Virginia Tech’s Homecoming Weekend just got a turbocharged boost of Hokie pride, thanks to one of its most legendary alumni. Former NFL superstar and Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick returned to his alma mater in grand fashion, rolling onto campus in a custom-designed luxury motorcoach — not for himself, but as a $2.5 million donation to the Hokies’ rising baseball program.
The jaw-dropping 45-foot Prevost motorcoach, wrapped in maroon and orange, features the Virginia Tech logo across its sides and the phrase “Drive the Future” emblazoned above the windshield. Built by Liberty Coach and customized to Vick’s specifications, the vehicle includes leather recliners, a film room, mobile recovery equipment, a kitchenette, bunk beds, and even a mini studio for player podcasts.
In a heartfelt ceremony held outside English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park, Vick handed over the keys to Hokies baseball head coach John Szefc.
“This program shaped me — not just as an athlete, but as a man,” said Vick, wearing a Hokies baseball jersey with “#7” on the back. “I may have made my name on the football field, but the lessons, the discipline, the grind — it’s the same across every sport. I wanted to give back in a way that moves the team forward — literally.”
Coach Szefc was visibly emotional. “This isn’t just a donation. It’s a symbol of belief — belief in where this program is headed,” he said. “Michael Vick stepping up like this is going to change the way we travel, train, and connect. Our players are fired up.”
The donation arrives as Virginia Tech baseball continues its upward trajectory, coming off a record-setting 2024 season and a strong NCAA tournament showing. The new bus is expected to save the team hundreds of thousands in travel costs while elevating recruiting appeal and player recovery during road trips.
The bus, which Vick affectionately dubbed “The Hokie Hauler,” will debut on the road this fall during the team’s preseason exhibition tour. Students and fans got a sneak peek after the ceremony, where players guided tours through the bus’s high-tech interior, including touchscreen controls, mood lighting, and a custom-built trophy display cabinet.
Virginia Tech President Dr. Tim Sands praised the donation as a milestone moment.
“This is more than a gift — it’s a legacy in motion,” Sands said. “Michael Vick remains one of our proudest Hokies, and today, he’s helping shape the future for our student-athletes in a tangible, transformational way.”
Vick, who has quietly supported several Tech initiatives over the years, hinted this might not be his last contribution.
“I’ve got more in mind,” he said with a smile. “Hokie Nation gave me everything. It’s only right I return the favor — in full throttle.”
Photos:
- Michael Vick handing over bus keys to Coach Szefc
- Interior of “The Hokie Hauler”
- VT players exploring the bus for the first time
Related:
- “From the Field to the Future: Michael Vick’s Legacy at VT”
- “Inside the $2.5M Hokie Hauler — Tech’s Newest Recruiting Secret Weapon”
