Passing Through Pressure: Marien Crisostomo

By Caleb Kast

The senior point guard for Loma Linda Academy has been an anchor for this successful program over the last several years. (Aiden Zinke)

At first glance, Marien Crisostomo does not immediately stand out on the court. Standing at 5’3” for Loma Linda Academy in California, she is not the biggest player on the floor—but it does not take long to recognize her impact. Once the game begins, her presence is clear.

As a pass-first point guard, Crisostomo controls the pace and flow of the game. She consistently reads the floor, makes sound decisions, and puts her teammates in position to succeed. Her style is not always flashy, but it is effective—and it is essential to her team’s success.

Her love for the game began early. Growing up in California, she spent Sundays watching her father play in local league games. That experience first sparked her interest in basketball. By the time she reached fifth grade, the game had become more than just a pastime—it had become something she wanted to pursue seriously. Since then, she has embraced the role of a true point guard.

As a pass-first point guard, Crisostomo controls the pace and flow of the game. She consistently reads the floor, makes sound decisions, and puts her teammates in position to succeed. (Jenel Salamante)

Crisostomo describes herself as a player who looks to pass before anything else—sometimes even to a fault. Coaches have encouraged her to be more aggressive offensively, emphasizing that her ability to score can create additional opportunities for her teammates. Still, her instincts remain the same: to facilitate, to move the ball, and to keep the offense flowing.

“I’m a pass-first point guard. I definitely pass more than I shoot.” Crisostomo states. That approach is especially evident in high-pressure moments. While many players feel the weight of close games, Crisostomo remains composed. She does not dwell on mistakes or become overwhelmed by the situation. Instead, she focuses on what is in front of her. “I don’t really feel the pressure in the moment—I just stay locked in and think, ‘next play.’”

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges.

Crisostomo has contributed to significant team success, including multiple tournament championships in recent years. (Aiden Zinke)

With Filipino roots, Crisostomo had the opportunity to tryout for Gilas Pilipinas U16 ahead of the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup. But what began as an opportunity quickly turned into a setback. Crisostomo felt something off in her knee, and after days of uncertainty, an MRI delivered the verdict: a torn ACL. The injury cost her an entire year of play. When asked about this stage in her career she mentioned she drew inspiration from Spider-Man.

“Even though you fall and fall and fall again, you have to get back up again.”

This stage was particularly hard on Crisostomo when she would go to practices and be unable to help and during games watching as her teammates carried on without her. Crisostomo credits her full recovery to a great support system and her mentality of just getting it over with and healing up.

Off the court, her support system has played a significant role in her development. She credits her father as her greatest influence, particularly during periods when she struggled with confidence and consistency. His advice was to remain composed, get back on defense, and continue pushing forward. This has stayed with her. She also acknowledges her longtime player development coach, who has helped refine her skills and guide her growth over the years.

With her Filipino heritage, Crisostomo had the opportunity to compete in a tournament in the Philippines. (Jenel Salamante)

Her background has also shaped her identity as a player.

With her Filipino heritage, Crisostomo had the opportunity to compete in a tournament in the Philippines. The experience exposed her to a different culture and perspective, deepening her appreciation for the opportunities available to her. At the same time, her Seventh-day Adventist faith has influenced her basketball journey. Although it has occasionally required sacrifice, including missing games or tournaments due to Sabbath conflicts, it has strengthened her discipline and sense of purpose. For Crisostomo basketball is more than a game. It is a way of honoring God.

“Part of why I play basketball is because the body is a temple of God.”

Despite these challenges, Crisostomo has contributed to significant team success, including multiple tournament championships in recent years, including her hometown Loma Linda Academy Holiday Classic, the Pacific Union College Pioneer Invitational (2024), the Walla Walla University Friendship Tournament (2025), and the Newmyer Classic at Andrews University (2026). Those accomplishments reflect not only her skill, but also her leadership and ability to elevate those around her.

Crisostomo was a member of the first-ever AdventistHoops All-American Team in 2025, and will make her second consecutive appearance at the event in summer 2026.

Now, as a senior, she is looking ahead. At the end of July she’ll be heading to the second annual AdventistHoops All-American Weekend at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska. She’s looking forward to growing physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally during her second appearance at the event. In the fall, her plan is to continue playing at the next level, likely beginning at a junior college, where she can further develop her strength, speed, and overall game before transferring to a four-year program.

“Getting to know people outside the SDA community will help me appreciate different walks of life and strengthen my faith.”

For Crisostomo, basketball has never been solely about scoring. It is about connection. It is about making the right play. It is about elevating those around her. She may not be the loudest player on the floor, and she may not take the most shots. But from the moment the ball is in her hands, the game moves on her terms.