Xavier is known for many things, whether it be the plaid skirts or the rigorous academics. Most notable, however, is the athletics program.
As of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Xavier is credited with winning 165 state championships, 75 state runners-up and 240 region championships.
In August 2024 Xavier was declared as the Arizona MaxPreps Cup Champions. This competition is designed to determine the greatest high school sports programs across the country. According to Forbes magazine, Xavier has won more championships than any other high school in the nation.
This success can be attributed to the dedicated student-athletes, the remarkable coaches and the organized athletics department.
Sister Lynn Winsor became the athletic director of Xavier in January of 1977, when the school only had one state championship title in swimming. Winsor has been a pioneer for women’s equality and diversity in athletics. She was inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2021 and the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2023. She was awarded the Leslie Moore Legacy Award and the We Coach Leadership Award in 2024, and most recently, she was awarded The USA Today Studio XI Trailblazer Award.
“My motto is there is something here for everyone, whether it’s a club, a sport or an activity. That’s my philosophy. That’s why we’ve started so many things,” Winsor said. This school year marks Winsor’s last year as athletic director, and as of 2026 she is officially retiring. Tui Selvaratnam has since become Xavier’s athletic director.
Xavier has 12 fall sports teams, 6 winter sports teams, 10 spring sports teams and 6 multi-season sports teams, all competing in the highest conference. Xavier has everything from soccer to esports. These numerous sports offer opportunities for every Gator to play.
Selvaratnam states, “Being a part of the Xavier community is that once you are a Gator, you are always a Gator.”
