In a touching and life-changing act, Brent Pry, the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies football team, shocked the town and the college football community by donating $8.6 million of his personal wealth to a charity project that supports homeless children in Southwest Virginia. In addition to providing vulnerable youths with a roof over their heads, the ambitious project aims to transform dilapidated and abandoned homes into secure shelters, offering them hope, structure, and a second chance at life.
The idea for “Hokies Haven” came about as a result of a profound experience Pry had last fall while departing a team meal in downtown Roanoke. He was approached by a young man in a shabby high school football jersey who asked for a warm dinner and a place to sleep instead of signing an autograph. Sources close to the coach said that Pry was deeply affected by that incident and later remarked to his staff, “We lift kids up every day on the field.” However, what about those who don’t have a homely locker room?
His concept became a reality less than a year later.
The recently constructed shelters, of which there are currently six with plans for additional, are remodeled old houses and structures that had deteriorated in both urban and rural areas of the area. Through Pry’s initiative, these locations have been converted into fully functional, secure living areas with the assistance of real estate developers, community leaders, and student volunteers from Virginia Tech’s engineering and architectural programs. Dorm-style beds, communal kitchens, study areas, mental health services, and faculty and student mentorship are all features of each house.
“This isn’t about football,” Pry declared during the first home’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. It’s about leading from the heart and being a part of something greater. It’s worth every penny if we can alter the course of even one young life.
There has been a great deal of appreciation from the college football community, which is frequently characterized by glamour, contracts, and championship headlines. Coaches from teams throughout the ACC and beyond, including as Mack Brown of UNC and Dabo Swinney of Clemson, have openly commended Pry for his dedication to community service and human dignity.
Tim Sands, president of Virginia Tech, praised the action, describing it as “an example of servant leadership at the highest level.” The school aspires to spread the program around the state and intends to incorporate Hokies Haven into student service activities.
The anecdotes from young people who have already moved into the homes are arguably the most heartwarming of all. One ex-adolescent who is currently taking GED courses revealed: “Coach Pry is more than simply a football coach. He is a coach. He inspired me to dream once more.
Brent Pry’s behavior extends much beyond the football field. They serve as a powerful reminder that compassionate decision-making frequently starts the process of changing lives and that leadership is not limited to the sidelines.