Wow, what a heartfelt message from Lyla Blackwell
No, she's not entering the portal, but what an inspiring, insightful message on her Instagram account. Just another example of why we love these young ladies. She is wise beyond her years.
Lyla: "This season taught me to see the game from a completely different perspective. Instead of focusing only on performance or outcomes, I learned how much growth can happen in the moments people don’t always notice.
"I learned how to become a leader even when no one was watching. I found my voice. I built friendships that mean more than stats ever could. I learned that being a great teammate matters just as much as what happens during game time.
"College sports can become so centered around minutes played, performance, and comparison that sometimes we forget why we started playing in the first place. That’s because we genuinely love the game.
"This season taught me that my worth is not defined by playing time, recognition, or a sport. And if there’s one thing I’ll always be proud of, it’s showing up for my team, continuing to grow, and never losing the love I have for the game.
"At the end of the day, some of the best parts of sports have nothing to do with the scoreboard or accolades. It’s the people beside you every single day, the memories you create, and the love and support that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. Those are the things you’ll cherish most."
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Lyla is a special young lady and as I replied, I'm glad she's a Hokie!
Posted: 06/05/2026 at 04:49 PM ET
Thread Replies (11)
Wow, what a heartfelt message from Lyla Blackwell
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-- VTChip
Jun 05, 2026 at 04:49 PM ET
VTChip
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06/05/26 04:49 PM ET
Sounds like she has the potential to be a very good coach one day.
-- Old Line Hokie
Jun 05, 2026 at 07:08 PM ET
Old Line Hokie
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06/05/26 07:08 PM ET
I'm thinking she may take RF this coming season as Gaby moves to 2nd base.
-- HokieAvalanche
Jun 05, 2026 at 05:40 PM ET
HokieAvalanche
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06/05/26 05:40 PM ET
I think she will be in the mix. THought that would be the case this
-- VAHokie89
Jun 06, 2026 at 12:22 PM ET
VAHokie89
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06/06/26 12:22 PM ET
Here's a cool story about Lyla, who is majoring in Wildlife Conservation
-- VTChip
Jun 05, 2026 at 05:33 PM ET
VTChip
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06/05/26 05:33 PM ET
True story Chip. My wife and and I and our three young local granddaughters
-- VT One
Jun 06, 2026 at 08:42 AM ET
VT One
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06/06/26 08:42 AM ET
How very cool. Thanks for sharing.**
-- VTChip
Jun 06, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET
VTChip
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06/06/26 11:00 AM ET
Yup. You have to believe in something bigger than yourself, become part
-- laphroaig
Jun 05, 2026 at 04:53 PM ET
laphroaig
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06/05/26 04:53 PM ET
And know that, at the end of the day, barring you playing
-- VAHokie89
Jun 06, 2026 at 12:23 PM ET
VAHokie89
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06/06/26 12:23 PM ET