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Name: Jordan Dail
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5'6"
Hometown: Forest, Va.
High School: Brookville High School
Other Schools Considered: Kentucky, UNC, UCF
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I chose VT because it reminded me a lot of home and I heard the food is pretty awesome too.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
My favorite thing was touring the campus and going to the football games. Nothing beats a football game in Lane Stadium.
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What do you like about the Tech softball program?
I like the team itself. I've gotten the opportunity to play with the other recruits for the past few years in travel ball and I've met most of the girls who are here now and they all are amazing people. I can't wait to compete with them on the field for the next four years.
What are your softball strengths?
My versatility as an overall athlete and my pitching.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
My favorite player is Bailey Landry. I've always loved what she stands for outside of softball and she's just so much fun to watch on the field and at the plate.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable softball moment was breaking 1,000 career strikeouts in high school. I was only the seventh pitcher in VHSL history to ever do so, and it was a very emotional experience. I actually broke down when they announced it.
What do you think you will major in?
As of right now I'm undecided, but I'm leaning towards business or communications.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I love going on adventures, listening to music, and OF COURSE my minions.
Name: Darby Trull
Position: Outfield
Height: 5’3
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
High School: Nation Ford High School
Other schools considered: Coastal Carolina
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I chose Virginia Tech because I wanted to be on a big campus with a lot of class options.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
My favorite thing about my visit was the atmosphere of the school and how it felt like I was a part of something bigger.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
I liked the coaching staff.
What are your softball strengths?
My arm and hitting for power or bunt slapping.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
My favorite baseball player is Babe Ruth because he wore the number 3 and played outfield.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable softball moment was when my team played seven games in one day and won them all. Even though it took so much out of us, we all honestly felt like we could play another game just because of adrenaline.
What do you think you will major in?
Probably something in business.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I like to throw people out.
Name: Casey Barrett
Position: Shortstop
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia
High School: Atlee High School
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
Because it has a lot of school spirit and it reminded me of Hogwarts.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
Walking on the football field during my official visit.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
The team is like a family.
What are your softball strengths?
Defense.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
Manny Machado because he's an awesome defensive player.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
Winning states with my high school team for the first time.
What do you think you will major in?
Communications.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I can solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute.
Name: Kayleigh Addington
Position: DP/Catcher/1B
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Lexington, Virginia
High School: Rockbridge County High School
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I chose Virginia Tech because they offered my major and the school felt like a second home to me.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
I loved the atmosphere at Tech!
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
The softball program at Tech was where I learned I loved the game of softball.
What are your softball strengths?
Hitting.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
Courtney Liddle, she was at the Virginia Tech softball camp the first year I attended and taught me how to hit.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable moment was hitting my first home run in 10U travel ball.
What do you think you will major in?
Meteorology.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I placed second in the nation in the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick competition my sophomore year of high school. I also was in the marching band in high school and played trumpet.
Name: Jada Crittendon
Position: Outfield
Height: 5’1"
Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia
High School: Granby High School
Other Schools considered: Virginia, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech has one of the best architecture programs in the country and the opportunity to play softball. Being in the architecture school was something I could not pass up. I was also selected to be in Tech’s Honors College, which is an exceptional opportunity.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
Getting to meet the team and experience some of Tech’s renowned night-time eateries like Benny’s.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
I like the comradery of the team and the feeling of a family on and off the field.
What are your softball strengths?
My best assets are my speed and my ability to track the ball in the outfield.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
Albert Pujols because I admired his hitting and he was one of my first role models besides my parents.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
In my first coaches-pitch baseball game, I hit a base hit and ran straight into the dugout. The coach asked why I did that and I responded “that’s what we did at practice.
What do you think you will major in?
Architecture
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I’m a hard-worker on and off the field, and I’m passionate about the game. My size is not a determinant of my ability. I play BIG.
Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing the newest members of the Virginia Tech softball team that will be joining the Hokies as freshmen in the fall of 2017.
Name: Keely Rochard
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
High School: Warhill
Other schools considered: Georgia Tech & Elon
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
It felt like home right when I stepped on campus
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
Going on the field before the football game.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
The coaching staff and the academic support that's given.
What are your softball strengths?
Pitching and knowing what pitches to throw at what time.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
Derek Jeter because he was an amazing player and an even better role model
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable softball moment was winning states last season because that was our coach’s first year coaching at the high school and the school had never won it before. Neither had anyone from our area in over 20 years.
What do you think you will major in?
Business management
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I’m already a licensed cosmetologist
More on Keely (info entering senior season)...
Three-year letter winner entering her senior season at Warhill … 2016 Daily Press Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year … Helped lead Warhill to the 2016 3A State Championships … Two-time 3A First Team All-Region.
