Dear Families, Friends, Alumni, and H2Okie supporters,

The Virginia Tech swimming and diving program would like to thank all of you for your massive outpouring of support to us during this time of unbelievable tragedy. We are still numb and saddened from the events that occurred on Monday, and the collective thousands of sentiments received echo our feelings. All of our swimmers, divers and staff made it through ok, but we have all experienced loss. To know that Virginia Tech is held in such high regard and is so respected by so many makes it an honor for us to be a part of this school and do our best to move forward. We attended the Convocation as a team, met as a team following, dined as a team, and after the coaches departed, everyone hung out as a team, just like we always do. It's what makes our sport great. We are a family in every sense of the word just like all the other programs across the country that reached out to us. College swimming and diving is so much more than wins, losses, and championship finishes.

All we can hope for is that from great tragedy, comes great triumph. You never know how strong you are until you are truly tested. We trust the Hokies will come through with flying colors! Our community is one of great spirit and great tradition and we feel even though we are already a strong community, we will grow even stronger and the pride that we live with everyday, will become even bigger. There is no question that tragedies have occurred before on other campuses in the past, but they have overcome their sorrows and have built their institutions up bigger than ever through their community, alumni, student support, and  national support......we are no different and will do/be the same.

Thank you again for the calls, e-mails, text messages, and genuine love. We are humbled to see the best in all of you.

Sincerely,
Virginia Tech Swimming and Diving