The UVA squash class of 2021 were the first to play all four years of their undergraduate careers at the varsity level. They led the way for historic finishes for both teams, with the UVA women finishing at #9 in 2020 and the UVA men finishing at #5. 

“I am so exceptionally proud of all six of our graduating players,” notes Head Coach Mark Allen. “Andrew, William, Matt, and Christian each brought different, though equally valuable, contributions to our men’s team. Taken together, their achievements and personalities helped shape the program into one of the nation’s finest. And what they helped to build, they built to last. Emily and Giovanna could not have been better suited to lead and inspire our women’s side. They were supportive teammates, fierce competitors, and two of the finest citizens of the University; without a doubt their legacy is going to last well into the future. It is always hard to bid farewell to our graduates but I know that every member of the class of 2021 has so much to offer the world beyond UVA. I really can’t wait to see what comes next for each of them.”

A brief bio for each player, with career highlights and notable accomplishments, is provided below. 

Giovanna Veiga was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the women’s squash team from 2018-2021. She helped lead the program to a record-high finish of #9 in the nation and the Kurtz Cup Division Championship as a third year and served as a team captain in her final season. Individually, Giovanna compiled a win-loss record of 30-8 in official CSA matches. Her honors include the Frank W. Finger Undergraduate Award in Psychology (2020-2021 season), a Most Improved Player Award (2018-2019), a CSA Scholar Athlete Award (2020-2021), and three appearances on the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2019-2021). Giovanna graduated from UVA in May of 2021, taking a BS in psychology with a minor in sociology. 

Emily Woodworth was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the women’s squash team from 2017-2021. She was a two-term team captain and helped lead the team to a record finish of #9 in the nation and its first ever Kurtz Cup title during the 2019-2020 season. Individually, Emily compiled a win-loss record of 35-27 in official CSA matches. Her honors include an Echols Scholarship, the Frank W. Finger Undergraduate Award in Psychology (2020-2021 season), a UVA Team MVP Award (2019-2020), two CSA Scholar Athlete Awards (2019-2021), and three appearances on the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2018-2021). She was named Virginia’s 2021 Jettie Hill Memorial Award winner, presented to the fourth-year female athlete with the highest scholastic average throughout her four years. Emily graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in May of 2021, taking a BA in psychology.

Andrew Braff was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the men’s squash team from 2017-2021. Andrew was a team captain in his final season and helped lead the program to a record-high finish of #5 in the nation as a third year. Individually, he compiled a win-loss record of 40-10 in official CSA matches. Andrew’s honors include a Most Improved Player Award (2018-2019 season), a Match of the Year Award (2019-2020), and a CSA Scholar Athlete Award (2020-2021). He also earned a place on the ACC Academic Honor Roll in each season that he was eligible. Andrew graduated from UVA’s McIntire School in May of 2021, taking a BS degree in commerce with a concentration in finance and a track in real estate.

William Braff was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the men’s squash team from 2017-2021. He was a team captain in his final season and helped lead the program to a record-high finish of #5 in the nation as a third year. Individually, William compiled a win-loss record of 32-23 in official CSA matches and earned recognition as a CSA Scholar Athlete for the 2020-2021 season. He was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll each year that he was eligible. William graduated from UVA’s McIntire School in May of 2021, taking a BS degree in commerce with a dual concentration in finance and management.

Matt Katz was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the men’s squash team from 2017-2021. He was a team captain in his final season and helped lead the program to a record-high finish of #5 in the nation as a third year. Individually, Matt compiled a win-loss record of 31-15 in official CSA matches and earned recognition as a CSA Scholar Athlete for the 2020-2021 season. He was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll following his junior and senior years. Matt graduated from UVA’s McIntire School in May of 2021, completing a BS degree in commerce with a concentration in finance and a track in real estate.

Christian Kohlmeyer was a four-year UVA Athletics letter winner, competing for the men’s squash team from 2017-2021. He was a team captain in his final two seasons and helped lead the program to a record-high finish of #5 in the nation as a third year. Individually, Christian compiled a win-loss record of 13-2 in official CSA matches and earned recognition as a CSA Scholar Athlete for the 2020-2021 season. He was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll each year that he was eligible. Christian graduated from UVA’s McIntire School in May of 2021, taking a BS degree in Commerce with a dual concentration in Finance and Information Technology.