Coach Thomas on Keely: “We’ve able to watch Keely grow and she’s a phenomenal pitcher who has great control and is a great competitor. We’re excited about having the combination of a lefty with Jordan and a righty in Keely going into next year with some kids who have played at a very high level and have done a good job.”
Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing the newest members of the Virginia Tech softball team that will be joining the Hokies as freshmen in the fall of 2017.
Name: Samantha Miller
Position: Outfield
Height: 5’3”
Hometown: Huntsville, Ohio
High School: Indian Lake High School
Other schools considered: Georgia Tech
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I chose Virginia Tech because of the overall atmosphere.
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
My favorite thing about my visit was getting to know my future teammates and coaches.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
What I like most about the softball program is that they do everything as a team.
What are your softball strengths?
Hitting.
Who is your favorite pro baseball or softball player (why)?
Joey Votto because I grew up going to Cincinnati Reds games.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable softball moment was, one game, the opposing coach told his pitcher to not pitch to me and then I hit a home run on the next pitch.
What do you think you will major in?
I plan on majoring in business.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I eat ketchup with just about anything.
More on Sammi (info entering senior season)...
Three-year letter winner entering her senior season at Indian Lake HS … Two-time team captain … CBC Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior … 2016 high school All-American … Led he conference with a .632 batting average, 10 triples seven home runs, 27 RBI and 27 stolen bases.
Coach Thomas on Sammi: “Sammi’s a high school All-American out of Ohio and I think we’re very fortunate to get her. She’s a tough out, battles late in the count, she’s the type of kid that you want up to bat when you need a big hit. She’s a lefty that we can put at the top of the order and we’re excited about her.”
Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing the newest members of the Virginia Tech softball team that will be joining the Hokies as freshmen in the fall of 2017.
Name: Cana Davis
Position: Outfield
Height: 5'9"
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
High School: Turner Ashby High School
Other schools considered: South Carolina, James Madison
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I chose Virginia Tech because of the overall atmosphere of the school. Everyone in Blacksburg bleeds maroon and orange!
What was your favorite thing about your visit?
My favorite thing about my visit was meeting all of the girls that would be my teammates when I arrive in 2017.
What do you like about the Tech softball program?
I like the togetherness of the team. It's a “never me, always we” team.
What are your softball strengths?
Hitting.
Who is your favorite baseball or softball player (why)?
My favorite baseball player is Chris Davis because I grew up going to Orioles games.
What is your most memorable softball moment (why)?
My most memorable softball moment was when I hit a home run on the first pitch of my first varsity at-bat freshman year.
What do you think you will major in?
I plan on majoring in communications.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you?
I can make my own sushi :)
More on Cana...
Three-year letter winner entering her senior season at Turner Ashby … 2016 Second Team All-State … Hit .455 with five home runs and 33 RBI as a junior … Has hit 16 HR with 105 RBI and a .487 batting average at Turner Ashby … 2014-15 First Team All-State … Member of the 2016 Junior Olympic All-Star team.
Coach Scot Thomas on Cana: “Cana is one of the top hitters in the state. She’s a high level player with a big stick, good speed, great overall athlete who has worked hard. She’s going to be a dynamic hitter in our lineup.”
Moment No. 1️⃣ of 2017!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) May 7, 2017
Aysha Richardson throws a no-no, goes 4-for-4 at the plate vs. Seton Hall on 2/24. Not bad 👏👏👏#Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/3EqOuIfDq0
Moment No. 2️⃣ of 2017!#Hokies 🦃 turn the first triple play in program history vs. No. 1 FSU on 3/10
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) May 6, 2017
Nolan➡️Hugney➡️Lattin➡️Mehr➡️Duff pic.twitter.com/YDMNCBcLy9
Moment No. 3️⃣ of 2017!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) May 4, 2017
Bre Davenport goes 5-for-5 vs. Louisville on 4/14. 3️⃣rd player in Tech history to have 5 hits in a game. #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/3Okv9lQ2wb
Moment No. 4️⃣ of 2017!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) May 3, 2017
Breanna Davenport hits not ☝️ but ✌️ dingers vs. No. 1 Florida State on 3/10#Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/b9PDubbLlN
⏰ for the top 5️⃣ moments of 2017!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) May 2, 2017
The #Hokies 🦃 hit 3 HRs in the 7th (4 total) at No. 11 JMU on 3/29
Liv➡️Caroline➡️Bre➡️Emma 💪 pic.twitter.com/3JvOyrDbEM
BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech softball team have committed to Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer at the ACC/Big 10 Challenge this weekend as the Hokies will don yellow laces for pediatric cancer awareness.
“We always try to instill Virginia Tech’s motto of Ut Prosim in our players so wearing these laces was a no-brainer,” head coach Scot Thomas said. “We play this game that we love but whenever we can bring more attention to a cause as a program we’ll do it.”
