OK. A reality check. Over the last 5 years:
2025: #20
2024: #17 (final USA softball poll)
2023: #18 (final USA Softball poll)
2022: #7 (program peak in this stretch — ACC champs & WCWS run)
2021: #9 (Super Regional team)
Add this season's record and you have VT's most successful program over that period. Which means the coach of that team will likely be in demand this year (see Kentucky & Missouri) and every year going forward. What will it take to retain him and will the department make that a priority?
32 Replies
3mo
If an SEC school attempts to poach him, refusing would be difficult. I wish there were a way to address this proactively, but that would require an AD to take the lead. Unfortunately, we lack an AD who can eat lead and operate strategically.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
. . . season but this year is particularly troubling if Mizzu or UK becomes available. He knows the former well and having lived in the latter I can attest to the fact that the Bluegrass is a nice place.
(In response to this post by atticus555)
3mo
You can't say you had a "WCWS run" when you didn't even get out of supers. We also didn't win the ACC... Great year but you're inflating the end results.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
They won the ACC regular season in 2022. They got rings for that accomplishment.
(In response to this post by 92Hokie14)
3mo
In 2021, the Hokies lost two games to one at #2 UCLA.
In 2022, the Hokies lost two games to one to Florida in Blacksburg.
(In response to this post by 92Hokie14)
3mo
My critique was just the semantics. Odd to say you went on a "world series run" when you didn't even make the world series. That's like saying the Ravens made a playoff run but didn't even make the playoffs to begin with. We did, however, make a world series run in 2008. Went to both of those games as well in OKC.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
3mo
Auburn worried me last year. Missouri would be a concern since he has history there. That being said I believe that Pete loves it here and as long as we can remain competitive with compensation and what he wants I believe he would stay. Honestly salary does not seem to drive Pete either its more the investment in the program from what I can see.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
3mo
(In response to this post by JoesterVT)
3mo
and do their part.
(In response to this post by JoesterVT)
3mo
I think Pete is pragmatic enough to understand the pecking order. He also appreciates what he has and can build at VT, and the fan base that rabidly supports his fabulous team.
** Edited by TomTurkey at 4/9/2026, 11:08:05 AM
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
3mo
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
3mo
Despite being a wrestling alum, I believe that softball has the best chance of winning a national title sooner than later. However, I think the wrestling program may have better “numbers” the last 6 years. I am a huge softball fan and have these girls in the same “rooting interests” as football and wrestling. Coach Pete has done an incredible job and hopefully he continues to stay in Blacksburg. Would love to see this team make the WCWS! Go Hokies!
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
I love the softball program and want them to do
great.
I also immensely respect what Coach Robie has done for wrestling and I also want them to continue to do great.
I just happy we have two awesome, winning teams to support!
(In response to this post by ForgeHokie)
3mo
Bama, FL, TN, UCLA, etc. We don't have the top superstar players like they do, don't have top 5 recruiting class every year. If we can get #1 pitcher like TX Tech, or an Angela Tincher, we have a chance. If we get to college world series, that would be a major success.
(In response to this post by ForgeHokie)
3mo
. . . around 80 D1 programs compared to 300+ softball programs. It's sort of a niche sport compared to softball. The positive for wrestling is that talent tends to concentrated in those few programs making for intense competition.
(In response to this post by ForgeHokie)
3mo
(In response to this post by Lakeridgehokie)
3mo
They have made it to the Club World Series several times, finishing third in 2021, winning it all in 2022 and 2023, and finishing 8th in 2024.
Link:
VT Club Softball
(In response to this post by JoesterVT)
D
dallasvt
3mo
in my opinion.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
SEC job was going to open up.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
wanting to raise his boy here. Although he’s about 3 right, so if he was going to uproot him he would do it before kindergarten when memories really kick in. VT better do whatever it takes to keep him. And if the money is right (for him and the program), wouldn’t he want to go down as the legendary Hokie 40 seasons Softball coach? 🤞
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
He was born right after the Hokies were eliminated from the ACC tournament in Louisville in 2021 and Pete got back just in time to see him born.
He is growing up fast and has been helping Arthur and I recently with the "Let's Go, Hokies" cheer.
(In response to this post by HOKIE SEAN)
3mo
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)