Xavier offers five spring sports, with four already holding tryouts in recent weeks: beach volleyball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, and track and field. As the spring season approaches, fields are filling with athletes eager to represent Xavier once again.
For many students, spring is the season to try something new. After spending a year adjusting to high school, some younger athletes wait until spring to step outside their comfort zones and test a new sport. This can be especially true for freshwomen, who may feel hesitant during fall and winter seasons.
This pattern works well for programs with three levels like softball, or traditionally no-cut policies like lacrosse. These sports are often seen as welcoming entry points for athletes still finding their footing in high school athletics.
However, across Xavier athletics, expectations are evolving. Programs are beginning to emphasize competitiveness, commitment and effort, regardless of the sport. Spring tryouts are no longer viewed as a safety net, but as an extension of Xavier’s long-standing athletic culture.
Athletic director Tui Selvaratnam, emphasized the importance of giving every student the opportunity to try out while maintaining high standards. “I’m looking forward to making sure everyone who wants to try out has that opportunity, and that coaches do a great job analyzing who will fit into each program,” Selvaratnam said.
Selvaratnam also highlighted the success Xavier spring sports have seen in recent years, noting that tennis ended its season as state runner-up and softball is entering the season as defending state champions. “There’s a lot to be excited about,” she said, adding that coaches have worked hard to prepare athletes through open-fields and interest-meetings.
Selvaratnam acknowledged the weight of Xavier’s athletic legacy. “[Players] have very big shoes to fill,” she said. “I just want to continue the traditions already established and find ways to get more students, parents and alumnae involved.”
One program in particular working to redefine its reputation this spring is Xavier track and field. Long viewed by some as a fallback sport, the track team is actively challenging that label.
“Like any Xavier sports program, there are no shortcuts,” Selvaratnam said. That message is being echoed strongly within the track program, where grit, discipline, and accountability are now at the forefront.
Xavier track and field is one of the school’s largest teams, typically drawing between 90 and 100 athletes at tryouts. Freshwomen make up a significant portion of that number, often accounting for nearly 40 percent of those trying out.
Head coach Jarret Eaton explained that while the team remains welcoming, expectations have increased. “In the past, we were more generous and didn’t cut many athletes,” Eaton said. “This year, we’ve set a higher standard. That shows the rest of the student body that track is evolving to be on pace with sports like soccer and basketball.”
Eaton emphasized that being cut does not mean an athlete lacks ability. Instead, it reflects readiness. “It’s not saying this isn’t for you,” he said. “It’s saying you aren’t ready yet, and to come back.” The goal, he explained, is to create a team where every athlete is committed to operating at a high level.
Track and field’s unique structure, with 10 different events ranging from sprints to throws, allows athletes from a variety of backgrounds to find their places. While many students turn to track after being cut from other sports, Eaton stressed that success requires dedication and effort, not just participation.
Current track athlete and University of Arizona commit Kennedy Frakes ‘26 notes, “I think there’s an event for everyone. Anyone can find their niche in track. It’s only a fallback sport if you treat it that way.”
As spring tryouts continue, Xavier athletics is sending a clear message: opportunity exists, but expectations are high.