Fellow ACC squads North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Louisville have also committed to sporting yellow laces this weekend. The Hokies will face Iowa and Penn State this weekend in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge from Feb. 17-19.
#HokieNation, meet No. 9️⃣ Taylor Barnes!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) February 1, 2017
We've hit single digits! #Hokies🦃 pic.twitter.com/OKJdY4IkCY
The Virginia Tech softball team picked up a vote in the ESPN/USA Today preseason top 25 that was announced on Tuesday. The Hokies will face four opponents that are either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason poll: No. 4 Florida State, No. 16 James Madison, No. 22 Notre Dame and RV North Carolina.
Tech opens the 2017 season in Las Vegas at the 2017 Sportco Kick Off Classic. ACC Freshman of the Year and All-ACC first teamer Lauren Duff returns behind the plate for the Hokies and she'll be complimented by depth in the field and in the lineup.
The #Hokies🦃 pick up a vote in the ESPN/@USASoftball preseason top 25 👍
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) January 31, 2017
📰➡️ https://t.co/GyyAUVfiaV pic.twitter.com/JASpuGaM4z
#HokieNation, meet No. 1️⃣2️⃣ Hannah Jones!#Hokies🦃 pic.twitter.com/kFQ0CYAncY
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) January 29, 2017
#HokieNation, meet No. 2️⃣4️⃣ Whitney Metz!#Hokies🦃 pic.twitter.com/2a4Uq5shll
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) January 17, 2017
#HokieNation, meet No. 2️⃣5️⃣ Carrie Eberle!#Hokies🦃 pic.twitter.com/QO466RHDvw
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) January 16, 2017
College Sports Madness predicts an NCAA Tournament appearance and a fifth place finish in the ACC in 2017 for the Virginia Tech softball team. Joel Wesler notes the Hokies’ balanced offense and a number of key pieces returning to the lineup in Lauren Duff, Emma Strouth, Olivia Lattin, Caitlyn Nolan and Chelsea Whitcomb.
To read the full breakdown, click here.
The matchups for the 2016 ACC/Big Ten have been announced and the Virginia Tech softball team will be taking on Iowa and Penn State in Atlanta from Feb. 17-19. The full release from the ACC can be found below.
2017 #ACCB1G Softball Challenge Matchups Set. Check out the #ACCSB participants and matchups here: https://t.co/e92h8M6c1Z pic.twitter.com/J7HNVWkMvM
— ACC Softball (@ACCsoftball) October 20, 2016
He was good behind the mic, but does Bill Roth hit for power? 🤔
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) October 12, 2016
Find out at our Hit-a-Thon on Oct. 27! #Hokies ➡️ https://t.co/4NicOra7ox pic.twitter.com/VBxmQ23hEz
BLACKSBURG - Four years ago, former Hokie softball player Carmen Farmer picked up playing rugby as a way to fill a competitive void in her life. Her hobby soon turned into a life-changing experience for the Richmond, Virginia native as she went on to represent her country on the USA rugby sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Farmer is now back in the states and took some time out to answer a few questions about her experience.
The U.S. defeated France in the fifth-place match, 19-5. Obviously, everyone wants to win the gold, but how did the team feel about its performance?
“Obviously, we would have liked to have been on that podium with a medal. But once we were out of contention, we knew we still had more games and we wanted to make sure we finished on a high note. We knew that a lot of folks back home were watching and we wanted to make sure we played with pride in those final games. France is always a feisty team to play, so we were excited to go out with a win against them.”
Considering where you were a few years ago, what was it like stepping onto the field for the first time in the prelims?
“Stepping on the field in the prelims was surreal. There was definitely a lot of anticipation leading up to it as we had been training for the last year for that particular moment. The Olympics are strange in that way. There's no ‘there's always next year’ with the Olympics. You put in so much focus on a small window that comes around only every four years, so once that moment comes you are basically frothing at the mouth and ready to just go. You are in the interesting place where you know there's this huge thing on the line, but you are also kind of at peace because now you get to go out there and put into place what you have been working on for so long.”
Did you ever think you would make it this far in the sport?
“If I'm honest with myself, then no I never really thought I would get to this point in rugby. When I picked it up four years ago, I knew that rugby was going to be in the Olympics, really had no sense of me being a part of that. Even up to a year ago, I really didn't think I had much of a shot. But I knew that I would regret it if I didn't do everything I could to give it a fair go. So that's when I decided to take a chance and move out to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA and commit to it full time. Luckily my employer was amazingly supportive and flexible enough to let me pursue it.”
Who was the coolest athlete you met and what was the interaction like?
