In a historic moment for Virginia Tech athletics, the Hokies softball team has claimed the No. 1 spot in the Softball America Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history. This landmark achievement comes on the heels of a remarkable run of dominant performances that have turned heads across the nation and firmly established the Hokies as a national powerhouse in collegiate softball.
Virginia Tech’s rise to the top has been powered by stellar pitching, a relentless offense, and cohesive team chemistry that has proven too much for opponents in recent weeks. The team’s most recent victories include a clean sweep of a top-10 rival on the road and a decisive series win over a perennial conference contender. These key wins pushed the Hokies to a 45-4 overall record, the best in school history at this stage of the season.
Head coach Pete D’Amour, who took over the program in 2018, expressed pride in his team’s progress and praised the athletes’ commitment to excellence. “This ranking is a testament to how hard our players have worked, how much they believe in each other, and how focused they’ve remained on our goals,” said D’Amour. “It’s a milestone for the program, but we’re not done yet.”
The Hokies’ roster features a blend of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic young talent. Star pitcher Emma Lemley has emerged as a dominant force in the circle, posting a sub-1.00 ERA and leading the nation in strikeouts. On the offensive side, outfielder Addy Greene and infielder Jayme Bailey have delivered consistently clutch performances, combining for over 20 home runs and a .350+ batting average.
Beyond individual accolades, the Hokies have excelled in team metrics, leading the nation in fielding percentage and ranking in the top five for runs scored per game. Their balanced play and deep bench have made them one of the most complete teams in the country.
This No. 1 ranking not only validates the Hokies’ exceptional season but also marks a turning point in the program’s trajectory. Long seen as an underdog in the national softball conversation, Virginia Tech has now cemented itself as a legitimate title contender.
As postseason play looms, the Hokies aim to maintain their momentum and bring home the program’s first national championship. For now, though, the No. 1 ranking serves as a symbol of how far Virginia Tech softball has come — and how high it can still climb.
