Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech alum Patrick Brindle ‘99 has been one of Hokie volleyball’s biggest contributors recently. “He has seen our progress and helped us out in any way that he can,” Byers said. Brindle understands the current landscape of college athletics, and how Virginia Tech competes in one of the best conferences in the country.
“He sees what we have and what we don’t have,” Byers added. “He wants to help us grow.”
As an alum, Brindle is passionate about Virginia Tech and its athletic programs.
The Brindle family organized the first edition of the 2026 Virginia Tech Golf Tournament at their home course, Dominion Valley Country Club, in Haymarket, Virginia. Along with his family, Patrick's efforts helped put together the event.
The inaugural tournament surpassed the expectations of Brindle and Byers in terms of attendance and engagement. Byers highlighted The Joint Chiropractic’s title sponsorship as being instrumental to success of the event. In addition, 32 teams participated and all 18 holes were sponsored.
The funds raised at the event will be used to enhance the volleyball facility and elevate the program. Bringing Taraflex sports flooring to Cassell Coliseum and renovating the volleyball locker room are Byers’ biggest goals. Taraflex is widely recognized as the leading surface for competitive volleyball. It’s a shock-absorbing surface that reduces long-term injury risk and friction burns.
Byers remarked that Virginia Tech volleyball would love to attract more donors who share a passion for the program. Brindle organized the outing not only to raise funds, but to help the team engage with potential donors.
"That was one of the purposes of the golf outing," Byers said. "It was important to get the student-athletes out in the community so they can interact with Tech fans who could really see who their generosity impacts on a daily basis."
Byers is hopeful about the growth of her team. “We are in a really sweet spot with our talent level and in what we’re building culture-wise,” she said.
The Hokies begin their 2026 season at home at Cassell Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 28 with matches against Kent State and William & Mary. Both of Tech's matches that day can be seen on ACC Network Extra.