“The coolest athlete that I met was Bubba Watson. I saw him several times in the athlete lounge in our building and each time he was super sweet. He would say hello and go out of his way to chat and ask about our experience at the Games. He was super genuine and down to earth and I really enjoyed getting to meet him. It's not every day you get to sit around and hang out with a Masters champion.”
What’s next for you in your rugby career?
“Well I'm retiring from playing sevens so there won’t' be another Olympics in my future! For now, I want to focus back on work which has been my other passion. I work for a Land Trust that focuses on helping to preserve open spaces and farm land from being developed. In particular, we work closely with farmers to help make sure they can keep their farms in their families and provide a sustainable future with that land. The Olympics was a fantastic once in a life time experience, but I'm happy to be able to come back to my career and do work that I love.”
The Virginia Tech softball team's scheduled doubleheader against Louisburg JC has been canceled due to incliment weather. The Hokies' doubleheader with West Virginia Wesleyan is still set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Follow the Hokies on Twitter at @VT_Softball for more updates.
Great crowd for our first games of fall ball! pic.twitter.com/Uzkk1BHLZy
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) September 25, 2016
The #Hokies return to Tech Softball Park this Thursday! Never too early for some softball. pic.twitter.com/Vooa06hY7H
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) September 19, 2016
The Virginia Tech softball team opens its fall schedule on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Tech Softball Park for the first game of the Maroon and Orange instrasquad series.
All games are free and open to the public. Below are the rosters for both squads.
The Hokies are coming off a 29-28 campaign where they finished the regular season with the sixth-toughest schedule in the nation and an RPI of 42. Tech returns 16 players from last season and 13 letterwinners including ACC Freshman of the Year Lauren Duff and Breanna Davenport, who hit .299/.520/.382 with six home runs and 20 RBI last season.
Orange Roster
Taylor Barnes
Elizabeth Birle
Taylor Clark
Breanna Davenport
Lauren Duff
Carrie Eberle
Kinsey Johnson
Hannah Jones
Olivia Lattin
Whitney Saunders
Caroline Schoenewald
Maroon Roster
Mikaela Aiken
Vanessa Gonzalez
Danielle Hugney
Ashley Kowalski
Brianna McGowan
Jessie Mehr
Whitney Metz
Caitlyn Nolan
Aysha Richardson
Emma Strouth
Chelsea Whitcomb
Before the Virginia Tech football team's victory over Boston College on Sept. 17 at Lane Stadium, the Hokie softball team signed autographs for fans of all ages at the Hokie Village. Thank you to all of the fans that came out!
Need help moving in? The #Hokies have your back 👍. pic.twitter.com/AAMqQYXFrm
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) August 21, 2016
Former @VT_Softball star @CFarmer6 will play rugby in the #RioOlympics for @TeamUSA https://t.co/L6vrNvKxPs pic.twitter.com/DhF3S0QxYc
— The Roanoke Times (@roanoketimes) August 2, 2016
AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Racers are continuing to celebrate their "15th Season of Play" by recognizing the 30 players who have had the biggest impact on the development of their franchise. The next IMPACT honoree to be recognized by the Racers is former pitcher Angela Tincher.
“Angela Tincher carved out an amazing career at every level,” general manager Joey Arrietta said. “Her tenacity and work ethic was stellar and she carried herself with so much poise and pride. Her contribution to the game is worth applauding once again.”
After having an outstanding career at Virginia Tech, Tincher was drafted in the first round of the 2008 National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Racers with the third overall pick. In her rookie season, Tincher wasted no time making her mark on the game, she struck out an amazing 157 batters, an Akron Racer record for a single season that still stands to this day. In fact, that strikeout total positions Tincher 11th all-time by a pitcher in the combined WPF-WPSL-NPF history.
To continue reading the Akron Racers’ release, click here.
WXFR’s Jermaine Ferrell showcased Maggie Tyler and pitching coach Angela Tincher O’Brien earlier this week, highlighting their success both in and out of the circle.
On March 18, 2016, Maggie Tyler threw her first career no-hitter in the 4-0 win over Boston College, marking the 39th no-hitter in Virginia Tech program history. It was also the first seven-inning no-hitter since pitching coach Angela Tincher O’Brien tossed on against Florida State in 2008 at the ACC Championship. Tyler’s passion for sports doesn’t end on the softball field, as she has been working in the sport broadcasting field for the last few years. Check out Ferrell’s video HERE.
Not only did coach Tincher O’Brien no-hit Florida State, but she also tossed a no-hitter against Team USA on March 26, 2008 – coined “The Miracle on Dirt”. After her stand-out career at Virginia Tech where she earned first-team all-America honors twice as well as 2008 national player of the year, Tincher O’Brien still helps in the circle but now as Tech’s pitching coach. Watch Ferrell’s video HERE.
