Xavier volleyball was a season to remember

CEDAR RAPIDS - When the Xavier volleyball started its new season, the state tournament already was on junior Charlotte Richards' mind.

Richards, an outside hitter for the Saints, was preparing for this season before the first match.

'In the offseason I participated in club volleyball,” she said. 'I think participating helps a lot because I play a lot of teams from around the country that are very good. It also helps me stay in shape and not get rusty on the off season.”

Richards also has been training at Athletic Republic Sports Training since fall of 2013. Athletic Republic facilitator Kyle Lichthardt has seen her improve and believes this season happened because of all her hard work.

'She has improved a lot in her quickness and her jumping ability,” Lichthardt said. 'Charlotte was ready for the season and it allowed her to get off on the right foot.”

When Austin Filer was named head coach for the Saints, Richards remembered him from club and was excited to have him leading the team.

'He was able to change the whole volleyball program around and create a team that was very fun and successful,” Richards said.

The Saints had a lot of underclassmen, but this was not a problem. They started the year 18-0 and Richards also won KCRG-TV9's Athlete of the Week in October.

'The feeling of winning KCRG's Athlete of the Week felt incredible,” she said. 'I wouldn't have been able to accomplish winning it without the help of my teammates and coaches.”

While the Saints' season ended in the state semifinals, Richards looks back at the season with a smile.

'Being able to make state as a team felt amazing,” she said. 'Our number one goal was to make it to the US Cellular Center to compete in state. Knowing that we accomplished this goal feels great because all our hard work and endless hours practicing in the gym has paid off.”

One wild ride and one season the Saints will never forget.