Experience key for Xavier tennis

Editor's note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you'd like to join The Gazette's growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Katherine Bauer, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - In most sports, players have to wait until their junior year to be on varsity. Only exceptional athletes make it onto varsity their freshman year.

This is not an uncommon thing for the Xavier girls' tennis team, however. Juniors Claire Bouchard, Allison Jasper and Jeanne Bouchard have been on varsity since their freshman year.

'I feel very fortunate to have been on varsity since freshman year,” Jasper said. 'I have gained experience and that has allowed me to continue to become a better player.”

These girls are appreciative of the opportunity their coaches have given them. They understand not many people experience what they will - four years of varsity.

'I feel honored to be on varsity all of my high school career,” Jeanne Bouchard said.

The Bouchard girls also have the unique experience of playing doubles tennis together. They took up the sport when they were 10 and were playing in tournaments by age 12. They split up their freshman year to play doubles with new partners, but reunited last year to make it to state. They finished ninth after losing in the first round and winning one of two consolation matches.

Their state appearance has driven them throughout this season.

'My personal goal is to go to state in doubles with Jeanne,” Claire said. 'We want to get to the top at state, preferably win.”

Jasper began tennis in first grade, but really became competitive in middle school. She did not start doubles until she attended Xavier. This year, she plays with senior Kylie DeWees. Jasper also played at state last year and made it to the quarterfinal round.

'This year, I have been working on my serve and placement over power,” Jasper said. 'My personal goal is to qualify for individual state again and make it past the quarterfinals this year.”