SXU Alumna Named Interim Head Women's Basketball Coach
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Sidney Lovitsch '22 has been named interim head women's basketball coach at SXU. Lovitsch, who played for the women's basketball team during her entire undergraduate career, is thrilled to be back on the court and leading the team that meant so much to her.
Lovitsch is grateful to Interim Athletics Director Kenyan Alston and Saint Xavier for the opportunity, and she already has plenty of goals in mind. She plans to work with the team to win conference and the conference tournament, get to nationals, and continue to develop the great women who are part of the prestigious program.
"There really aren't words to describe how much SXU means to me. I met so many great people and was surrounded by a community that supported me constantly. Being able to give these student-athletes the same experience that I have had is super-important to me. SXU women's basketball absolutely lives up to its reputation," said Lovitsch.
Lovitsch, who was drawn to basketball since she was a child, chose SXU partly for its impressive collegiate women's basketball team and had a tremendous athletic career at SXU, having set the program record for most games played and is just one of 22 players to score 1,000 or more points and ranked No. 14 in team history. She was honored for her athletic performance by the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
"Some highlights of my athletic career at SXU include going to nationals 4 out of the 5 years of my college career and beating St. Francis my junior year to win conference. But the most important was playing with such amazing teammates and having great coaches," said Lovitsch. "I also really enjoyed Homecoming, supporting other athletic teams at their games, and more – there are so many good memories!"
Lovitsch chose to study business because she was interested in pursuing a career in marketing or becoming a saleswoman and was impressed with SXU's excellent undergraduate business program, which gave her the confidence and skills needed to excel.
"SXU very much prepared me for my career. The professors I had cared so much about their students succeeding. They are truly passionate about bettering their students and being available to them when needed, which made a huge difference in my academic career," said Lovitsch.
Lovitsch looks forward to achieving her goals for the team and working to continue the strong legacy of SXU's women’s basketball.