Charlottesville, VA — Weather was the biggest challenge for the University of Virginia squash team last season. They were ranked 31st going into the National Team Championships, but a blizzard in the Mid-Atlantic region prevented the Cavaliers from competing in the Conroy Cup (D Division). This season, Virginia is focused on entering the top 25 in the rankings and at least winning the Conroy Cup. The team has the talent to attain that goal. They are returning 7 players from last season’s ladder and they have three talented freshmen joining the squad. For Virginia to achieve their top-25 goal, they will need to face more higher ranked teams during the regular season. Head coach Mark Allen recognizes this fact: “We are playing three strong teams from last year’s Conroy Cup division: Stanford, Hobart, and Johns Hopkins. Our performance in these matches will have huge implications for our position and seeding at Nationals.” Virginia will be led by Ned Whelan and Matt Brown, both beginning their second season as captains. Each captain has helped to bring the team together as Virginia continues to develop its squash program. The program may not have a lot of time to develop. Allen adds that “We are a rapidly improving program and our aspirations are to move into the top 10 by the 2018-2019 season.”
2013-2014 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 8-4
Final Ranking: NR
Team Championships: DNP (Unable to travel due to weather) in the Conroy Cup
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 2 of 4 … Position with the Most Wins: #3s had 10 Wins
2014-2015 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Club
Head Coach: Mark Allen
Returning Players: 1. Ned Whelan (2015); 2. Stewart Staunton (2017); 3. Matt Brown (2015 – Academic Recognition); 5. Campbell Goodman (2016); 7. Russell Bogue (2016); 8. Jack Pellington (2016); 9. Peter Dorsey (2015); 10. Matthew Schwartz (2016); 11. Chris Saeli (2016)
Graduated/Non-Returning Players: 4. Roy Flemmer (2014); 6. Noel Flemmer (2014)
Additions to the 2014-2015 Roster:
- Expected to play in the top 3: Mason Blake (Chestnut Hill Academy)
- Expected to play in the middle 3: Max Novick (Middlesex School)
- Expected to play in the bottom 3: Nick Van Eck (Choate Rosemary Hall)
Captains: Ned Whelan and Matt Brown
Team Goals: To finish the season ranked in the top 25
Key Matches: Stanford, Hobart, Johns Hopkins, and Denison
To read other team previews, please visit the 2014-2015 College Squash Season Previews page.
