Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 5 | May 2021

inside.hokiesports.com 27 SOFTBALL Q&A with Junior Pitcher Keely Rochard (#3) Q: Keely, you are having a stellar season and continue to move up in the record books in most pitching categories at Virginia Tech. What are your goals or mindset for this season? KR: My goal is just to compete each pitch and do my best to put our team in the best position to win. Q: What do you think has contributed to your success the most in allowing you to continue moving up the record books at Tech? KR: Coach Doug Gillis for sure, but just my teammates supporting me and having my back. Q: Last year you were leading the country in almost every category before the season abruptly ended due to COVID. How eager were you to get back to the circle almost a year later? KR: I was very eager and excited to play again. Q: How does it feel receiving shout-outs from alums as you pass their spot in the record books? KR: It is so cool for them to send out personal messages and it just goes to show how amazing Hokie Nation is and that it is true, “ once a Hokie, always a Hokie ” the support from them means a lot. Q: You are stoic in the circle; what is your mindset like on a gameday? KR: Just to compete every pitch and control what I can control. Q: Who do you feel has contributed the most in your career? KR: Doug Gillis , I am constantly learning new things from him. He’s so knowledgeable and really knows how to take what he knows and teach each pitcher in their own way. There’s not enough to say about him as to how much he’s impacted my career. Best pitching coach in the country, it is not even a close competition. Q: What is the most memorable moment in your collegiate career thus far? KR: Most memorable this far was Clearwater last year. We beat some of the best teams in the country and competed with all of them. Rochard Accolades “There’s not much I can say about Keely that already hasn’t been said. I’m thankful to have Keely in our program. She’s a leader, works extremely hard, and, most importantly, knows how to be a superior teammate. When you add those attributes to her obvious talent in the circle, you’re talking about a young lady that will be remembered fondly in Blacksburg for a long, long time after she graduates.” Pete D’Amour , Head Coach, Virginia Tech Softball “I wanted to reach out to congratulate you on 488 strikeouts. How awesome is that?... I’m so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments and no matter where my coaching journey leads me I want you to know that I will always be a Hokie, I’m always rooting for you guys and my heart is always in Blacksburg with you.” Clarisa Crowell (’02), Head Softball Coach, Penn State University “Sending you a huge a congratulations for passing 510 strikeouts. So proud of you and the Hokies for everything you’ve accomplished on the field this season. ”– Kenzie Roark (’11), Head Softball Coach, Ohio University “Hey Keely, I just wanted to wish you congratulations on passing me up at 588 strikeouts. You guys are so much fun to watch this year and I enjoy watching you bring them up and sit them right back down.” Jasmin Harrell (’13) MEN’S SOCCER As a member of the 2003 team which advanced to Virginia Tech’s first- ever NCAA tournament, it’s a pleasure thinking back to the team and the individuals who donned the burnt orange and Chicago maroon that fall. I think I can speak for every player on that team, and say they’re honored to have been a part of the foundation for excellence that Coach Mike Brizendine has now taken to new levels. VTMS Alumni Athletes , be on the lookout for further communications as we aim to celebrate the 2003 team and our upcoming 20-year anniversary in 2023. As this is being written, our Hokies will now be playing in the NCAA Tournament for a school record 5th consecutive time! Congratulations to Coach Briz and the team who have persevered through a season unlike any other. Best of luck in the NCAA’s and your quest to the College Cup! As it relates to upcoming VTMS alumni events, whether in Blacksburg or regionally, please make sure you are connected with your Monogram Club men’s soccer representative, Charlie Howe (’06) at charlieh.howe@gmail.com . Obviously given the current state of affairs, respectfully, we are on-hold for hosting any events until there is a safe environment to do so. We are inching closer. To connect with your former soccer alumni, please look for us on Facebook as we continue to grow our network and share past pictures and memories. Please search for “ Virginia Tech Men’s Soccer Players, Alumni, and Friends of the Program .” TRACK AND FIELD Hello Hokie Track alumni! We are finishing out our 2021 season strong and are excited for the upcoming postseason. We thank you for your continued support over this past year—we are proud to be able to Continued on page 28 price T here’s not much I can say about Keely that already hasn’t been said. I’m thankful to have Keely in our program. She’s a leader, works extremely hard, and, most importantly, knows how to be a superior teammate. When you add those attributes to her obvious talent in the circle, you’re talking about a young lady that will be remembered fondly in Blacksburg for a long, long time after she graduates.” Pete D’Amour Head Coach, Virginia Tech Softball “