The defining moment of Avery Link’s high school tennis career may have come on the first day of school last August, nowhere near a court.

Link has more than proven herself on the court during her four years at Cedar Rapids Xavier , winning a team state title in 2021, a co-ed doubles title with Ryan Schmit last June and racking up more than 100 career wins.

However a gesture on a mid-August morning to not only a future teammate, but one who would eventually bump her down a spot in the lineup, showed Link’s true character.

“It would be easy for Avery to not be thrilled about a freshman (Gabi Fleming) coming in that would have potential to play No. 1,” said Xavier Coach Matt Foxhoven. “Not only was Avery excited about the addition, she knows what it's like as a freshman coming in to high school so she woke up early on the first day of school and picked Gabi up to take her to school.

“It makes a big difference when you can walk through the halls on your first day with a senior by your side. That's the kind of kid Avery is.”

Fleming’s addition has allowed Link to have a unique perspective for her senior season.

“It’s not very often that a team has a player playing No. 2 who has a season of experience as a No. 1,” she said. “The biggest adjustment I have had to make has been using that experience to my advantage.

“Our team has loved having Gabi as our No. 1. Her work ethic and constant desire to be the best player she can be has inspired every girl on our team. Our team would not be the same without her talent and her ability to push everyone to be the best versions of themselves.”

Now the postseason portion of the schedule begins on Monday. Singles and doubles regionals in Class 1A and 2A around the state begin at 9 a.m. with winners and runners-up qualifying for the state meet later this month.

Xavier has been assigned to play at Saydel. Link will be playing doubles with Ruby Smith while Fleming, the state’s top-ranked 1A player, will play singles.

Link, who did not place at state in singles last year, is looking forward to playing doubles for the first time since her freshman year, when she combined with Ella Tallett to finish third.

“They have had limited time together this season, but we have had them working in practices throughout the year,” Foxhoven said of the Link-Smith combo. “I think they compliment each other well in doubles. They both have experience placing at state doubles and that can go a long way.”

The lack of postseason success the past two seasons is something Link has embraced.

“This off-season I have really worked on building my confidence so I will be approaching this postseason with a positive and assertive mindset,” she said. “I haven’t had the opportunity to play in the doubles tournament since my freshman year but I’m excited to see what Ruby and I are able to accomplish this year.”

Foxhoven believes Link is in a good position to have a successful finish to her prep career.

“Last year was a tougher role for her,” he said. “She was the only returning starter for us so she had everyone looking at her when things went sideways.

“I think that took a bit of a mental toll on her. She is in a great spot mentally this year and has done a great job of bringing along a big group.”

And, in typical Link fashion, she is looking at the big picture as she enters her final stretch of play at Xavier.

“I picture the final month of my tennis career being full of opportunity,” she said, “mainly the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on this program. Regardless of how my career ends, I hope to leave this team in the best place I can for them to have success in the future.”