Cavalier Corner

"At the end of the day, I hope to create a non- profit organization that focuses on international development, poverty-stricken communities, clean water and sustainability," he said. He also has a penchant for helping others on the court. During his 99 career games, the 6-5, 215-pounder has dished out a total of 220 assists. But given his ability to score, pass and defend, it is difficult to characterize him as one particular type of player. "I consider myself an efficient winner," he noted. "I don't feel I waste a lot of dribbles or have a lot of wasted movement on the court. "I do what my team needs me to do to win — whether it's score or pass — at a high level." What Brogdon has done could have been done at a variety of schools including Notre Dame, Clemson and Harvard, each of which desired his services. "I decided on Virginia because Coach Bennett and I immediately had a connection," he said. "He's a phenomenal coach. Wherever he goes he turns around the program. I felt I could be part of some- thing special and be one of the building blocks. "I also felt I could get a great education be- cause Virginia is such a prestigious institution." Brogdon feels basketball has helped him as much as a person if not as a player. "I think I've improved more as a person than a player," he said. "I use basketball as a tool to get me where I want to go. It's taught me so many life les- sons — perseverance and mental toughness — that translate into making you a better man. "I wouldn't be where I am without basketball. I think my experiences in life have translated onto the court to make me a better player, as well." Brogdon's perseverance was tested during his freshman year when he fractured a foot during game in February, which necessitated sitting out his second year on campus to obtain a medical redshirt. "That's been one of the most defining moments of my life," he said. "I was depressed because I never had faced adversity like that. I had support from my family and teammates. "I either could use it as a curse or a blessing. I took time to relax, get my body in shape, not take any day for granted and came back as a better player." ◆ BEST OF THE REST Matt Barrett, lacrosse — A fourth-year goalie, Barrett was a USILA second-team All-American and also the only Cavalier selected to the All-ACC squad. He finished ranked No. 1 in the ACC and No. 8 nationally with an average of 12.20 saves per game. Josh Sborz, baseball — When this third-year right-hander took the mound, invariably it meant the NCAA champion Cavaliers were going to prevail. Sborz finished 7-2 with 15 saves. In 73 innings, he allowed a combined total of 66 hits and walks, and fanned 62 while opponents posted a .163 batting average. In the NCAA Tourna- ment, Sborz was 4-0 with three saves and a 0.00 ERA on his way to earning College World Series Most Outstanding Player honors. Ryan Shane, tennis — Shane graduated with one of the greatest tennis résumés in school history. The No. 8 seed in the NCAA Singles Championship, he defeated Wake Forest's Noah Rubin to win the national title. That earned him a U.S. Open berth. Nick Sulzer, wrestling — Sulzer became the second three-time All-American in UVa wrestling history at the NCAA Championships. The 165-pounder was seeded fourth at nationals and earned All-America honors by finish- ing fifth. He also finished 30-3 and captured the 165-pound title at the ACC Championships. — Mike Scandura

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