The Hokies departed Blacksburg Friday afternoon…after Vanessa found our bus driver and guided him to the Chicken Hill lot.
And we're off! #VTSBspringbreak pic.twitter.com/q7lIfQy3iC
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) March 4, 2016
Our freshmen have been enjoying their first experience on a sleeper bus…Casey and Lauren snoozed the entire drive to Raleigh.
Game Day #1: We may have lost the first game, but Kelsey slugged a grand slam late in the game to get us the W! http://vthoki.es/PDWaQ
#HOKIES WIN!!!!
— VT Softball (@VT_Softball) March 5, 2016
Kelsey Mericka rockets a grand slam to RF, propelling the Hokies to the 8-7 come-from-behind win! pic.twitter.com/ymTRRRZ3YN
Game Day #2: We made a new friend before our game final game in Raleigh.
Sunday started out in our favor but a late push by the Wolfpack earned the win before we headed to South Carolina.
Now that we’ve arrived in Charleston, it’s time to heal these injuries and get in some practice time (while we work on our farmers’ tans) before our doubleheader on Wednesday.
Stay tuned to see what our travels have in store. (There's rumors of exploring downtown and Fort Sumter.)
#GoHokies
The Hokies concluded their fall slate Wednesday night with a doubleheader against local foe, Radford. Tech dropped the first game 3-1 but showed resilience in the second with a 10-4 win. Here are the highlights:
Game One: L, 1-3
Game Two: W, 10-4
The Hokies will put on their second annual Hit-A-Thon next Friday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m.
In an effort to make up previously cancelled games, the Hokies played two doubleheaders at home last weekend, walking away with a 5-1 record in their fall slate. Here are the highlights from the contests.
Saturday vs. West Virginia Weslyan
Game One: W, 9-1
Game Two: W, 16-2
Sunday vs. Richard Bland
Game One: L, 0-1
Game Two: W, 22-0
The Hokies conclude their fall schedule tomorrow against Radford with a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Tech Softball Park.
Virginia Tech softball’s volunteer coach Kylie McGoldrick will be collecting lightly used baseball and softball gear this weekend during the Hokies’ doubleheaders at Tech Softball Park. Saturday's games against West Virginia Wesleyan begin at noon, followed by Richard Blanch on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The items collected on this weekend will go to Diamonds for All, a charity that provides equipment to local teams and park districts to help kids play ball. The charity is looking to collect the bats, gloves, cleats, bat bags, baseballs, softballs, helmets, etc.
Diamonds for All was started by McGoldrick and her brother several years ago with the help of their parents. She is thankful for the opportunities she’s had to play softball and wants to help others do the same.
“My brother and I have been so blessed to play the game we love for so many years,” McGoldrick said. “The least we can do it help other kids play ball and chase their dreams.”
There will be a second collection on Oct. 23 during Tech Softball’s Hit-A-Thon, beginning at 5 p.m. More information can be found on Diamonds for All’s Facebook page here.
Virginia Tech softball finally took the field this weekend at Liberty after cancellations and relocating due to perpetual rain. Here are the highlights from the Hokies’ doubleheader.
Game One vs. Liberty: W, 5-3
Game Two vs. Virginia: W, 11-5
The Hokies added four games to their fall schedule with the prior cancellations. Tech takes the field at home for three double headers: Oct. 10 at noon, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., and Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. The last opportunity to see your Hokies this fall is at the second annual Hit-A-Thon on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.
Since the announcement of the second annual Hit-A-Thon, three additional celebrity hitters will participate on Oct. 23. A total of seven celebrity contestants will step up to the plate at Tech Softball Park.
To make a pledge for a Hit-A-Thon participant, contact Whitney Davis at (540) 231-7240.
The Virginia Tech softball team kicks off its fall schedule in a short 11 days from now in an afternoon double-header on Sunday, Sept. 27. Following the second game, boys and girls ages 6-10 are invited to participate in a free clinic at Tech Softball Field. Please be sure to bring a bat and glove in order to play. Go Hokies!
Hey Hokies,
The last two days were loaded days … just like every other day we’ve been here! Yesterday was filled with camp, our 8 am wakeup call was followed by eight hours of the camp, which was led by the DPV guys. It was an exhausting day of activities, monitoring breaks, and we ended the camp by a trip to the beach with all 66 kids. I’ve learned so much in the last five days of camp, there’s no way I can sum everything up, but I’ll try!
My mind has been going a mile a minute since those kids left us, especially because camp is actually over and done and their bus won’t be pulling in tomorrow morning. There’s no more struggling to speak Spanish to the kids, no more hugs from my favorite little boy, Dariel, in the mornings, and no more bracelets or knick knacks that two of my favorite girls, Brenda and Haley made and brought for me. This was different than any other camp I’ve ever worked. We weren’t simply extending our soccer and volleyball knowledge, we were experiencing a culture that none of us have ever seen before. Not only did I learn about these kids, I learned the most about myself.
