2 Inside Hokie Sports A WORD FROM WHIT Dear Hokie Nation, What an incredible start to the year we’ve had in Blacksburg. Some of our programs have reached incredible heights over the last few months, making history while also propelling us to progress in the future. We are so happy that you were there with us every step of the way. Virginia Tech women’s basketball captured the hearts of every Hokie over the course of their incredible run in March. Coach Brooks and his talented, inspired group of student-athletes brought home the program’s first ACC Championship and will hang the first-ever Final Four banner in Cassell. Although exciting, this should not come as a surprise to anyone who has followed this program’s trajectory since Coach Brooks arrived on campus in 2016. We join the rest of Hokie Nation in great pride of the historic season this team put together, as well as in great anticipation of the years to come. Youssef Ramadan of men’s swimming brought back the first-ever individual national title in the history of the program! It’s not easy to win coming in as the highly-ranked favorite, but he rose to the top of the podium in the 100 butterfly with all the pressure on him. Coach Sergio Lopez Miro has helped mold him into a champion, while also guiding the men’s team to its highest-ever finish of ninth in the NCAA Championships. The women’s program also soared to a 20th-place finish this year at NCAAs, giving the team it’s highest finish since 2012. We are fortunate to have the right staff leading this group of student-athletes in the pool, and they are destined for more success in the future. Indoor Track and Field kept this packed winter season for Hokie sports going with another sweep of the ACC Championships. We could not be prouder of Coach Cianelli and his staff and how they dedicate their efforts to molding our student-athletes into champions. He now has 21 overall ACC team titles over his 22year career in Blacksburg – an impressive feat. The Hokies recorded 10 All-American finishes at the 2023 NCAA Indoor Championships, and can certainly repeat and exceed those achievements during the outdoor season. Once again, Virginia Tech wrestling was able to continue their strong momentum at the 2023 NCAA Championships in Tulsa. We were one of only two schools in the country to send every starter to NCAAs, which goes to show how deep Coach Robie and his staff have built this roster. He was named ACC Coach of the Year for the second straight season and fourth time overall, and he deserves every bit of recognition he receives. Tech won a share of the ACC Dual title, placed ninth at the NCAA Championships, and sent five AllAmericans to the podium.This is a special group that will continue to make lots of Hokies proud. Spring sports are in the heat of their conference schedules! I encourage you all to make the trip to English Field, Tech Softball Park, Burrows-Burleson, and Thompson Field to cheer on our studentathletes. All of them greatly appreciate your support as they navigate the challenges of competing in the ACC. Enjoy your spring, and Go Hokies! Whit Babcock Director of Athletics
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