Xavier seniors look back on tennis careers

CEDAR RAPIDS - As the school year comes to an end, seniors prepare to close the four-year chapter known as high school.

Final exams are taken and activities hold their banquets. Tennis is at the end of its season, with the boys' state team championships Tuesday and the girls' state singles, doubles and team championships this weekend.

Xavier's varsity seniors recently looked back at their careers.

Emma Deignan said her biggest triumph was playing up a spot on the team. Her goal always has been to improve, and her father has been there the whole time.

'He has inspired and helped me most,” Deignan said. 'Thanks for all your guidance and giving me the confidence to play this mentally tough sport.”

Kylie DeWees always has been at the top of the team with plenty of success. Like most players, her goal was making state individually and as a team. However, she knows winning is not the most important thing.

'I probably won't remember my record or how I did in a certain match,” DeWees said, 'but I will definitely remember the friendships made through my team.”

Chris Schirm has been proud of his accomplishments, especially a singles match against Dubuque Hempstead where he won a hard-fought, third-set tiebreaker.

Kyle D'mello will remember the great wins and tough losses. He especially is appreciative to those who have helped him in his career.

'My mom introduced me to the game and was my first coach,” D'mello said. 'I would like to say thanks for the advice and hard work.”