I attended this event for the second year in a row and came away quite impressed. I do not have any connections to the team, like some other posters, so my impressions are just those of one who has had a daughter play travel ball for years. It seems to me there has been quite an emphasis being put on this sport and I am expecting immediate improvements.

For example last season we played Radford and lost to them all 3 games. This fall we played them twice and run ruled them both times. Not predicting anything here other than to say there is a new attitude here.

The senior players were each interviewed in front of the crowd by Lazer and Burnop. So it was an easy Q&A with some fun questions thrown in. More than one senior stated that they had learned more in the short time with this coaching staff than they had in some time. They were excited to finish out their careers under the new group of coaches. And there appears to be more staff hired to work with the program. More money, more staff, new indoor practice facility, new uniforms, new outfield padded fence and on. Just plenty of reasons to be excited.

Coach spoke and said his 3 goals were to win the ACC, go to a Regional and lead the league in doubles. He is working with the team to increase the velocity or speed the ball comes off the bat. Most of the players have already seen significant increases. They use several drills to address this very area. One returning player started 25 games and played in 34 games last season. She had 3 doubles and one triple. Her first at bat this fall was a home run. Just an example.

Being from Farmville I spoke with one of the assistant coaches about their Longwood series. Expressed my wishes that they continue that series and noted that we usually split those games. Coaches reply was "that won't happen again". Meaning no splits. I am not sure about that but I like the confidence of the new staff.

Finally the Head Coach noted that "the ACC is getable". While noting the national champion is FSU he said outside of them our league was not statistically stronger than the league he just left. So he believes he can win here and has his sights set on FSU. He also hates the traffic in the Atlanta area and Blacksburg is 3.5 hours from his parents who live in Maryland. He has had his sights set on VT for many years. So nice to gain another coach who wants to be here.

I highly recommend this event which is only $35 per seat to attend.