Xavier tennis teams starting 2021 where 2019 ended

CEDAR RAPIDS — In 2019, the Xavier won boys’ and girls’ state team tennis titles, along with a girls’ doubles crown.

Because of COVID-19, the 2020 season was lost with no chance to win back-to-back state titles. This, of course, was a disappointment to the players, but has given them the chance to grow stronger and get better together.

Senior Matthew Schmit, who won his singles and doubles matches at the 2019 state team tournament, has been preparing himself to lead in his final season.

“I already experienced what it was like to lead a team as a senior in golf,” Schmit said. “I think it will be easy because the team has so much chemistry and we only lost one player from last year.”

Senior Miyako Coffey, who won doubles in the 2019 state tournament with partner Emily Jasper, is excited about the 2021 season, too.

“Tennis is pretty much a year-round sport so I’m already practicing, but before the season I increase my play time, which helps me get into shape and build stamina,” she said before the season. “The whole team also practices year-round, so even before season we play each other frequently.”

Even with excitement a new season, losing the 2020 season still leaves a bitter taste in Schmit’s mouth.

“I felt really bad for my doubles partner Wes Johnson (who graduated). It was hard knowing that I’ll never get to play with him again,” Schmit said.

Coffey has kept a positive mindset.

“Thankfully no one graduated last year so we’ll still be strong,” Coffey said. “When everything shut down, I focused on my strength by doing at home workouts and my mom and I would play tennis at public courts.”

Girls’ coach Matt Foxhoven was concerned for the players during the tough time.

“Everyone was really stressed last spring and I wish we could’ve had a tennis season so people could escape from all the crazy,” Foxhoven said.

The players are eager to make up for the lost time.

“I really want to win a state title again as well as win the doubles and mixed doubles state championships,” Schmit said.

Like Schmit, Coffey is confident she will meet her goals too.

“I’m hoping to lose only two singles matches during the season and to make it to the state singles championship,” Coffey said.

The Saints are ranked No. 1 in the first boys’ and girls’ state rankings. The boys’ team hosts Liberty on Thursday, starting at 4 p.m., and the girls will play at Liberty.