Virginia Women's Tennis Signs Four Recruits

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Nov. 18, 2005

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia women’s tennis coach Mark Guilbeau announced that four players have signed letters of intent to join the Cavaliers next fall. Kristen McVitty (Woodland Hills, Calif.), Brintney Larson (Orchard Park, N.Y.), Jessica Preeg (Naples, Fla.) and Austin Hansen (Santa Monica, Calif.) will be part of the first year class during the 2006-07 season.

“We are very fortunate and excited to have signed an extremely strong class for enrollment at the University of Virginia in the fall of 2006,” said Guilbeau. “We would like to thank Austin, Brintney Kristen, and Jessica for the interest and effort they put forth during the recruiting process. We are confident and optimistic about their commitment to being great student-athletes at UVa and leaders for this women’s tennis program. We know that this group is joining a very solid, hard working returning team. Together they will have many great and enjoyable experiences at the University of Virginia, both on and off the courts. Everyone in this program is determined to work together to develop a women’s tennis team that is ranked among the nation’s elite teams year in and year out. We have asked a great deal from these prospects even before committing to UVa. As a staff, we will also ask a lot from ourselves on a daily basis and will do all that it takes for these players and this team to have the success it deserves.”

Kristen McVitty comes to Virginia from Woodland Hills, Calif. She is ranked in the top five nationally in 18s and is the third highest ranked junior player going to college. She is also the highest ranked player in history to come to Virginia. In the past year she has reached the final of the ATP Gator Bowl and the semifinals of ITF events in Morocco and Costa Rica. Also an accomplished doubles player, she has won several junior doubles titles, including a National Open in Hawaii in February with fellow recruit Brintney Larson.

Brintney Larson comes to Virginia from Orchard Park, N.Y. via the Heritage Academy in Hilton Head, S.C. Larson has been one of the top junior players in the nation over the past few years, earning a national ranking as high as No. 7 in 16s in 2004. From 2001 to 2002 she won four gold balls in doubles and reached the singles final of the USTA Super National Hard Court Championships. Her most recent doubles title came in February at the National Open in Hawaii with fellow recruit Kristen McVitty.

Jessica Preeg comes to Virginia from Naples, Fla.. She is ranked as one of the top junior players in Florida. While competing in 18s tournaments over the past two years she has reached the quarterfinals of two National Opens, the Southern Open, and the ATP Gator Bowl. Last spring, reached the final of the Florida High School Class 1A tournament.

Austin Hansen comes to Virginia from Santa Monica, Calif. She was ranked as high as No. 21 nationally in 16s in 2003. She reached the final of three junior tournaments over the past three years, winning a 16s tournament in South Bay.

“This recruiting cycle has shown more than ever all of the positives that the University of Virginia has to offer,” adds Guilbeau. “Having filled four of five open scholarships, we feel great about the future of the program, yet are still very much committed to the current recruiting process and the addition of one more top student-athlete with the remaining open scholarship. We will be working very hard to find this student-athlete and complete this class as one of the best in the country.”