Probably wont happen, but he (and we fans) would do well to speak to the unofficial leader of VT SB. Some ideas have been put forth over the years that have been largely ignored by WB. Nobody knows our program better than Chip. Tech has had consistently good teams fora long while, with good fan support. BUT, a shot of attention and money may move us up the ranks even more. ** Edited by vtchem75 at 7/29/2026, 12:02:18 PM

would certainly be a good olive branch gesture to the softball fan base and stand in stark contrast to the largely deaf ears offered by the former administration. However, I doubt Chip has an ego that requires that. White may be able to accomplish similar objectives just by meeting with Coach Pete and getting his observations and input and I feel confident in saying all Chip cares about is what benefits the program.

Chip will certainly never, ever do anything to threaten Pete's authority or managerial style. It would behoove us'ns in the unwashed masses to trust what's in progress up to Fall ball. Faith is the victory!

still be a good idea if it takes place. If nothing else, it could reduce the number of times White's projects and Chip's projects are in direct competition with each other for the same potential donation dollars. At least I am assuming that Chip is planning to continue doing his various fundraising projects. If White and Chip are able to figure out a way to work together for a common goal, then it could end up being something magical. Heck it could even be the template various sports use if they are able to identify their "Chip."

to work his magic. The bigger projects that softball "deserves" are something else. Chip walks kind of funny but he ain't broken so don't try to fix him. :-)

commercial) as things evolve over time.

goals. BW primarily focuses on the "bigger projects" (i.e. facilities) and Chip focuses on the "little projects" (i.e. equipment) that may have a bigger impact on the day-to-day operations. They each have their defined lanes, so they don't get into each other's way and tackle the overall goal from different angles. In theory, it should be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Chip has raised money for tons of pairs of new, clean, practice socks. 🍻

that popped into my head. Honestly, I assumed that at the beginning of VT's fiscal year (FY) (July 1) BW and Chip would have a conversation to identify what small projects Chip would focus on for that FY. Some projects could be ongoing FY after FY and other projects that could be one-time deals or once in a blue moon (aka not designed to rollover into the next FY). Heck lap's bat project could even be rolled up under Chip's domain to allow BW to focus more on the "big stuff" or longer term projects. Basically VT has options on how the arrangement is structured. Not only would it be good PR among the fan base, but a structure would be in place for someone else to pick up the torch if Chip decided it was time to "retire" from the role (not that advocating it). Whether Chip set out to do it this, he has basically created the blueprint for how a fan can go about raising money for a sport he/she is passionate about. I am confident there is at least 1 person in the next generation of Hokie fans who is just as passionate about softball as Chip is and my hope is that individual will be willing to step in Chip's shoes when the time comes so the program experiences a seamless transition. Even though the person will have big shoes to fill, everyone will know the program is still in good hands because of the foundation Chip built when he created the blueprint.

for management purpose, lap's work may be placed under Chip's side instead of BW. Particularly if VT decides to use lap's work for a specific goal or project. However, that doesn't mean Chip would be taking on any admin or management responsibility. I was more or less using Chip as the de facto name for the part where all the small projects are placed under and BW as the de facto name for the part that all the larger projects are placed under. Someone on VT's payroll would still ultimately be responsible for managing the Small Project Division (SPD) to ensure the various individuals are not unknowingly stepping on each others toes or working on the same specific goal(s). If Chip happens to be the biggest player within the SPD, then VT could use him as the foundation which should allow VT to use lap's project and any other projects that people want to pursue to help fill in the gaps. If done right, the coordination with the Athletic Department should allow Chip, lap, and anyone else the opportunity to provide the most bang for their buck without the risk of spreading themselves too thin (aka trying to tackle too many goals at one time) or people working on the same project/goal. Basically it should be a way for VT to expand its oversight of resource allocation towards fundraising without having to expand its payroll. For the people who volunteer their time towards this new structure, they can focus their efforts on specific because they know VT is now organized enough to ensure other volunteers are tackling the other areas.

When, and if, the VTAD/VTAF ever decide to support Softball with any semblance of progressive commitment, maybe. I agree with those who suggest the budget, admission fee and facilities are the responsibility of the above and are out of the scope and means of the fan level initiatives. FWIW, and I'm no guru, I prefer Chip and lap to continue as they now confide and negotiate with each other as they see fit, with Pete setting the tone and parameters for outside involvement. If Pete decides to suggest facility improvements, staged if necessary, we fans can help make that happen. But I hope Chip's fundraising is permitted to remain independent with VTAF serving as the funnel of funds to Softball. It's probably semantics on my part, but the term "oversight" gives me reason to rear my antiestablishment bias.

doesn't have a great track with how it interacts (or doesn't interact) with people like Chip or lap. Assuming BW is serious about providing "better" support towards softball (and I have no reason to doubt him at this time), then any oversight should be limited to what goals each individual is working on. For example, if Chip, lap, you, and me are all working on independent projects with the goal to raise funds for new equipment, then softball may end up with 10x the amount of equipment funding it needs and lacking funds in other areas. Depending on if the funds are open or closed, VT may not be able to transfer funds to those other areas. That is where coordination can be an asset instead of a liability. Since softball is a VT program, the responsibility of the coordination should be left up to VTAD/VTAF instead of the burden being placed on Chip, lap, you, or me...or even Pete. Although if Pete wants to take on that responsibility and BW has no issue with it, then it probably could work. Even though people like Chip and lap have done remarkable things on their own, I do wonder how much more they could accomplish if they have the full support of VTAD/VTAF. Also, if people see that Chip and lap are receiving full support, then it could motivate them to create their own fundraising projects to help expand the support for softball.

a small % of Chip's total. It does provide a nice piece of memorabilia for family and fans, it's unique in it's presentation, the players seem to like it (hope it makes them feel special, gives them pride to autograph one and more pride when they autograph more and more) It was started to help give the players some NIL but the memorabilia factor for fans and family cannot be denied.

impact is felt in places that money may not be able to reach. Money is important, but you help create memories which may be more valuable because they last a lifetime. If more people knew about your project, then they would see that a project doesn't need to raise a lot of money in order to be successful. Plus with VT's help and access to their resources, more people could become aware of your project. If more people are aware of it, then they may want to financially support it which would allow more memories to be made. My point is that VT is oozing so much potential when it comes to fundraising. It just needs the right person at the helm that can harness it in a way so VT fundraising reaches its full potential. VT can't reach that goal on its own which means people like you and Chip will be the foundation the future is built on.

I am sure you and others have conveyed enhancements to TSP. I’m really convinced that White will endorse an enhancement strategy quickly. I assume $10-20M in stadium upgrade could be achievable. What has been discussed in the VT softball community about potential costs? Really liked the tiered giving offerings that FIU softball developed under White. That would resonate well with our fanbase.

well then start treating it as such and provide the focus it deserves!! Reach for excellence Brian!