BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — If you are a habitual watcher of America’s Next Top Model, you may remember Mercyhurst University women’s water polo alum Ann Markley. The tall athletic model didn’t fit the stereotypical model figure, and it propelled her to a fourth place finish in the popular reality show’s third season.
Markley may be just as well remembered by Mercyhurst University water polo fans for her record setting performances during her playing career. Markley Spent 2002-2004 in the pool for the Lakers, and filling the stats sheet at a rapid clip. She owns Mercyhurst records for goals in a season (97), and career (228), as well as points in a season (110). She’s also third all-time in points with 282 despite only playing three seasons in the program.
Markley filmed ANTM the summer between her junior and senior years, and decided to withdraw from school with just seven classes left before graduation. She moved to New York with hopes of capitalizing on her new found popularity from being on the show. Despite that she continued to play water polo, this time at the New York Athletic Club. She was quickly signed and has gone on to work in many different facets of modeling, including appearing in GQ, and being a cover model for Fitness Magazine and Philadelphia Style in addition to runway work. She was also a part of USA Water Polo’s “I Am Water Polo” campaign, appearing alongside other celebrities such as rapper Sean Paul and actor Ted McGinley
In an effort to further her career she pursed her previously untapped passion for acting. After taking classes she’s booked roles in commercials for Old Navy and Fiat. She’s also booked several roles on television and in movies under the stage name Annalaina Marks. She’s been opposite of Patrick Dempsey in the movie Made of Honor and has had roles on shows such Gossip Girl, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest and The Good Wife. She’s also acted in the VH1 TV movie The Breaks, and then reprised her role in the series continuation this year, and appeared alongside Stephen Colbert in promotional ads for his late night talk show.
Now married to actor Colin Branca, the pair live in the Philadelphia area with their daughter Frankie. In 2014, Markley returned to Mercyhurst and through online courses completed her degree.
Story by Matthew Maratea
