Calder Wong

At a varsity girls tennis match on Oct. 14, 2025, against Mother McAuley, senior Xia Nesbitt prepares to return the ball.

Senior Xia Nesbitt has been selected for the IHSA Academic All-State Team. Xia, who is a track and tennis athlete, was chosen as one of 26 students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in academics, athletics and leadership. 

Each of the 829 schools recognized by the IHSA may nominate one male and one female athlete who have a grade point average of at least 3.5 and compete in at least two IHSA-sponsored sports. 

Xia said her academic success comes from holding herself to a high personal standard rather than competing with others. She is the fourth U-High student-athlete to receive this award, following 2025 recipient Krish Khanna. 

“I feel really jazzed about this,” Xia said. “I didn’t realize this was a possibility for me. I’m not playing sports in college, but I am still so passionate about them and the way they bring people together.” 

Xia credited her head tennis coach, Dawuad Talib, and his motto, “Forget the tennis,” for helping her stay grounded while she competes.

“It’s something I’ve taken with me, because he really emphasizes the fact that we’re not going to be playing tennis forever, or be in high school forever,” Xia said. “The lessons that we learn in sports go so far beyond.”