I started following this team way back at the beginning of the season, with the sweep of Kennesaw St and the series wins over Clemson and FSU. It felt then like it would be a great ride, and it certainly was. There were many more highs than lows, and so many terrific games and moments to remember.

This is such an easy team to root for. They are passionate, respectful, and terrific ambassadors of VT Athletics and the university more broadly. We have all learned through Chip that they (not surprisingly) are wonderful people off the field as well. Their hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Shout out to Chip for his excellent reporting and his fundraising efforts!

That’s why I’m so happy to put a check in the mail to Chip on Tuesday for $502 as part of his “Poppin It” challenge. Based on my wacky scoring system, they earned $330 ($244 in Tempe and $86 in Los Angeles) but I decided to triple the earnings in LA, since any win over the defending champs is quite a feat. Anyone donating to this program (no matter how large or small the amount) should know that every dollar will be put to good use for the future betterment of the program.

I sure hope the entire team comes back. Something special is brewing in Blacksburg with this group and I, for one, can’t wait for first pitch next season. The fact that the team won a Regional and made it to a Super will leave them with that bittersweet taste of pride but also wanting more. I bet they host a Regional next year and wouldn’t at all be surprised to see them advance to Oklahoma City.

We absolutely have the right guy for the job in Coach Pete and you know he and his staff will build on this success and give us much to cheer for again in 2022.

Congrats ladies!