Athletic News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEVERN, Md. — October 7, 2025 — Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) and Liverpool FC International Academy Maryland (LFC IA MD) today announced the formation of a landmark partnership designed to redefine student development through integrated academic excellence, elite athletic training, and modern leadership development.

Launching Fall 2025, the partnership establishes a pioneering, student-first model that mirrors the most advanced youth development ecosystems. Anchored by shared values of discipline, innovation, and purpose-driven performance, the collaboration creates a singular pathway where the classroom and training ground are fully aligned—equipping students with the tools to excel in a data-driven, globally competitive world.

Strategic Vision | Student-Centered & Performance-Aligned.

This partnership is structured around three core pillars:

·        Integrated Learning Environments: Where technical training, education, and leadership development operate in sync—reinforcing cognitive, physical, and social growth.

·        Access and Opportunity: AACS campus-based programs offer broad participation, while performance pathways ensure progression for students at every level of ambition.

·        Community Impact: Local clinics, coach education, and open-enrollment events connect families and elevate youth sports development across the region.

Comment | Annapolis Area Christian School

“This partnership represents a bold step forward in how we prepare students for the future—intellectually, physically, and socially. By integrating elite athletic methodology with classroom learning, we are creating a high-performance development model where students learn to think critically, train purposefully, and lead confidently.”

“Drawing from global best practices in youth development—including European academies that embed data analytics, leadership training, and academic alignment—we are ensuring that students gain a competitive edge both on and off the field. It’s not simply about creating better players—it’s about developing capable, strategic individuals who understand performance, resilience, and collaboration at a high level.”

 — Mariamna Van Culin, CFO/COO Annapolis Area Christian School

Comment | Liverpool FC International Academy Maryland

“We are delighted to form this community partnership with AACS. At Liverpool FC, we believe sport is a vehicle for lifelong development. Our methodology is grounded in developing the player and the person, with our core values central to everything we do. This partnership with AACS reflects our commitment to bringing world-class training environments to youth in the Mid-Atlantic region—elevating standards both on and off the pitch. We look forward to the positive opportunities this partnership will bring to the communities we serve.”
— Jamie Darvill, President, LFC IA Mid-Atlantic

 Program Highlights | What Sets This Model Apart

All clinics, camps, and training blocks are synchronized with AACS’s academic schedule—minimizing conflicts and enabling full participation without compromise.

Skill-building and tactical sessions led by licensed and LFC-certified coaches allow for skill advancement at every level—from recreational learners to emerging elite performers.

Students are immersed in experiences that develop emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership—through captain roles, peer mentoring, and public presentations.

LFC-led regional workshops — building access and shared excellence.

With a shared commitment to innovation and evidence-based development, AACS and LFC IA Maryland aim to inspire a generation of confident, capable, and globally aware young leaders.

About Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS)

Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) is a premier K–12 institution located in Severn, Maryland. Known for its academic rigor and dynamic student experience, AACS provides an environment where intellectual growth, personal development, and athletic excellence are pursued in equal measure. With a comprehensive curriculum and a strong tradition of innovation, AACS equips students with the skills, discipline, and confidence to thrive in today’s competitive and interconnected world. www.aacsonline.org

About Liverpool FC International Academy Maryland

Liverpool FC International Academy Maryland delivers the elite training methodology of Liverpool Football Club to youth across Maryland. Our proven curriculum develops both the player and the person with a focus on technical, tactical, physical, mental, and social elements. With our core values-driven development model, the Academy creates a high-performance environment that mirrors the standards of one of the world’s most iconic football institutions. By combining global best practices with local access, LFC IA Maryland ensures that every player can grow as both an athlete and a person. www.liverpoolfciamaryland.com

Pictured above: Annapolis Area Christian School and Liverpool FC International Academy Maryland - (from left to right) Susan Hall, AACS Director of Communications, Meg Zink, AACS Senior Athletic Director and Strategic Partnerships, Mariamna VanCulin, AACS CFO/COO, Jamie Darvill, President, LFC IA Mid-Atlantic, Vaughn Ridings, Rentals and Analytics Lead

This season, AACS Athletics is taking flight into a bold new chapter. At the helm is Senior Director of Athletics and Strategic Partnerships, Meg Decker Zink—a decorated NCAA Division I and professional lacrosse player turned dynamic leader—who’s setting the tone for excellence both on and off the field.

