end of last season and told her if she wanted playing time she may want to look elsewhere but instead of doing so she said she would rather stay at VT for her final season. Having said that, it would be nice if she could get some playing time, but don't assume we know more than we really know. She and coach may have a very good understanding.

she had any expectations of playing a more prominent role this year. I suspect we have had several players in that position over the years. Just wanted to stay at VT (friends, academics, school environment, etc) But, he has still worked them in when he could. Hopefully, she will get a chance at some point. As a fan, I always appreciate seeing everyone get on the field.

injured? She has great stuff and was making strides last season in her game and it showed. She came in relief last season and pitched very well. She got us out of several jams in games, and even started a game or two and then had relief. I really have been surprised that she has not pitched so far this season. Hopefully she will get in soon! Like you said, she is a senior and a great person, she deserves better!

I like Cassie, but playing time should be earned. None of us are at practice every day so it’s hard to know how she is pitching. The coaches are so they should know and I have to think she would be playing if she “deserves” it In Pete I trust.

as possible. An understandable strategy, but I don't think a couple of innings are going to foil that.

Giving innings to three pitchers (Carrico/Layton/Fisher) who hopefully have another 3 years with the team is not "disrespectful" at all. What practical purpose would it serve to give a senior - who likely won't crack the regular rotation - these innings? Coaches are still figuring out what the three new arms bring to the table, and they need all the reps they can get. Cassie is a great Hokie who has had some great games in the circle. ** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 3/3/2026, 9:57:03 AM

big with little time left, coaches often put in bench players who will never earn time in normal situations. This feels like the same situation. If there were other players who hadn't seen the field, I can see it. But, she is the only one.

Pitching is a "specialized" position, where experience is invaluable. The freshmen need all the innings they can get. Pete does a great job in getting the bench players into the game, which is sometimes hard to do in a 5-inning game.

in the same category since this is her first year playing. But, why start Mazz the day after she pitched a complete game and threw 138 pitches? If we are trying to get freshman every possible inning why give those two innings to Mazz? I agree that Pete does a good job getting the bench players in the game. I already mentioned that. The other difference between Cassie and the bball example I mentioned is that Cassie is a competent pitcher. Bball players who get tossed in at the end of games are clearly the least talented on the team. Cassie could have easily pitched strong innings against some opponents this year. You are closer to these players and their families than anyone not on staff. You have to feel for CG. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't like to see Cassie, who is in her final year, get (or even deserve) some opportunities on the field. To be the only player who hasn't played, that can't feel good. As a fan, it makes me feel good to see all players get a shot, even if it's not a big one. Especially ones that stay at Tech in lesser roles. As you do, I have tremendous respect and appreciation for our head coach and all he has accomplished. In my view, this program is only slightly behind wrestling as the best at VT. I take a huge amount of pride in this program. I rarely take issue with anything he does. But I am very disappointed with this situation. I hope she gets in this weekend. I appreciate your support of the team. ** Edited by nkhooch at 3/3/2026, 4:09:30 PM ** Edited by nkhooch at 3/3/2026, 4:20:48 PM

seeing his players as individuals. I think coaches can do both. I am sure the team would support Cassie getting some time. Some who know her personally are probably empathizing with her, knowing how they would feel if they were in her shoes as the only player to not have seen the field.

If getting on the field was her #1 priority she'd be somewhere else this season. I guess the coaching staff could insert her for a few innings but it's not going to help the team in any way. If she's interested in making a meaningful contribution (and pitching meaningful innings) perhaps the best thing for her is not to pitch this season thereby preserving her eligibility. She could graduate and transfer to a school where she could meaningfully contribute in the circle. Perhaps she's 'moved on' and decided just being on the team is enough. If so, that's fine too. All athletes have to do that at some point.

not going to hurt the team to play her a couple of innings. When the basketball team is up by a large margin, why do coaches often put their least players in for a minute or two? Does that help the team?

But would it have been better for our depth to have taken 3 pitchers in the 2025 recruiting class instead of 2. I know the freshman pitcher at UNC was high on our list, when we got the top 2 she was scratched off. Rumor is she was striking out/holding Carolina’s top line up at bay in scrimmages. Only has pitched 6 innings to date.

Probably better to spread them out Angelina Eakman, Mercer, PA Grace Swedarsky, Fishers, IN

is what you strive for as a pitcher, but in the world of college softball, it will be the teams with multiple starters and relief specialists, and a closer who can shut down the other team in the end if needed. Lonnie's approach at FSU is needed more now, than every before with the great hitters, equipment, and overall speed that many of the players have. You also want to keep the pitchers you recruit unless they don't pan out and transfer to another team, but our teams in the past have lost some darn good pitchers to contenders. It's great to have a lot of pitchers, but on the otherhand you don't want a bottleneck of them either. So the coaches are doing an excellent job with recruiting top notch pitchers that fit our team and culture! Go Lady Hokies Softball Team!

who also got a lot of innings and had great stats.