Chicago- Saint Xavier University’s athletic teams are showing strength, resilience, and school pride in a variety of sports as the spring semester draws to a close. SXU is finishing the academic year strong as the playoffs draw near and student-athletes break records.
With a series of victories this spring, the Cougars’ baseball team has drawn notice on campus and moved up to one of the top places in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The team’s chemistry and off-season training have been noted by head coach Tony Bozzi.
“The guys came back this year with a mission,” Bozzi said. “We’re playing smarter, faster, and we’re holding each other accountable.”
The group’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Aaron Thomas, a biology major and senior pitcher, described the atmosphere at Cougar Field as exciting.
“Knowing that this is my last season has made me appreciate every practice, every bus ride, every game,” Thomas said. “SXU has given me a second family, and I’ll never forget that.”
The women’s track and field team is another outstanding program; following a solid performance at the home-hosted Cougar Invite, several of its competitors qualified for the NAIA National Championship. Kayla Johnson, a junior nursing major who set a new school record in the 400-meter sprint, is one of the top performers.
“It’s been a challenging season balancing academics and training,” Johnson said. “But hearing my name announced with a record time was one of the most rewarding moments of my college career.”
The team’s performances, according to coach Elizabeth Ramirez, who is currently in her fifth season, show their drive and discipline.
“This group is special,” Ramirez said. “They push each other, and they show up with purpose. It’s not just about winning — it’s about building something lasting.”
SXU Athletics encourages competitiveness, but it also places a high value on support and friendships. In order to encourage students, professors, and alumni to attend games, post pictures, and spread school enthusiasm online, the sports department started a new social media campaign this semester dubbed #CougarPride.
“We want everyone to feel connected to what these athletes are doing,” said Anna Caldwell, SXU’s Assistant Director of Student Engagement. “It’s been incredible to see how the games are bringing people together again.”
Caldwell noted that attendance at home games has steadily increased since the start of the semester. “We had over 300 people at our last home softball game,” she said. “That’s something we haven’t seen in years.”
Behind the scenes, SXU’s athletic trainers and support staff are working hard to keep athletes healthy and ready to compete. With a long schedule of practices, travel, and meets, injury prevention and mental wellness have become key focuses.
“It’s more than just taping ankles,” said Marcus Leno, head athletic trainer. “We’re helping student-athletes stay physically and mentally prepared to meet the demands of college sports.”
Many seniors consider the personal significance of SXU athletics as they are ready to graduate.
“Being a Cougar has been one of the most important parts of my college life,” said Thomas. “It taught me discipline, leadership, and how to push through adversity.”
Cougar athletes are ready to finish strong as conference tournaments and national championships draw near.
As the semester draws to a close, SXU Athletics keeps up its efforts to promote school spirit, boost results, and strengthen campus connection. One game, one record, and one athlete at a time, the Cougar spirit is alive and well on the field, the track, and in the stands.
By Eduardo Perez