Hokie ClubHokie Nation,
My first month at Virginia Tech has only reinforced what drew me here in the first place.
I've had the opportunity to meet with each of our head coaches, spend time with many of our loyal supporters, and begin building the leadership team that will help shape our future. Throughout those conversations, one thing has stood out above everything else: the people of Hokie Nation care deeply about this university, our student-athletes and our pursuit of excellence.
That passion is powerful. It's also a responsibility that I don't take lightly.
One of my priorities from day one has been listening to our people. Those conversations have only strengthened my belief that Virginia Tech will be in position to compete at the highest level. We have outstanding coaches. We have remarkable student-athletes. We have a university committed to excellence. And we have a fan base that stands alongside the very best in college athletics.
As mentioned earlier, we’ve begun building the leadership team that will help move our department forward. I'm excited to welcome Ryan Gottlieb, Brad Bell and Mary Giardina to Virginia Tech Athletics. Each brings tremendous experience, integrity and a shared commitment to serving our student-athletes and Hokie Nation. Great organizations are built by great people, and I have tremendous confidence in the team we're assembling.
Everything we do starts with the student-athlete experience.
Whether we're investing in facilities, enhancing the fan experience, growing new revenue opportunities or strengthening the Hokie Club, every decision should help create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive academically, competitively and personally. As college athletics continues to evolve, our responsibility is not simply to keep pace—it's to position Virginia Tech to lead. That requires innovation, thoughtful investments and a willingness to embrace new opportunities while never losing sight of who we are.
Now, our attention begins turning toward the seasons ahead.
There is something special about this time of year. Our fall sports are preparing to compete, our student-athletes are returning to campus, and anticipation continues to build across Hokie Nation.
Like many of you, I find myself counting down the days until Sept. 5.
I can't wait to experience my first Virginia Tech football Saturday inside Lane Stadium. I've heard so much about Enter Sandman. I've watched the videos. But I know nothing compares to standing alongside Hokie Nation as our team takes the field for Coach James Franklin's first regular-season game as our head coach. I know it will be a night our players, coaches, fans and university will remember for a long time.
While football season is right around the corner, our vision reaches far beyond one program. We are committed to building an athletics department where success creates momentum across all our sports. By investing in our people, strengthening the student-athlete experience and providing our coaches with the resources to succeed, we can position every program to compete at the highest level.
Finally, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you for welcoming my family to this special community. Thank you for your encouragement, your investment and your belief in what Virginia Tech Athletics can become. Every conversation, every handshake and every note of support has reminded me that Hokie Nation is unlike anywhere else.
We're just getting started.
I look forward to seeing you this fall as we continue building something special together.
Go Hokies!
Brian White
Vice President & Director of Athletics
