
“Jaylyn has been an incredible addition to our program,” Votra said. “Her pace and goal scoring ability made her a constant threat all season long. She was consistently double-teamed and always the focal point of our opponents’ defense. I’m very happy to see her receive the recognition she deserves!”
Byers continued to bring stellar defense this year and claimed her second consecutive postseason honor. She also displayed some offensive skills, scoring once and collecting three assists on the season.
“Myah is the heart of our team. She’s physical, intelligent, and is always one of the hardest workers on the field,” said Votra. “She adjusted to a new position for us this season, and continued to compete at an all-conference level. I’m really proud of her, and I’m happy the conference has recognized her contributions as well!”
The Pioneers finished the season with a 6-10-3 overall record after qualifying for the OAC Tournament and making their first postseason appearance since 2003.
MEN'S SOCCER
Three Marietta College Pioneers earned recognition on the 2026 All-Ohio Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Team, which was announced Wednesday morning. Senior midfielder Gavin Heighberger and freshman goalkeeper Travis Lutz were both named to the All-OAC second team, while junior attacker Zach Kern earned third team All-OAC honors.
“I am happy that the league recognized all three of these players,” said Marietta head coach Joe Bergin. “We are such a young team that if we can keep adding to our group, you will see more names populating these lists in the years to come.”
Heighberger completed a strong senior campaign, starting every match for Marietta this season. He finished second on the team with three goals, including a pair of game-winning scores. The former OAC Freshman of the Year has now earned All-OAC recognition three times in his career.
“Gavin is the quintessential soccer player,” said Bergin. “He is the son of a coach so he thinks along the lines of a coach. Gavin has an exceptionally high soccer IQ and is deserving of the recognition. I am glad the coaches continue to recognize his talent and honored him with all -conference for the second year in a row.”
Lutz made an immediate impact in his first season as a Pioneer. He started 11 matches in goal and finished the regular season ranked third in the OAC with 4.09 saves per game and a .729 save percentage. Lutz also ranked seventh in the conference with a 1.66 goals-against average.
“He is an imposing figure in goal and has saved us multiple times throughout the year when the opponent has made it through our defense,” said Bergin. “As one of two freshmen to make first or second team all-conference, it is clear the league recognizes his talent as well.”
Kern enjoyed a breakout season for Marietta, playing and starting in 14 matches. He led the team with seven goals, tying for seventh in the OAC, and his 14 points ranked eighth in the conference.
“Zach is a great story, a story of perseverance,” Bergin said. “He played very little his freshman year, but kept working and started to get minutes by the end of that season. Last year, he played behind the goal scoring record holder Parker Bolin. This year was his time, and he led the team in goals and was someone our opponents had to account for.”
The Pioneers finished the season with a 5-8-4 overall record and a 3-4-1 mark in Ohio Athletic Conference play. Marietta made its first appearance in the OAC Tournament since 2023 but fell to fourth-seeded Baldwin Wallace University on penalty kicks in the opening round.