They might have thought that we were the ones who were teaching them, they were really the ones teaching me.
Camp was a challenge. We had a lot to organize, it was hot and sweaty, and the kids were bouncing off the walls. Putting all those things aside (because looking back, they didn’t matter) it was the most amazing experience I’ve ever been a part of. I learned so much from the DPV guys who worked the camp with us, Julio and Miguel; they taught me how to deal with children, how to be serious when needed & playful when the kids are down, and acted as great translators for my pathetic Spanish.
Finally, this experience put things in perspective for me. I look back at some of the things that bug me the most when I’m home in the States; not having a good wi-fi signal … not being able to upgrade my phone, my AC pumping so hard in my house that I need to turn it down in order to be comfortable. It made me realize how selfish those things are. We were working with kids who would never be able to have a cell phone, or didn’t have shoes to wear to the camp, so they ran around everywhere barefoot. It’s not something that I’ve ever experienced or seen before, and it really changed my perspective and made me realize how blessed I am.
We spent the rest of the night after camp visiting a village that’s a little ways from where we’re staying; eating pizza, writing papers, and reminiscing about all the amazing things we experienced during camp. I feel accomplished, and I wish I could say that we will start another camp this upcoming Wednesday, it’s hard to think that my time here is almost over.
The rest of our time here will be spent winding down. We spent the morning in class today and we all got the chance to do our own thing for the rest of the day. I’ve spent the majority of my day catching up on schoolwork, processing my thoughts after the hard part of this class was over, and dodging iguanas that escaped their cages outside our facility. (see picture)
We’re taking a trip to a nice beach tomorrow morning, so we’re looking forward to that. Buenos noches, Hokies!
- Mags
The last two days have consisted of mostly camps and the occasional break, we also toured the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation on Friday Night, and that was completely fascinating. We're all pretty exhausted, but we only have one day of camp left with the kids!
Here's a few pictures I've captured the past few days to capture a little bit of what we've been doing!
- Maggie
Hey Hokies!
Today went really, really well! I thought that yesterday went smoothly with the sports camp, but today was even better than yesterday. Now that we have a day of camp under our belts, we knew what we needed to do in order to make today run a little smoother.
One of the things I love about this class is the responsibility; it’s a blessing and a curse. While it puts a lot of pressure on us to make sure everything runs smoothly, it gives us an ultimate feeling of accomplishment when the day’s done. I loved working with the kids again and getting to know them on a personal level, learning names and smiling whenever they remembered mine. The sport of the day was volleyball, and I was surprised by how talented some of the boys and girls were and how much fun they had playing the games.
Today’s camp was led by Kelly Williford, Ben Borgert, Logan Stevens and Lauren Buckworth. Each and every one of them did a phenomenal job organizing and planning the camp, and we worked really well as a team and class in order to get everything done.
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Again, the sun was beating down on us and we were pretty exhausted once 5 p.m. rolled around, but this experience is ridiculously rewarding and each and every one of us is having the experience of a lifetime.
We finished our day with a trip to the beach, followed by a delicious dinner and some relaxation back at the facility. I’m a part of the team that’s leading the camp tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to that and playing with the kids once again!
Buenos noches!
- Maggie
Hey Hokies!
We had an awesome day today, and kicked off our sports camp with the students who traveled to Punta Cana from Veron! Our class started the day off with a workout, breakfast and a short class. Today’s sports camp was planned completely by our class, and I think we all underestimated how much effort it would take to plan the whole thing, nonetheless run it.
Julio and Miguel are our two “DPV” or “Deportes para la Vid” (Sports for life) boys, and they are nothing short of amazing with the kids and with each and every one of us. Although their English might not be perfect, we are all able to make connections with them and learn so much from them in order to make this camp run efficiently. During class today, we learned and practiced a few “dominicas” from them, which are games to play with kids to break the ice and have a fun time before getting down to business.
Today’s sport was soccer, or “futbol” as the Dominicans call it, and our leaders for the day consisted of Nick, Marie, and Carson. They did a phenomenal job organizing the whole day of camp, especially because we were thrown several curve balls as a group and had to deal with them completely ourselves. With only 11 of us, and 91 of them, not to mention a language barrier, we had a huge challenge on our hands.
We handled the curve balls as a class really well, if I do say so myself. We took the kids through stations for soccer, and then had a nice break eating fruit and catching our breath. After that, we played several games of soccer with the kids, and then sent them on their way. Even though the Caribbean sun was beating down on each of us and we were exhausted, we worked as team really well to allow everyone to have a good time, ourselves included. I loved working with them and speaking my best Spanish (which isn’t very good) to try and learn more about them and their lives; there were even some softball players in our group.
