Great teams are built on talent, but legendary teams are built on leadership.
In early January, it was announced that Xavier’s varsity soccer coach, Barb Chura, was named National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Girls and Boys National Coach of the Year, but her success goes beyond the soccer field.
The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports.
Chura beat out seven other national finalists representing girls soccer programs from around the country for this honor.
In her 22 years at Xavier, Chura has won 9 overall state titles, four of them being consecutive 6A state championships.
In addition to being 2024’s national girls soccer coach of the year, Chura was named Arizona Republic All-State Coach of the Year in 2009, Phoenix Women’s Sports Association Coach of the Year in 2009, and National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coach of the Year for Private Schools in 2009 and 2010.
“It’s a great honor because it is a reflection of the time you put into your sport, but the best part is the recognition of the success we’ve had because of the kind of people at this school,” said Chura on receiving this award.
Charlotte Sredzinski 25’, outside back on Xavier’s varsity team, states that Chura has singled herself out as a coach who not only recognizes the importance of a team both on and off the field but also strives to make a group full of leaders, which is different from any other coach she’s had.
Team captain Ally Brown 25’, agrees, saying, “Her focus on team chemistry and team bonding have helped us not only to have winning seasons but also to create lifelong friendships.”
Sredzinski and Brown agree that one of Chura’s remarkable qualities is her ability to remain calm and collected during adversity.
Sredzinski recalls that during her freshman year’s state championship, they went into the game as the underdogs, and had to go into double overtime. “The whole team was exhausted, mentally and physically. However, one thing that stuck out to me was how calm and collected Chura was,” Sredzinski said.
“Her collected demeanor and quiet confidence in our abilities struck me. She was essentially the exact opposite of the opposing team’s coach who was screaming at his players and refs,” she continued.
Although Chura has won many championships and games throughout her career, she states that coaching is so much more than wins and losses.
“Wins and losses come and go, but everything in between is why you play,” she states.
She believes that soccer is a stepping stone for these girls to grow, and this program teaches them to go on and apply what they learn here elsewhere.
Chura’s impact on Xavier’s soccer program extends far beyond the trophies and accolades. Through her championship-level program, Chura has cultivated a hard-working, resilient and devoted atmosphere that her players will carry with them long after they leave the field.
