Sister Lynn Winsor, an iconic figure at Phoenix Xavier Prep, has declared her retirement following an extraordinary 52-year career at the institution. Her departure marks the end of an era during which she built a nationally recognized girls' golf program, accumulating an impressive 40 state championships, and dedicated 49 years to her role as the school's athletic director. Her commitment to fostering athletic excellence and advocating for opportunities for female athletes has left an indelible mark on the school and beyond, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes and establishing Xavier Prep as a powerhouse in high school sports.
Sister Lynn's impact on Xavier Prep's athletic success is unparalleled. For 47 years, she was at the helm of the girls' golf program, guiding it to an unprecedented 40 state titles. A highlight of her coaching career was the astounding streak of 16 consecutive state championships won by her golf teams between 1980 and 1995. Her tutelage developed some of Arizona's most distinguished female golfers, including luminaries like Heather and Missy Farr, Grace Park, Amanda Blumenhurst, and Cheyenne Woods, who went on to achieve significant success in their careers.
Beyond her direct coaching contributions, Sister Lynn was a staunch advocate for female athletes. In the 1970s, she championed Title IX, helping to create more equitable opportunities for girls in sports. Her influence extended to the administrative realm, where she held a position on the executive board of the Arizona Interscholastic Association and was actively involved with the National Interscholastic Administrators Association. In these roles, she consistently integrated her Catholic faith with her dedication to sports, making a profound impact on high school athletics both locally and nationally.
Her leadership as the vice principal for activities and athletics, a position she currently holds, has continued to steer Xavier Prep towards greater achievements. This is exemplified by Niche.com's recognition of Xavier in 2025 as the top all-girls high school for student-athletes in the country, and the fifth-best among all high schools nationwide. This accolade underscores the comprehensive success of the school's athletic programs under her guidance, which extends far beyond golf to include recent triumphs such as five consecutive soccer titles, multiple softball championships, and recent victories in girls' volleyball and basketball.
The announcement of Sister Lynn's retirement was shared with the Xavier faculty and staff on January 26. In her heartfelt message, she explained that after extensive prayer, reflection, and discussions with her order and leadership, she felt it was the right time to transition and offer her support from the sidelines. Her tenure has seen Xavier Prep amass an impressive 163 state championships and 73 state runner-up finishes across all sports, a testament to her vision and unwavering commitment. Her final words, "Love you all, and I will always be a part of Xavier College Preparatory. God bless, and go Gators," encapsulate the deep affection and loyalty she holds for the institution she served with such distinction.
Sister Lynn's career is decorated with numerous accolades, including induction into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. The Arizona Republic further honored her with a lifetime achievement award at the Arizona High School Sports Awards Show for her remarkable contributions. Her dedication to developing young athletes, promoting fair play, and inspiring excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Xavier College Preparatory.