First off, I’m sure everyone knows by now but I will not be wrestling my last year of eligibility at Virginia Tech. I will be graduating in May with a degree in Real Estate and a minor in Business. In July, I will be pursuing a career as a Realtor. I would like to let everyone know that this was not a choice that was made during the last few weeks of the season nor was it due to the coaching changes at Virginia Tech. I have known this decision before the season even started and knew that it would be my last. Coach Robie and I share a special relationship and I wish him nothing but the best in the future as head coach. Wrestling has made me into the person that I am today and thanks to that I’m forever grateful to the sport. With that being said, it is time for me to move on from the competitive side of wrestling and onto the next chapter of my life. I can’t tell you all how excited I am for this process and taking on every challenge with my fiancé, Karlie. Thank you to all the fans, teammates, and friends over the last four years who have made my time unforgettable. God has set out a path for me and I’m excited to see what he has in store for my life.

I would love to give a special shout out to all of my family and Karlie. Thank you all for putting up with me whenever I was cutting weight and always encouraging me. Every one of you was my rock when times were tough and when I needed a shoulder to lean on I could always count on one of you. Words can’t express everything that you all have done for me but thank you again. I love you all! Karlie Pope Elise Yates Epperly Matthew Scott