Brian White and Florida Atlantic Softball
Since Brian White was named the new Athletic Director at Virginia Tech today, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at softball at Florida Atlantic under his eight years there. FAU has a solid softball history. White made one hire in softball at FAU and it looks like it was a good one.
But the exciting news for me is that Florida Atlantic softball has own fundraising organization, the Perfect Game Club.”
From their softball website: “The Florida Atlantic Softball Perfect Game Club has been established to provide essential resources to the Florida Atlantic Softball program in order to compete at the highest levels. The secret ingredient and strength of a top softball program is the private giving and backing it has from the local community. By joining the Perfect Game Club, you provide our program with championship-caliber resources to continue elevating Florida Atlantic Softball in the national spotlight.”
I included a link below to the fundraising website.
Florida Atlantic has a storied history in softball. Legendary coach Joan Joyce started the program from scratch in 1995 and the Owls went 33-18 in their inaugural season. Two years later, in 1997, Florida Atlantic would win their first A-Sun Conference title, the first of eight consecutive conference championships.
By the time of her death in 2022, Joyce had recorded 1,002 career wins, 11 conference championships in three different conferences (A-Sun, Sun Belt, and Conference USA), and 11 NCAA postseason tournament appearances, including eight straight between 1997-2004. She had an amazing career and the softball field at Florida Atlantic is named after her.
Consequently, softball did not need White’s immediate attention when he was hired as Florida Atlantic’s AD in 2018, but he did have to hire Joyce’s successor upon her passing in 2022.
White chose Jordan Clark as the Owls new coach in June, 2022. Clark, who had previously spent four years as an Assistant Coach at Ohio State, has a 155-68 record in 4 seasons with two NCAA bids. Television station WPBF called Clark “a home-run hire” last season when the Owls went 45-12 and won their second straight American Athletic Conference regular season title.
Link:
Perfect Game Club
25 Replies
1mo
To add more flavor,
2024:
They beat Stetson, 3-2, in 2024 with Addison Foster going 1-for-4 with an RBI!
2025
Beat Stetson, 8-4 with Foster going 1-for-3 with a run and a walk.
Beate Stetson, 5-3, with going 0-for-4
Just small tidbits :)
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
It's not "over the top,' but it sure looks better than the trailer park.
From their website:
"FAU Softball Stadium houses the most successful program in Florida Atlantic's history. After winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship in just their third season, the team earned a stadium of their own. Through the assistance of FAU Football, Hooters and the State of Florida Title IX fund, FAU played their first game in the stadium on Jan. 26, 1998. The Owls, who have won 11 postseason conference championships, play on a field lined with palm trees and a beautiful view of South Florida sunsets. The stadium is complete with concession stand, press box and a covered batting cage and is located behind FAU Arena. In April of 2023, the stadium was renamed Joan Joyce Field in honor of the Owls' late Hall of Fame coach.
"The stadium hosted the 2014 Conference USA Championship. The site also serves as a staple for tournament play during the first month of the season. In 2013, the stadium was awarded the annual "Best Turf Award" by the Florida Turf Grass Association for its exceptional playing surface."
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
I know. Semantics. But...
Maybe "...earned some quality amenities worthy of their talent, culture, and contribution to Virginia Tech as sports ambassadors."
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
. . . I get her a stadium.
** Edited by MidloHokie at 6/23/2026, 2:44:14 PM
Link:
Joan Joyce
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
1mo
Lots of corporate/private jet traffic carrying the 1% makes some interesting viewing. Also found the advertising on the OF fence including beer interesting. Joan Joyce was a character. Sort of the Earl Weaver of softball in that she was often seen sneaking a smoke in the dugout :)
** Edited by MidloHokie at 6/23/2026, 6:11:55 AM
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
1mo
The fencing alone costs too much!
(In response to this post by Nova Hokie 95)
1mo
the $35.00/hour ushers for non-existent covered seat back chairs!! Just can't be done!!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
Don't think he was involved with softball as an assistant AD at Missouri, but I assume he and Pete know each other.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
... your unofficial one.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
It’s a brand new day!!!
(In response to this post by Atlee Hokie)
1mo
and having to look for new work! Oh wait, that's right, you aren't on the VT payroll despite ALL of the work you do!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
"that's what makes this so difficult"
(In response to this post by PokieHokie)
1mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
A number of schools, many in the SEC, have similar organizations.
It's great to see one at Florida Atlantic.
Link:
Link to Give
(In response to this post by VTChip)