PHOENIX — After more than five decades shaping student-athletes and mentoring generations of young women, Sister Lynn Winsor is retiring from Xavier College Preparatory at the end of June.
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The longtime educator, coach and athletic director was honored Friday night as the Xavier community gathered to celebrate her 52-year career at the central Phoenix Catholic school.
Sister Lynn’s connection to Xavier stretches back even further. She graduated from the school in 1961 before returning years later to begin what would become a decades-long career.
“I was at the time in 1972 I was at a girls’ school in St. Louis, and they closed because of financial problems and some other issues,” Winsor said. “So, I put my name out there to the sisters, and I was looking for a place to work.”
That opportunity soon came from Xavier College Prep’s principal.
“I went to school here. I’d love to come back,” Winsor said. “Yes, I was a graduate in 1961. So, I said, ‘Yes, I’m going to come back.’ Plus, my mom was here, and she was elderly, and I thought I can help take care of her. So that’s how I ended up here.”
Over the course of her career, Winsor coached basketball, softball and golf, helping lead teams to numerous state championships while building lasting relationships with students, faculty and families.
“She gives 200% so she’s here for everybody,” Tui Selvaratnam, the current Athletic Director at the school said. “Not just the students, not just the faculty, the coaches. I mean, she does so much for everybody, and she’s like a community figure.”
Those relationships extended well beyond school grounds.
“And then personally a lot of memories as well,” Selvaratnam said. “She was my witness at my wedding. She was there when my daughter was born, so it’s a lot of personal stuff too.”
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Winsor’s impact on Arizona athletics was recognized in 2000 when she was inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.
Current student-athletes said she represents the values Xavier strives to teach.
“There’s so much empowerment around the school, and that’s exactly what we have, like faith, like women in faith pursuing excellence,” one student said. “That’s exactly what she empowers and embodies.”
Although her tenure at Xavier is nearing its end, Winsor said she remains focused on ensuring the school’s future success. She plans to move to Dubuque, Iowa, where her mother house is located.
“I’ve learned from so many people, I’ve been loved and cared for by many, and I hope that what I’ve done here will continue on and grow greater and better and better,” Winsor said. “And I’m sure it will. Xavier’s always keep going. I always say, God bless and go Gators.”
Winsor, who turns 83 this weekend, said she is looking forward to the next chapter of her life.
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