Mariah Pates brings size, rim protection, and blue-collar juice to St. Francis
In the 2025-26 season, sophomore center Mariah Pates gives St. Francis (IL) a legit interior presence at 6-foot-2, with the kind of defensive activity coaches love: she earned CCAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after eight blocks and eight defensive rebounds over two games, and she’s shown efficient finishing around the rim too. Her value goes beyond box-score noise—she’s physical, disruptive, and clearly trusted in a role that rewards effort and toughness. If your team needs a hard-nosed paint defender with upside, she’s a fit.
