Some Perspective on What Really Matters
Although I didn't really expect VT softball to host, the way the events of the past 18 hours unfolded nevertheless frustrated me, and I have been sharing those frustrations with some of the VT softball parents, most of whom are having to spend some big dollars to travel to Baton Rouge to see their daughters play.
In the middle of these discussion, Anni Roh's mom was flipping through the HokieSports photo gallery from the Duke game and saw a picture of the armbands that Anni wears.
She then sent me the following note that put everything in perspective. (Sharing with her permission).
"I saw this photo this morning and it gave me perspective on what really matters. Our girls are healthy and playing a game they love. Getting a fantastic education and the opportunity to compete for a National Championship. Life is good!
"I'm proud that Anni wears what matters on her right hand. Remembering the ones who don't have the opportunity to be here among us and they people they love.
"Colette Baine, high school basketball teammate. Died from SUDEP in 2022 (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy)
"Danny Michael, basketball coach. Died last summer in a car accident after dropping off his wife off at the hospital.
"Ed Lynch. Jordan's dad, who she didn't know but wears to support her teammate.
"Going to LSU is a first world problem. Our team is going to do just fine. 🧡"
Thanks, Amanda. Great stuff.
Let's go, Hokies!!!
30 Replies
G
GBOHokie
2mo
My wife. Sometimes you just like someone. Been a few through the years. Last couple of years its been Anni. You can’t always put your finger on why. Her attitude, energy, 100 percent effort. Her character. Go Anni. We are fans.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
N
nkhooch
2mo
this a lot better than the rest of us. And that's what really matters for the upcoming weekend.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
It is on own fault for having such a lazy, inept, overpaid and unqualified chump as athletic director.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
Never mind that we weren't top 16 anyway
(In response to this post by ScottsdaleHokie)
2mo
(In response to this post by Pylons)
2mo
I am referring to the fact that we clearly should be a Top 16 seed. The only way we are not is if the system is rigged (in this case in favor of the SEC). Whit's failing is his unwillingness or incapability to exercise any level of influence to ensure we were a Top 16 seed. If you disagree, I get it.
(In response to this post by Pylons)
2mo
Knowing his personality, I doubt he ever gets into "behind the scenes" fights trying to fix obvious wrongs.
(In response to this post by ScottsdaleHokie)
2mo
bless her.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
I coached Baine in basketball for years. Her death was sudden and shook the Loudoun community
Danny Michael was a good friend of mine. He was a comedian (and coder) who used to coach freshman or JV women's basketball and AAU at times. he ALWAYS put his players first and was always there for them.
It does not surprise me at all that she keeps those on her arm. He coached Anni as a freshman I believe. Not sure about her sophomore year. I am old and I forget.
Colette Baine would have played in college, maybe not D1. She was an excellent shooter, athletic, could get to the basket, and had a nose for the ball on defense. Her brothers played baseball I believe at George Mason and Radford
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/11/2026, 3:16:42 PM
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/11/2026, 3:21:12 PM
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
CP, and Arthur. So yeah, great individuals and teammates.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
The green one is probably up on her arm. 🥰
(In response to this post by VT_ZERWIN)
2mo
to being an awesome shortstop plus an awesome teammate). Go Hokies! Show the folks in Baton Rouge how to play softball!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
S
SHPHOKIE
2mo
will be of the team that does. Maybe more!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
(In response to this post by SHPHOKIE)
H
Hokie-2x
2mo
The regional, I'm increasing my donation to $4 per dinger.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
H
Hokie-2x
2mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
H
Hokie-2x
2mo
Something and she'd take it out of context. I'd try to explain but finally I just gave up and began buying her jewelry. She was fine with that until 3 years she figured Chips popping money was coming out of her jewelry fund.
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
2mo
When my son's travel soccer team lost, their conversation in the back seat wasn't the game, except, at times, some humorous happening or an opponent (or teammate) who was a jerk.
Pete has these women grounded in reality and opportunity. It is a holistic love affair with special (and talented) young women and a finely tuned athletic team.
And we have Arthur and Chip to add spice and excitement, and our own Batman, laphroaig, to commemorate big moments.
Ride the wave! Go to the above sticky and find a way to support Poppin' It!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
Join the club. Really grounded me this morning. Just what I think we all needed today and every day.
(In response to this post by Catbird132)
R
RJHokie
2mo
I remember reading about Jordan Lynch’s father last year. It’s great that Anni wears those bands in honor of those folks; she’s truly a saint and great team member.
(In response to this post by WizzardMaker)
2mo
Cecil County, Md. He taught her well!
(In response to this post by RJHokie)