Tennis star, Serena Williams, once said, “When you lose, you get up, you make it better, you try again.”

In 2019, Xavier High School’s tennis teams won boys’ and girls’ team state and girls’ doubles. Due to COVID-19, their 2020 season was lost, with no chance to win back-to-back state titles. This was a disappointment to the players, but has given them the chance to grow stronger and get better together. 

Senior, Matthew Schmit, who won both his singles and doubles matches at the 2019 state tournament, has been preparing himself to lead as a senior.

“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 (X19) is preparing herself for this upcoming season as well. 

“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. The whole team also practices year round, so even before season we play each other frequently,” Coffey said.

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

“I felt really bad for my doubles partner Wes Johnson (X19). 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 in their 2021 season.

“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. 

Join Xavier boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis teams on April 8, at 4:00 p.m., at Xavier High School to watch them turn their disappointment into success.