Lynn Winsor, BVM celebrates 50 years at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix.
by Kari Litscher
For 50 years, “Sista” Lynn Winsor, BVM has ministered at Xavier College Preparatory (XCP) in Phoenix, leaving a significant mark on the school and its athletic programs. As both a coach and an athletic director, she has touched the lives of countless young women, shaping not only their athletic abilities but also their character.
The Role of a Coach: Teacher and Mentor
In her role as a coach, Lynn always stresses the importance of the coach-athlete relationship. “Coaching is about being a teacher—someone who urges their athletes to become better, teaching them the skills they need,” she asserts. She believes that coaching isn’t about being a “friend” to the athletes but rather being a mentor. “I never approached coaching as being friends with my student-athletes. I wanted to be their teacher and their coach.”
While she maintains a professional relationship with her athletes during their time at XCP, she acknowledges the rewarding relationships that develop when they return as adults. “After they graduate, that’s when we become friends. When they come back, we talk about their families, their careers, and how they’re doing. To me, that’s really a special thing.”
Memorable Milestones: State Championships and Lifelong Connections
Lynn’s coaching career has been filled with remarkable achievements, and one of the most significant moments was when her team won its first state golf championship in 1980. She recalls, “You always remember your team’s first championship,” acknowledging the emotional significance of that victory after years of hard work. She continued to lead her teams to victory, with XCP’s program winning a total of 37 state championships and seven runner-up finishes.
The impact of one athlete, Heather Farr, stands out as particularly pivotal to the growth of the program. “Heather came in 1979, and she was an outstanding junior golfer,” Lynn recalls. “Her arrival at XCP and her outstanding golf talent and her love of XCP, has really impacted our program to this day.” Heather’s decision to attend XCP played a key role in the program’s success, laying the foundation for many championships to come.
Beyond the Golf Course: Lifelong Success
Lynn takes pride in her athletes’ success both on and off the field. “Six of my golf team athletes have gone on to the LPGA, which is wonderful,” she shares. “When one of them was selected for the 2024 Solheim Cup [where the United States golf team competes against the Europe golf team], like Sarah Schmelzel was this year, one of my XCP golfers helped the U.S. team win. It’s a proud moment.”
Other XCP golfers, such as Amanda Blumenherst and Cheyenne Woods, have gone on to achieve great things in the world of golf, broadcasting major women’s and men’s golf championships on networks like ESPN and the Golf Channel.
But for Lynn, it’s not just about athletic success. She’s proud of how her athletes have thrived in many other fields. “Many of them are now doctors, teachers, mothers, professional athletes, or involved in other successful careers. That’s what makes me proud and happy,” she says, noting that her former athletes frequently return to share their successes and the impact XCP had on their lives.
Advocacy and Legacy: Title IX and Expanding Opportunities for Women
A significant part of Lynn’s impact has been her advocacy for women’s sports. Through her efforts, she has worked to level the playing field for women’s athletics, both at the state and national levels.
Her work didn’t stop at maintaining traditional sports. For example, Lynn has been involved in bringing new high school sports to Arizona, such as flag football, crew/rowing, beach volleyball, soccer, and e-sports. “When I got involved with flag football, I was excited to help it to become an official high school girl’s
sport in Arizona. This was a huge win for girls’ athletics, especially in a state where it wasn’t yet recognized.” To Lynn’s credit, Arizona is one of the first states to offer girls high school flag football.
The Importance of Faith and Excellence
At XCP, faith and excellence are at the core of everything, and Lynn embraces that mission in her work. “Our school motto is ‘Women of Faith Pursuing Excellence,’ and that’s something I live by as a coach and an athletic director,” she shares. She believes in nurturing the whole person—not only learning the skills they need to compete but also developing into respectful, faith-driven individuals.
In her role as athletic director, Lynn oversees 70 coaches at XCP, each of whom is tasked with helping their athletes embody these values. “I’m the coach of the coaches,” she says, explaining her responsibility to lead by example and mentor the staff at XCP. “We’re all trying to help these young women become strong women—women of faith and excellence.”
The Impact of 50 Years at XCP
Looking back at her 50 years at XCP, Lynn feels deep gratitude for the opportunities she’s had to shape young lives. “I’ve had the opportunity to be a teacher, a coach, and an administrator,” she says. “I’ve been able to work with thousands of young women, and that’s what means the most to me.” Lynn’s impact extends far beyond the sports field. She has helped mold a generation of women who understand the value of hard work, respect, and faith. “Being an athletic director and a coach puts you in a position where you can effect change and help these young women with the challenges in their lives and help them celebrate their successes,” she states.
Looking Ahead
As she celebrates this incredible milestone, Lynn has no plans to slow down. With a deep passion for her work, she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and coaches. “I have a lot of energy, and I thank God every day for that,” she says. “I’ve been very blessed with the support of the BVMs, especially my XCP President Joan Fitzgerald and Principal Joanie Nuckols . . . I’ve been very blessed with the opportunities I’ve been given. God is good. I love what I do.”
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Summer 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Salt
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