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VTChip VTChip OP
Jun 05, 2026 at 04:49 PM ET
Wow, what a heartfelt message from Lyla Blackwell
No, she's not entering the portal, but what an inspiring, insightful message on her Instagram account. Just another example of why we love these young ladies. She is wise beyond her years. Lyla: "This season taught me to see the game from a completely different perspective. Instead of focusing only on performance or outcomes, I learned how much growth can happen in the moments people don’t always notice. "I learned how to become a leader even when no one was watching. I found my voice. I built friendships that mean more than stats ever could. I learned that being a great teammate matters just as much as what happens during game time. "College sports can become so centered around minutes played, performance, and comparison that sometimes we forget why we started playing in the first place. That’s because we genuinely love the game. "This season taught me that my worth is not defined by playing time, recognition, or a sport. And if there’s one thing I’ll always be proud of, it’s showing up for my team, continuing to grow, and never losing the love I have for the game. "At the end of the day, some of the best parts of sports have nothing to do with the scoreboard or accolades. It’s the people beside you every single day, the memories you create, and the love and support that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. Those are the things you’ll cherish most." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lyla is a special young lady and as I replied, I'm glad she's a Hokie!

11 Replies

H
Hockeydad
1mo
T-E-A-M Player ❤️
Old Line Hokie Old Line Hokie
1mo
Sounds like she has the potential to be a very good coach one day.
That's a message all players from all sports on all levels need to hear.
H
HokieAvalanche
1mo
I'm thinking she may take RF this coming season as Gaby moves to 2nd base.
Great attitude she has. Coach Pete certainly has assembled a great bunch of players with high character!
V
VAHokie89
1mo
I think she will be in the mix. THought that would be the case this
year but... She may be in the mix, but there will be competition. It will be interesting to see how some of the other freshman or rising sophomores fit into the equation. Gagliardi has a good bat. Bishop has outfield experience Pallante was used a lot as a pinchrunner Incoming freshman Mylie McCoy was ranked 27 by Extra Innings. She may make a Gabi mizelle-type impact. Then there are potential transfers. Given some nice names out there, the program would owe itself to pursue some.
VTChip VTChip OP
1mo
Here's a cool story about Lyla, who is majoring in Wildlife Conservation
I believe it was in the Virginia Tech Magazine last year right after she caught the ball that led to the triple play. “Once [Virginia Tech] reached out to me, I scheduled a visit and immediately knew it was where I wanted to be,” she said. “Driving onto campus, I felt confident in my decision. You can see mountains in the distance and pastures full of horses and cattle, which reminded me of home.”
V
VT One
1mo
True story Chip. My wife and and I and our three young local granddaughters
were standing beyond the left field wall when Lyla’s catch started the triple play. We were talking to two women we met a couple of innings earlier. They were Lyla’s mom and grandmother. It was a very enjoyable moment to be a part of.
VTChip VTChip OP
1mo
How very cool. Thanks for sharing.
TomTurkey TomTurkey
1mo
I am, also
R
RJHokie
1mo
Excellent perspective!
And you are certainly correct, a very special person and a Hokie too!
laphroaig laphroaig
1mo
Yup. You have to believe in something bigger than yourself, become part
of something bigger than yourself. Makes life worthwhile.
V
VAHokie89
1mo
And know that, at the end of the day, barring you playing
professionally (most cant), establish yourself as a college student, grow, live, make friends, get your degree, enjoy the experience, get a job.....