Recently, Zink met with parents to share her vision and gathered all middle and high school coaches for a presentation that combined clear expectations with a fresh, Christ-centered vision for the future. The message was clear: AACS Athletics is raising the bar—focusing on creating elite training and development environments, rooted in discipleship.

A proven leader at institutions such as the University of Hartford, Virginia Commonwealth University, and, most recently, Xavier University, Zink blends championship-level experience with a heart for discipleship. She is ready to propel AACS Athletics into an era of elite training, character development, and community connection.

A Vision That’s Bigger Than the Scoreboard

Zink’s vision is built on a powerful truth: athletics is an extension of the classroom. “Coaches are educators, and this is a classroom,” she told parents and staff. On her watch, training will be intense, purposeful, and rooted in discipleship—helping student-athletes confront both victory and defeat with humility, perseverance, and faith.

Her game plan for the year is stacked with big initiatives designed to fuel both performance and personal growth:

• Power Partnerships – Strengthening the collaboration between AACS Athletic Trainer Dana Emrich and Sports Medicine at Mercy to ensure our athletes receive top-tier and timely care.
   
• Stronger Every Day – Expanding the Strength and Conditioning program with Coach Heather Smith to prepare athletes for peak performance and reduce injury risks, while educating and building confidence.
   
• Fuel Up Lunch Program – A Brock Food Service partnership providing whole foods, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats so athletes are fueled for endurance, recovery, and strength. The focus of this program is educational, as our athletes learn how to prepare and fuel themselves for practices and games.
   
• Culture Shift – Building a “player-led, parent-supported” model with clear escalation protocols to empower athletes while keeping families engaged, allowing growth and support to happen simultaneously.
   
• Academic Excellence First – Pivoting to a proactive approach, with coaches alerted early when athletes face academic challenges. This aligns with the co-curricular approach of athletics, academics, and the arts.
   
• Community as a Competitive Advantage – Creating spaces and traditions that bring families, athletes, and staff together. Focused on increasing our hospitality and breathing life into the athletic environments we engage in.
   
• Clear Communication – Standardizing updates and logistics through TeamSnap for coaches, athletes, and families.
   

Coaches Are All In

The excitement isn’t just coming from the top—coaches are energized by the new direction. Head Football Coach Andre Dixon shared, “Based on our initial meetings, I'm really looking forward to each sport creating a multi-year curriculum map to help guide and shape how we teach our student athletes from 6th to 12th grade.”

Dixon also emphasized the shared commitment to building a multi-sport culture, noting, “Specifically, Meg and I have discussed the importance of building a multi-athlete culture within our athletics department.”

Head Volleyball Coach Jen Groshek was equally enthusiastic: “From what I’ve seen in my meetings and in conversations with Meg, I’m most excited about the intentional way athletics will continue to build both competitive excellence and Christ-centered character. There’s a clear vision to not only prepare our student-athletes to succeed in their sport, but also to help them grow in leadership, resilience, and service to others.”

She added, “I love the way Meg thinks outside the box to get things done and advocates for our athletes. She’s willing to explore creative solutions and take bold steps that elevate our programs, while always keeping the best interests of our student-athletes at heart. Her approach not only builds competitive strength but also reinforces our commitment to shaping character, faith, and leadership in every player.”

About Meg Decker Zink

Zink’s competitive roots run deep. A standout multi-sport athlete at Mount de Sales Academy, she went on to play NCAA Division I Lacrosse at the United States Naval Academy—earning All-Patriot League honors and Division I Rookie of the Year—before transferring to Loyola University of Maryland, where she became a two-time All-Big East award winner and NCAA Quarterfinalist. Professionally, she played for the UWLX Philadelphia Force.

Her coaching career has been equally impressive, from building women’s lacrosse programs at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Hartford to leading Xavier University’s program as Head Coach.

Full Speed Ahead

With a championship pedigree, a relentless work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to Christ-centered leadership, Meg Decker Zink is positioning AACS Athletics for an unprecedented season of growth. The vision is bold, the energy is high, and the mission is clear: train hard, compete well, lead with integrity, and live for Christ—on and off the field.