BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – The Hokies swapped footballs for markers this week, spending the afternoon creating art alongside young patients from Carilion Children’s Hospital.
Virginia Tech players welcomed children and their families into the team’s lounge, where laughter, bright colors, and Hokie pride filled the room. Together, players and kids decorated t-shirts, sharing designs, stories, and plenty of smiles.
“They’re decorating shirts, the players and the patients, and they’re swapping, working together and just having a blast,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of pediatrics at Carilion Clinic.
For the athletes, the event was a reminder that their impact stretches far beyond the field.
“All these kids with big smiles—it just makes you happy,” said offensive lineman Brody Meadows. “It makes you want to give back more and more. It was great to see everybody here today.”
Parents said the day offered a joyful break from the stress of hospital routines.
“She couldn’t wait to meet the football players and do a craft,” said Sarah Spencer, whose daughter participated. “She’s been talking about what she wanted to color on her shirt all day yesterday, and she’s been telling everybody she was coming.”
The Hokies said the experience brought their university’s motto—Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”)—to life.
“This is our way to give back to the community that supports us so much,” Meadows said. “Some of these kids are going through hardships, and it’s great to see them smiling with positive attitudes.”
Players left the event energized, saying these connections fuel them as much as game day victories. And when the Hokies return to Lane Stadium, those young artists will join them—walking onto the field hand-in-hand with the team, wearing their one-of-a-kind shirts.
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