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34 CAVALIER CORNER cavalier profile MEAGAN BEST Fourth-Year • Squash Meagan Best etched her name in the Barbados history books in November when the Virginia fourth- year became the first-ever squash player from her home nation to medal at the Pan American games. It was not just the first-ever squash medal for Barbados; it was only the second for a Caribbean nation. In the 19 times the Pan American Games have been held, Guyana's Nicolette Fernandes is the only other Caribbean native to mount the po- dium in the event, earning a bronze in 2011 in the singles competition. Best celebrated her bronze in the doubles event by duplicating the finish in the team event two days later, this time with former Cavalier teammate Mandy Haywood ('22) joining her on the podium. The two Cavaliers won their individual matches in Barbados' quarterfinal 2-0 victory against Chile to advance the team to the medal rounds, where they earned their team bronze. Best is a veteran of international competition, especially at the junior level, having won three golds and two silvers at the Junior Pan Ams and twice competing at the Commonwealth Games, but this was her first time competing at the Pan Ameri- can Games. "It's an honor to represent Barbados," Best said. "Honestly, I don't think I understood how much it meant when I was younger, but just thinking about it now, I understand how much of an honor and privilege it is to just have those letters on the back of my clothes. It's huge, coming from where I come from with not many resources, but still being able to perform at the same level as these kids who have double the amount of access." She also felt her accomplishment was even more special as she shared the team bronze with Haywood. "I grew up with Mandy, so it was awesome," Best said. "Just kind of remembering our whole journey up to that point and knowing that even at the big- gest stage, we're still competing together, holding our camaraderie and our bond, and bringing it home for our country. I consider her a sister now. I would hope she also says this." Days after standing on the podium in Santiago, UVA's first-ever CSA first-team All-American was in New Haven, Conn., leading the Cavaliers to their first-ever win against perennial collegiate power- house Yale. "It's just been an amazing journey," Best said. "I'm honored to represent Barbados and UVA. Let's just keep going and see how far we can go." — Melissa Dudek • Photo courtesy UVA