On Jan. 23 Xavier College Prep honored 14 senior soccer players during a memorable night, celebrating not only their final season but also years of dedication to the program. The ceremony recognized the leadership, commitment and impact the seniors have had on and off the field.
This year’s seniors are Colleen Cundiff ‘26, Ivy Schuman ‘26, Elie Lopez ‘26, Kate Olson ‘26, Myriam Lawrence ‘26, Francesca Diaz ‘26, Olivia Yu ‘26, Kyleigh Carr ‘26, Bianca Willis ‘26, Lara Henderson ‘26, Blair Calihan ‘26, Sunney Merida Avila ‘26, Kateri Etsitty ‘26, and Nev Herzog ‘26.
The senior soccer players enter the final stretch of their high school careers. This season carried a lot of weight as they balanced competition with the understanding that their time on Xavier’s field is ending.
Head coach Barb Chura emphasized that the seniors have demonstrated leadership and teamwork, allowing younger players to look up to them for guidance during practices and games. “The seniors grow in their confidence and comfort in the program so they are able to pass them onto the younger girls who will one day be like them,” Chura said.
“Because of them (the seniors), I went from being a nervous freshman to feeling confident, supported and excited to be a part of the Xavier soccer community,” midfielder Kennedy Boyer ‘29 said.
The pressure has been very high, especially as the program is working to build upon a five-year state-championship winning streak. Practices have become more competitive as playoff season approaches. Players are working to sharpen technique and communication, with the hope of ending the season well.
“I’ve been working on staying mentally ready and strong because college soccer is very mentally challenging,” said goalkeeper Chloe Cundiff ‘26 who is soon headed to Wofford College to play division 1 soccer.
Many seniors have been a part of the soccer program for many years. “Your teammates are everything; try to build the best culture on the team because it will show up on the field,” said Cundiff.
Off the field, seniors have balanced schoolwork, college applications and other commitments. “My favorite part has been watching the seniors grow from freshman year until now. You see them change in good ways, you watch them grow before your eyes, (you see) the improvements not only on the soccer field but off,” Chura said.
Support from inside the team has been a major aspect in keeping the soccer members in communication with each other. Players often credit their friendships as the most memorable part of their season.
Senior Night is one of the most emotional nights of the season. Families, friends and coaches gathered together to celebrate dedication to the soccer program.
That night, each senior was honored for their contributions on and off the field. As they walked onto the field they were named along with their college destinations and majors.
For many players, the final games represent both an ending and a new beginning. Ten out of fourteen seniors plan to continue their soccer careers in college. “I hope that the underclassmen continue to be themselves, and just play the game and have fun! Enjoying the game will help them make the best memories,” center midfielder Lara Henderson ‘26 said.
“They value and appreciate their time together. You might see it together on the field with team chemistry. It’s not something you see actively as a spectator. A lot of things you don’t see,” Chura said.
Regardless of the final results, the seniors have left a lasting impact on the Xavier soccer program. The standard they set this season will be something future Xavier teams continue to build upon.
Xavier varsity soccer won 7-0 in their second playoff game against Canyon View High School.
Xavier will advance to the semi-finals on February 17 against Basha High School.
