Kadlec, Xavier golf go hand and hand

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 Daniel Vega, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier High School has been in existence for nearly 16 years. The school has had just one girl's golf coach - Julie Kadlec.

Kadlec's tenure dates back to the grand opening of Xavier and earlier. She was the varsity girls' golf coach for Regis High School before Regis and LaSalle merged.

'I continue to hear back from past golfers who have fond memories of playing golf for either Regis or Xavier, regardless of what level they competed at,” Kadlec said. 'The reason I have enjoyed coaching girls' golf for so long is that I love watching the players develop from somewhat quiet and reserved underclassmen to confident and assertive leaders of the golf program.”

Year after year, Kadlec comes back to coach young adults and student athletes at Xavier because she believes it is such a rewarding profession to create a warm and caring environment for students outside the classroom (or gym) walls.

The senior leadership has been a common factor for this year's team. Seniors Maddie Bertsch, Grace Winker and Kara Zwanzinger are swinging away and sinking big putts as the Saints continue to be ranked atop the Class 4A poll.

Kadlec said the team is doing well, but needs to continue to make putts and play their game to continue their success throughout the year.