Courtyard Ribbon Cutting Dedication

Since their construction in the 1950s, the tennis courts at Xavier College Prep. have been host to many matches — and even a student used the fence to tie up her horse while she was inside attending classes. Back then the courts were asphalt and also used for basketball and volleyball. 

However, thanks to the generosity of the William and Judy Stark family who helped with the initial renovation in the 1980s, Xavier’s courts endured hosting a future Wimbledon player, alumna Victoria Palmer, and for many years of great matches. Multiple renovations later, Sr. Lynn Winsor, BVM, Xavier’s Vice-Principal of Activities & Athletic Director, said, “there is not much more we could do to combat the water and roots from the nearby courtyard ash trees, which made them very unsafe, and from altering the playability of the courts.” 

Work began in April with demolition and construction of post-tension courts by Haydon Building Corporation. Xavier hired C+D Industry to repurpose the trees into six picnic tables and benches which would be placed all around the courtyard.

On Saturday, November 20 the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the reconstruction and renovation of The Stark Tennis Center Courts and Xavier West Courtyard was held.  Sister Joan Fitzgerald, BVM, President, Sister Joanie Nuckols, BVM, Principal, and Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM all took part, along with presentations by Judy Stark, Head Tennis Coach Laurie Martin, and Xavier tennis team players, Victoria Chrostowski and Ryan Kershner. Katie Perry ‘00, President of Haydon Building Corporation, and Catherine Clancy ‘05, Xavier’s Director of Advancement also spoke to the gathered crowd.

Xavier’s Chaplain, Rev. Nathaniel Glenn blessed the Tennis Courts and Courtyard prior to the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Sr. Lynn said, “I couldn’t be more pleased with all the hard work of those who designed and built the tennis courts and courtyard, and thank you especially to our Donors and Board who also supported the construction.”

The new courts will benefit many, including Xavier’s “no-cut” freshman tennis team, Varsity and J.V. teams, Brophy’s tennis teams, and St. Francis Elementary School students. In addition to tennis, the courts will host Xavier’s first pickleball matches and Pickleball P.E. class unit. Alumnae and parents will also use the courts to play pickleball. Lights were added, so Xavier will host its first night matches.