I love communicating; it’s my major, and it’s what I want to do with the rest of my life … so not being able to communicate with the children today was an extreme challenge for me, and I think a lot of our class felt the same way. Although, we made it through the first day without any issues and got to end our day with a trip to the lagoon which allowed all of us to regroup after a hot and exhausting first day of camp. We have a lot to work on in order to make the camp even better tomorrow, but we’re all looking forward to the challenge!
Hey Hokies!
What an awesome day today was as well! We got to wake up bright and early, make some breakfast, and travel to El Seibo. The trip took about an hour and a half, and we got to drive through some pretty neat areas. El Seibo is the city containing a batey, which is more or less the poorest of the poor communities in the DR. The people who work on the batey are all workers for various sugar cane cutting companies which can be owned by either Dominicans or Americans, and the people living in their homes earn their pay based on how much sugar cane they can cut down a day. The best of the best cutters earn about $40 a week, which is only living on a little more than $5 a day.
Once we arrived, we all met with a woman named Liz, who is actually a Virginia Tech graduate and just finished up her Master’s degree at Virginia Tech, as well. She is a Peace Corps volunteer, and has been in the Dominican Republic for the past three years. She was only “assigned” two years of service for the Peace Corps, but requested to stay even longer after the experience. She lives in the batey with the families in El Seibo, and has two minuscule rooms to live in, and goes through the same conditions as everyone else there.
Her job with the Corps involves empowering women and giving direction for healthy lifestyles with some women in the DR. Meeting her and learning about her experiences gave me an extreme admiration and respect for her, as well as the things that Peace Corps volunteers around the world do.
After getting an acclamation with the area that the batey was located at, we had the opportunity to play with the kids. We ran out to an open field with tennis balls, volleyballs and soccer balls, and the children fled out of their homes to play with us. It was so impressive the connection we made with the children, even with the language barrier holding all of us back. The little Spanish that I remember from high school came back to me quickly, and I was able to communicate with them and develop connections with some of the kids.
They quickly started shouting “mochila” at us, which translates to “backpack” in English, and each of us student-athletes took turns carrying them around on our backs, piggy-back style. I also got to play a good amount of softball with those kids, which included hitting a tennis ball into an open field with a small tree limb. No matter the condition, we found a way to have fun.
This was by far one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Learning about these children, who live on basically nothing, and getting the opportunity to see them so happy was so rewarding. There’s no picture I can show you guys, or paragraph I can write in a blog that can encapsulate that experience.
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One thing I learned about the Dominican culture today was how generous they are. Liz’s host family cooked the 11 student-athletes, plus three staff, along with many others, a full on Dominican lunch consisting of rice, beans, chicken and salad. I was so humbled and blessed to enjoy a delicious meal from this generous family.
We finished our day at El Seibo and headed back to the foundation, making a few stops on the way; one which included visiting Wellington’s home, where we got to eat a lot of exotic fruit fresh off the tree, and ride around his backyard on donkeys. What an awesome, humbling experience we got to have today!
Tomorrow we host our first day of a sports camp to the children from Veron, I can’t wait to get to know them and lead them through a sports camp with my fellow student athletes!
Till tomorrow, Hokies :)
Hey Hokies!
Day 2 in the Dominican Republic is in the books, and what an experience today was. We started our morning off bright and early, with a 7am run around the beach! The scenery was beautiful, and even though running isn’t my specialty, I sucked it up because you can’t really beat a morning spent running through a beautiful island in the Caribbean.
After we all showered up and got dressed, our class headed to Veron, a local city on the outskirts of Punta Cana that is a total different experience than anything I had yet to see in the DR. One of our leaders that lives down here in the Dominican Republic is named Wellington, and he drove us around all day and had awesome insight and knowledge to share with us about each area we visited.
We visited three different schools in Veron, all of which differed in their own unique ways. The kids who go to these schools are the ones who will be participating in the sports camp we will put on starting on Wednesday, so getting an insight into their lives and their experiences with education was an awesome way to build a foundation of understanding before hosting the camp. I have to admit I had a few culture shocks today; first and foremost, the language of Spanish. The last time I’ve spoke Spanish was my senior year of high school, so I was struggling to keep up with the fluent Spanish talk. Second off, I realized how blessed I am to have grown up in the United States with such phenomenal education programs.
We also had the opportunity to visit a local health clinic in Veron, where people on low incomes can come and receive treatment for illnesses and things of that sort. It was cool to hear that students from VCOM go through a rotation of service in clinics around the globe, and this small health clinic in Veron is one of their stops.
