As fall sports start up again, volleyball, golf, and swim and dive train to defend their state championship titles.
Volleyball is already hard at work. “Every year we approach the season with the mindset that it’s a new year and a new day,” said head coach Lamar Renee Bryant. She is excited to see how this season plays out and hopes to win her fifth state title.
She is especially proud of the senior team captains leading the team this season. “We have four amazing seniors who are leading the way,” Bryant said.
Team captains Mattea Saunders ‘26 and Vivian Hickman ‘26 are mentoring the underclasswomen and helping them play their best. “Last year we had a good bond, and we have it again this year,” said Saunders.
“I’m excited to compete hard for our last year,” adds Hickman. She is also excited to continue playing volleyball at UCLA next fall.
Although they are defending state champs, the team isn’t just focused on winning. Prioritizing resilience and unity, the strong leadership from returning players and the addition of eager underclasswomen are setting the tone for what could be another memorable year.
Swim and dive is also working hard to defend their state title. With only two swim meets in the books, they are already excelling in races.
“We have a lot of returning swimmers, and we brought in a whole bunch of new freshwomen,” said head coach Glen Cloy.
Adelyn Burns ‘28 is off to an amazing start. She is one of the top 15 swimmers in the state and has been excelling in her personal races.
This year she aims to become a faster swimmer overall and be a better teammate.
The team’s depth shows across individual and relay events, with strong performances from both returning athletes and new additions.
Xavier’s third defending champion is the golf team, led by Coach Tui Selvaratnam. Isabella Piazza ‘26 and Sophia Pe Benito-Brooks ‘26 lead the team.
Selvaratnam is proud of the team for its accomplishments last year and its performance so far this year.
“They have a great attitude, and a lot of team camaraderie is taking place right now,” Selvaratnam said.
Although golf is an individual sport, the team prioritizes bonding and celebrating every win together. The team is really close this year with the new freshwomen,” Pe Benito-Brooks commented.
“The season is going really well and the team is having so much fun.” Piazza said. Piazza is committed to playing in college at CU Boulder once she graduates.
Regardless of whether they win or lose, these teams and athletes are proving that championship culture is built on hard work, leadership and team spirit.
