HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: New tennis coaches have big goals at Xavier

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By Katherine Bauer, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier tennis teams have experienced big changes this season after searching for two new coaches for several months.

After the boys' and girls' coaches left the program last year, the  administration hired Jim Potts for the boys and Matt Foxhoven for the girls.

'We have some big shoes to fill,' Potts said. 'I'm expecting them (the boys) to show up to practice with a winning attitude and to work hard throughout the season. From what I've seen so far, we are well on our way.'

The boys return senior Kyle D'Mello and junior Ben Curley.

The girls' team returns seniors Kylie DeWees and Emma Deignan and juniors Allison Jasper, Claire Bouchard and Jeanne Bouchard.

'I heard from many people that I was getting a great group of girls to work with,' Foxhoven said. 'They are very talented and willing to put in the effort to be the best they can.'

Xavier is the first coaching job for both.

Foxhoven played competitively in high school and with United States Tennis Association travel teams. Potts played leisurely in high school and briefly at Luther College.

Both coaches are looking to hang banners this year from state. This goal also is shared by their players.

'Coach Foxhoven knows we had success last year,' DeWees said, 'but he challenges us even more this year to win team state, which would be the first in Xavier history. With the girls on the team, their work ethic, team chemistry and positivity, I know we can get it done.'