We finished a busy afternoon to visit a neighborhood in Veron which was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The houses were incredibly small and worn down, and one of the largest issues of this area is the availability of clean, drinkable water. Although, one of the biggest sustainability projects to ever hit that area was something that Virginia Tech students implemented just recently, a water management system that purified water for the local community.
Wellington emphasized multiple times how crucial Virginia Tech has been in the growth of this developing area and how much this project helped the people in this area, and how much they love Virginia Tech students. We even saw some people walking around the community with VT shirts on ... and on the wall next to the water management system was a recycle symbol, with a VT logo prominent in the circle. Proud Hokie moment.
We had a eye-opening, awesome day today filled with learning and experiences that I can hardly capture in a short blog. I hope you all are enjoying hearing about how awesome this class is, and I look forward to writing more tomorrow!
Goodnight, Hokie Nation!
- Maggie
Hey Hokies! My name is Maggie Tyler and I’m a rising senior on the softball team. I’m writing because I’ve been extremely blessed with the opportunity to take a class here at Virginia Tech that gives me the opportunity to travel out of the country this summer, and learn some really awesome things while I’m gone! 
The name of the class is “Global Citizen Leadership” - and we’re learning about a wide variety of things before, during, and after spending 11 days down in the beautiful Dominican Republic. The class is facilitated almost completely by Danny White, who is the Assistant Athletics Director of Student Athlete Development, and an awesome guy to learn from. Today was our travel day, where myself and 10 other student athletes flew from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Punta Cana. We have already spent a week of class learning about topics such as leadership, global development, and many other self-assessment techniques to become the best leader possible and make an impact on areas of the globe that need it the most. I’ve already learned so much about myself and some topics involving leadership, and I can’t wait to bring those ideas into my senior year softball season, as well as wherever the rest of my life takes me.
We drove from Blacksburg to Charlotte early this morning, and caught an 11:55AM flight to the DR. Once we arrived, we got to learn about the area we’re staying at, which is called the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation. We’re pretty lucky to be staying in one of the most beautiful parts of the island; filled with nature, wildlife (including some pretty scary spiders), and a nice and humid tropical climate. Today was pretty laid back, we got to get accustomed to the facility we’re staying in, and we quickly changed into our bathing suits and headed towards a lagoon located in the Ecological Foundation Park.
After a brief walk through the forest we spent over an hour jumping off ledges, swimming with sea turtles, and exploring the lagoon with one another. It was an awesome time to relax and enjoy our first day together without stressing about anything class-related. We made our way to another part of the park after the lagoon, the beach, where it was surprisingly empty and desolate, because most of the “real tourism” goes on at a different part of the island. We spent the rest of the night relaxing and diving a little deeper into some specifics about the history of the Dominican Republic and the specific area we’re staying at!
We get to travel to Veron tomorrow and meet some of the kids we’ll be teaching in our sports camp, and I can’t wait to fill y’all in more tomorrow!
-Maggie
The Virginia Tech softball team arrived in Knoxville on Thursday for the 2015 NCAA Softball Championship and had a few hours to kill before heading to its practice at Lee Field. Several of the players headed to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which is located right next to the team hotel, to take in some of the sights.
Opened in June 1999, it is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball.
Senior Bailey Liddle and volunteer assistant coach Courtney Liddle reflect on their late mother Susan Liddle, and the impact she had on both them and the Hokie softball program even when battling breast cancer.
Senior Kylie McGoldrick personifies the Virginia Tech motto “Ut Prosim,” which translates to “That I May Serve.” Despite an intense academic and practice schedule, she still finds the time to give back to others and teach them about the game that has given her so much. McGoldrick and her brother, Ryan, found a way to incorporate their love of both softball and baseball when they founded “17K Diamonds For All,” in 2009 back in McGoldrick’s hometown of Stratford, New Jersey.
The foundation was named after the McGoldrick’s jersey No. 17. The “K” is for Kylie and “Diamond” is a reference to the baseball and softball fields. The two founded the charity with the help of their father, Kevin, and collect gently used baseball and softball equipment to then pass along to local youth centers.
McGoldrick will return to Blacksburg next year as the volunteer assistant coach for the Hokie softball program.
Friday is National Sibling Day and Virginia Tech softball wanted to recognize the four sets of sisters who have played for the Hokies. Three of the sets actually suited up together while the fourth set is a little further apart in age. Let's take a look at the four sets:
Jenna and Callie Rhodes, who combined to steal 127 career bases
Amber and Beth Walker, who helped lead the Hokies to the 2008 Women's College World Series
Courtney and Bailey Liddle, who helped take the program to new heights the past five seasons
Erin and Kiara Ota, a set who are a few years apart, but came from California to play for the Hokies.
