Legendary XHS Girls Basketball Coach, Tom Lilly, Retiring after 2024-2025

After more than 40 years of coaching and mentoring young student-athletes, Coach Tom Lilly has announced his retirement as the Head Girls Basketball Coach here at Xavier following the 2024-2025 season. Coach Lilly leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, both in terms of on-court success and the profound impact he has had on his players, coaching staff, and the entire Xavier community.

A graduate of Regis High School (1973) and Wartburg College (1977), Lilly’s coaching career began in the early 1980s and spanned four decades, including two seasons of coaching 6-on-6 basketball at St. Matthews before transitioning to the high school level. From 1984-1998, he served as Head Coach at Regis High School, where his teams earned a record of 188-102. In 1998, when Xavier High School opened its doors, Lilly took the helm of the new program and would go on to build a powerhouse, posting a career record of 425-181 over 25 seasons at Xavier.

“Tom Lilly is without a doubt a Xavier icon. I vividly remember the excitement and joy of the entire Xavier community in 2003 when girls basketball won the school’s first state title. Between that first championship and the four others that have since followed in girls basketball, Xavier High School has very much been put on the statewide map under Tom’s leadership. We are forever grateful for the countless hours he has devoted to our students and Catholic education, both on the court and in the classroom.”
~Chris McCarville, President of Xavier Catholic Schools

With an overall career record of 614-283 and a remarkable 70.1% winning percentage, Coach Lilly’s teams earned 17 trips to the State Tournament and competed in six State Championship games, winning five titles in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, and 2022. His teams also captured numerous regional championships and conference titles, cementing his reputation as one of Iowa’s top high school basketball coaches.

Reflecting on his coaching career, Coach Lilly shares the following:

"I’ve been blessed with so many great players who shared a common desire to be part of a strong, successful team. The support from their families has been crucial, and I am incredibly thankful for the role the Xavier community has played in our success. It truly takes a village to run a program, and I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful people along the way."

"My coaching philosophy has always been simple: 'You get what you earn.' Every decision we make has an outcome, and it’s our job as coaches to instill a positive message of hope in our players. I’ve always tried to follow the advice of former UCLA softball coach Sue Enquist, who said, ‘Stain their brain in what they can do each and every day. Be a messenger of hope.’ That’s something I’ve always believed in and worked to impart to our athletes."

Over the years, Coach Lilly’s leadership and dedication were recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2008) and the LaSalle-Regis-Xavier Alumni Hall of Fame (2013). He was also named State Coach of the Year multiple times (2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2022) and received the IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction in 2008. He has been a regular fixture in the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association, serving on the association’s board for over a decade.

“Coach Lilly’s decorated career and lasting impact on Xavier are unmatched. His leadership and dedication shaped countless athletes and strengthened our tradition of excellence. We’re deeply grateful for all he’s done for the Xavier Community. Thank you, Coach Lilly—once a Saint, forever a Saint!” 
~Matt Svare, XHS Activities Director

Despite his many accolades, Lilly has always remained humble about his success, focusing instead on the relationships he built with his players and the values of teamwork, hard work, and class that he instilled in them.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach many talented athletes who were driven not just by individual success but by their desire to be part of something bigger. To see them grow both as players and as people has been the most rewarding part of this journey.”
~Coach Lilly

"When I think of Tom's impact, it's not the state championships, or the numerous All-State and All-Conference athletes he developed that come to mind. Rather, it's the tremendous and positive impact he has had all these many years on the girls he coached and students he taught. He has impacted the lives of so many through his leadership, example and commitment to excellence."
~Jeff Henderson, Former Principal of Xavier High School (1998-2004)

In addition to his work on the basketball court, Lilly has also coached in other sports, including football, soccer, and softball, always emphasizing discipline and a strong work ethic. His legacy will not only be remembered for the championships and victories but for the countless lives he touched along the way.

Coach Lilly will retire alongside his wife Elizabeth, and their two sons, Caelen and Keegan, who have supported him throughout his career.

Xavier will hold a special celebration in honor of Coach Lilly's retirement at a later date. Additional details will be announced in the near future.