. . . is not being treated like the education lottery, essentially replacing funds that VT athletics provide to other sports. An extra set of uniforms or a better hotel room is nice but If the goal is to win more games then funding NIL to recruit and retain pitchers is the way to go. That's not arguable. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to recruitment and even retention (see Curd at Duke) but I guarantee Patti Gasso's team will look different in the circle next season. ** Edited by MidloHokie at 5/25/2026, 5:34:24 PM

These are absolutely not “replacement funds” Our process, while perhaps a bit clunky, assures that the dollars raised through “Poppin It” truly end up being additional dollars for the softball program. Here’s a refresher on how our process works: Coach D’Amour knows his original budget. When I deliver these additional funds directly to him (let’s call it “X Amount),” he now knows that his budget just got increased by “X Amount.” There’s no way anyone can “play games” with the dollars. These are truly extra dollars that go to softball. In addition, $40,000 of this year’s “Poppin’ It” funds are coming directly from two very generous (and flexible) donors. Should Coach D'Amour decide that he wants those dollars for NIL, we can certainly make that happen. Poppin' It is making a difference!

Travel, equipment, or NIL is truly the best part. It removes the athletic department out of the decision making process ** Edited by Chesapeake_Hokie at 5/26/2026, 11:09:08 AM

Thanks for all your work and keeping us all in the loop. Go Hokies! ** Edited by B Hokie at 5/25/2026, 7:58:22 PM

Chip, what an INCREDIBLE job you do not only at fundraising for VT softball but also just in raising awareness of VT softball!! We can't say it enough, you (and Bonnie!) play no small part in the tremendous success of this program. I have no doubt when it's all said and done and all of the checks are in, you will have raised $100k+ just with the Poppin It challenge alone and then you had what, another $30k+ with your auction??? Once you have all of the money in, please post here on the board to let us know what your total fundraising amount was for this season. Along with that, show what the tallies were for each year that you have been fundraising - I know each year the number keeps increasing and it's just a testament to how you continue to reach more and more people and draw awareness and interest to this program. I think the money AND the interest in the program are BOTH growing exponentially, thanks to you!!! Folks at the Hokie Club would be wise to take notice of what you are doing! I hope you and Bonnie enjoy some WELL-DESERVED R&R this summer before fall ball starts! ** Edited by gelded turkey at 5/25/2026, 8:16:58 PM

you make an outstanding and relevant point that VT fundraising would be wise to consider. The year over year results have grown exponentially due to the attention to detail, the transparency of communication and the fact people are made to feel a part of something rather than just a checkbook to be tapped. Chip and Bonnie's dedication is infectious and their servant mentality has rubbed off on many other supporters. Things can be learned from the efforts of both softball and wrestling that would help what would charitably be termed a very pedestrian athletic department fundraising apparatus.

We just provide the opportunity and the process, and the softball program provides a fantastic reason to give. We just appreciate Hokie Nation caring enough to support what we are doing. Thanks, again to everyone who has supported these awesome young ladies!!!!! Chip and Bonnie