Hokie ClubHokie Nation is expressing its gratitude to Athletics Director Whit Babcock, as he prepares to transition to AD Emeritus and Special Advisor on July 1. Babcock led transformational change during his 12-year tenure, elevating Virginia Tech Athletics’ performance, financial foundation, academic excellence, and student-athlete development across all sports. His leadership guided the Hokies through the most dynamic and consequential period in college athletics history, from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to the emergence of NIL, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.
“Whit has been an exceptional leader, partner, Hokie, and advocate for student-athletes,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “His insight and integrity earned the respect and admiration of his peers and competitors throughout the ACC and NCAA. We deeply appreciate his service to Virginia Tech and college athletics.”
Babcock’s transition comes as Invest to Win, an unprecedented $229 million investment in athletics approved by the Board of Visitors in 2025, gains momentum. He was also instrumental in the formation of Hokie Ventures, a nonprofit corporation that will support the long-term growth and competitiveness of the athletics department.
“Whit’s expertise and guidance have been invaluable as we made some of the most consequential decisions in the history of Virginia Tech Athletics,” said Jim Miller, rector of the university Board of Visitors. “We deeply appreciate his service and contributions to our future success.”
“Whit is a great Hokie and leaves Virginia Tech Athletics in a strong and competitive position,” said Bridget Ryan Berman, vice president of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board. “He was instrumental in building success across numerous programs, thanks in part to the talented coaches and staff he helped recruit and develop.”
Babcock’s notable coaching hires include:
- Buzz Williams (men’s basketball; three consecutive NCAA appearances and program’s first-ever Sweet 16 after missing the Big Dance 10 straight seasons prior)
- Kenny Brooks (women’s basketball; program’s first-ever ACC title in 2023, four consecutive NCAA appearances after a 15-year NCAA tournament drought, the program’s first-ever Final Four)
- Mike Young (men’s basketball; program’s first-ever ACC title in 2022, two NCAA appearances, 2021 ACC Coach of the Year)
- Pete D’Amour (softball; six NCAA appearances, two Super Regionals, two-time ACC Coach of the Year)
- John Szefc (baseball; program’s first-ever Super Regional, 2022 ACC Coach of the Year)
- Tony Robie (wrestling; nine ACC titles in 10 years, eight top eleven finishes at NCAAs, two NCAA individual champions, 33 All-Americans, six-time ACC Coach of the Year)
- Carol Robertson (women’s golf; six NCAA appearances, one national championship berth)
- Sergio Lopez Miro (swimming and diving; 214 All-Americans, six consecutive top eleven team finishes at NCAAs)
- Ben Thomas (track and field/cross country); one ACC title, 23 All-Americans, 2025 ACC Coach of the Year, placed 17thin the nation for men’s indoor in 2026)
- Dave Cianelli (track and field/cross country; 14 ACC titles, five NCAA top ten team finishes, 20-time ACC Coach of the Year)
- Megan Duffy (women’s basketball; one NCAA appearance)
- James Franklin (football; one of three active FBS head coaches with a 68-plus winning percentage and 14-plus years of head coaching experience)
“I wouldn’t be at Virginia Tech without Whit. The role he played was instrumental in my decision to come here,” Franklin said. “His commitment, knowledge, and professionalism built a foundation that will continue to support our progress and momentum.”
Babcock oversaw landmark fundraising success, completing the Drive for 25 campaign that increased Hokie Club membership from 9,000 to 25,000. The department recently exceeded its $400 milestone in the Reach for Excellence campaign, raising more than $56 million in FY26, a new record.
“Whit tapped into the passion and traditions that inspire and unite Hokie Nation and draw national attention to our university,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement Tom Wamsley. “He understood what makes Virginia Tech special and through athletics he shared that experience with our community of alumni, fans, friends and parters across the country.”
Other notable achievements during Babcock’s tenure include:
- Virginia Tech-record $75 million commitment
- A pair of Elite 8 finishes in men’s soccer (2016) and women’s soccer (2024)
- Nine individual national championships: track and field (six), wrestling (two), swimming and diving (one)
- Fourteen top-11 team finishes at NCAAs between wrestling and swimming and diving
- Eight top forty finishes in the Division I Learfield Directors’ Cup, including a Virginia Tech-record 28th-place finish in 2017-18 and the top four finishes in school history
- Increased the athletics department budget from $85 million to $200 million
- Record 3.42 department spring term GPA and 3.38 department cumulative GPA in 2026
- Record 392 ACC Honor Roll recipients in 2025
- 30 ACC titles
- 2017-18 Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year
“Whit led us to more conference championships during his 12-year tenure than any other time in school history while running a clean, compliant program,” said J. Pearson, a member of the Board of Visitors who serves as chair of the Athletics Committee. “He increased our Hokie Club membership by more than two-fold.”
Members of the Athletics Director Search Committee, who have all been deeply engaged with Virginia Tech Athletics for many years, expressed their gratitude for Babcock’s contributions, which set a high bar for the selection of the next leader.
“Throughout all the successes, challenges, milestones, and memorable moments, what stands out to me is the way Whit led with heart and humility,” said Lynne Doughtie, athletics director search committee chair. “He has always given 100% to Virginia Tech Athletics and our student-athletes, and we look forward to naming a successor with the same commitment and spirit.”
“Whit gave 12 years of his life to Virginia Tech, and his legacy here is real — more conference championships than in any comparable stretch in our history, a Hokie Club he grew from 9,000 to 25,000 members, an athletics budget that climbed from $85 million to $200 million, and a record 3.42 department GPA with 392 student-athletes earning ACC Honor Roll recognition,” said Board of Visitors member Mehul Sanghani. “Above all, he cared about our student-athletes. As we look to the next chapter of leadership, we’re grateful for the foundation he’s built, and we wish him and his family the very best.”
Babcock will serve as Athletics Director Emeritus beginning July 1 and continue supporting strategic initiatives in an advisory role to the university president and new athletics director through June 2029.
“This is a special place, with moments and memories my family and I will treasure forever,” Babcock said. “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work alongside university leadership over the years, the engagement and loyalty of our coaches, our talented student-athletes, and the privilege of sharing these experiences with our alumni, donors, and fans. Virginia Tech will always be home.”