New Xavier girls’ soccer coach has passion, experience

CEDAR RAPIDS - It's been said 'hard work will always overcome natural talent when natural talent does not work hard enough.”

The Xavier girls' soccer team hopes talent and hard work will lead it down the path of success. The Saints not only have the new season to look forward to, they also have a new coach.

Chris Higgins will take the helm of the Xavier girls' soccer team for the 2017 season, hoping his passion for the game will inspire the Saints.

Higgins is originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but has been in the United States for seven years.

'Knowing the support network and rich history surrounding athletics at Xavier really peaked my interest in the position,” Higgins said. 'I am very familiar with the soccer tradition at the school and I am really excited at the opportunity to join such an established program at this stage of my coaching career.”

When it comes to the game of soccer, Higgins boasts the experience to guide this team to glory. Higgins played collegiate soccer at Ashford University in Clinton. Not only is Higgins a former player, he also is a graduate assistant for the women's soccer team at Mount Mercy University.

Higgins does not only have the experience, he also has the passion.

'I would like to let the Xavier community know how passionate and devoted I am to the game of soccer,” Higgins said. 'I have been involved in the game since I was five years old and have played at every level. I eat, sleep and breathe the sport.”

The Xavier players are excited for their new coach, along with what he can bring to the team.

'I am super excited for the new opportunities the coach can create for our team,” senior goalkeeper Melody Snow said. 'I am looking forward to a great senior season.”

The Saints also are excited about Higgins' mix of passion and experience.

'I think Coach Higgins will help us improve as a team through his knowledge from club and college play,” senior midfielder Addy Hoffman said. 'He has a lot of experience and we have a lot to improve on. I think he will get us where we need to be.”

The Saints start practice on March 20 and have their first game against Waterloo West on April 4.