The overall value Chip brings to VT softball is immeasurable. Not only are his fundraising efforts out of this world, not to be outdone, is the attention/interest he draws to the program. No better example than me - I went from not ever having one iota of interest in VT softball to now, I dare say, I enjoy it more than any other VT sport. I owe it all to Chip! And as others have said on this board, this VT program is VERY VERY VERY good, and one could argue, elite. And in a sport like softball, it would not take a huge increase in revenue to yes, potentially get us our first national championship!

"Your Enthusiasm is Contagious" You and I are proof that statement is true and there are others who are proof, too. One day I discovered nice wooden bats were available to me. It got me thinking, asking the question "What could I do with these to help the program and the players?" It was Chip's enthusiasm and dedication that prompted those thoughts and questions. Chip gave me the inspiration to make something of the idea. The lack of support and involvement from VT is something I'll never understand but that void created by VT seems to permeate through all VT sports.

championship, I think softball has he best chance.

And don't underestimate wrestling ** Edited by SarahVTHokie24 at 4/1/2026, 11:28:50 AM

It's not your team's 5 year old practice socks anymore. The team has spent wisely and productively to become a budding elite program. It's amazing to watch the ball explode off of their swing. They're following Cori's progress for sweet swings and hitting the ball hard.

Personally, I’d like to see one of the Olympic sports go away and the money split between wrestling and softball

In this year's wrestling championships, 7 of the 10 top seeds were from Penn State. Let that soak in. Penn State has won 13 of the last 15 championships, by huge margins. Here are the last five. 2022: PSU 131.5, runner-up 95 (+36.5) 2023: PSU 137.5, runner-up 82.5 (+55) 2024: PSU 172.5, runner-up 72.5 (+100) 2025: PSU 177, runner-up 117 (+60) 2026: PSU 181.5, runner-up 131 (+50.5) In the last few years, Penn State racks up enormous bonus points in the early rounds, because their #1 seeds destroy #32/33 seeds in the first round and #17 seeds in the second round. By the time the final round rolls around on the last day, Penn State has already locked up the team championship. They could lose every final match (which of course they don't) and still win as a team. No one else is winning a natty in wrestling any time soon. ** Edited by Will Stewart at 4/1/2026, 9:43:37 AM

If we can increase our NIL money to draw the top wrestlers away from PSU, we can even the playing field. We already have one of the top recruits in the country for next year, and his brother who is equally as good, enrolling the year after. If we can continue to recruit like that with the help of NIL, I see no reason why we can't give Penn St.a run for their money

But I would take a top 4 finish (podium) for the next 10 years. Softball has a better chance to win a national title. I'd also like to see them go to the WCWS year in and year out. Both these sports are almost elite.

With the way Robie and Frayer and company have been recruiting, that looks possible.

and it's game on for the rest of us 😂

...are the ones that have mechanisms for support and leadership external to the athletic department. The SERTC and Chip are carrying the mail for VT sports. Not sure what value the folks in the actual AD office are bringing to the table right now tbqh.

SERTC and @VTChip fill that void for wrestling and softball.