Radford University Athletics is excited to host Highlander Fan Fest Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5-7p.m. at the Dedmon Center Practice Field. 2026 will kick off a new form of Highlander Fan Fest, an evolution of the “Meet the Coaches Night” hosted in previous years. The evening will include kids’ activities, inflatables, and more to kick off both the 2026-27 athletics season and academic year. Guests will still have the opportunity to meet and greet the players and coaches from each of Radford’s athletic teams, as well as learn more about each program. Season tickets for the 2026-27 men’s and women’s basketball season will be on sale at the event, giving attendees a chance to secure their favorite seats. The event is free for all to attend.
New assistant Hokie coach
Head coach announced the addition of ’26 as the newest assistant coach for Virginia Tech swimming and diving. Claesson joins the Hokie staff after being a four-year swimmer at Virginia Tech from 2022-26. As an assistant coach, Claesson will help recruit, teach, mentor and develop student-athletes for both men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs. Claesson qualified for the NCAA Championships in four straight seasons and garnered Honorable Mention All-American honors all four years as a member of the freestyle relay teams. Most recently, Claesson placed 18th overall with the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relay teams at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Emerald Coast Classic
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team is set to compete in the Emerald Coast Classic on November 23 and 24, as announced by Global Sports Thursday morning.
This will be Tech’s first appearance in the event.
Virginia Tech will open against UT Martin on Monday, Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m. and will take on either Alcorn State or Michigan State in its second game on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
In program history, the Hokies are 2-0 all-time against UT Martin and last met the Skyhawks on Nov. 27, 2021, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tech has never faced Alcorn State but holds a 3-1 edge over Michigan State in the four all-time meetings. The last time the Hokies and Spartans faced off was Dec. 7, 2013, a 72-66 Tech victory in Blacksburg.
Virginia Tech is the third ACC team to participate in the multi-team event, following Virginia’s appearance in 2025 and Syracuse in 2024.
Lawrence wins state open
Henrico’s Mark Lawrence, Jr., a 2021 Virginia Tech graduate, won the State Open of Virginia for a second time Sunday at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian. Lawrence carded a final-round 66 to finish the three-day event at 14-under par (67-63-66), four shots clear of another former Hokie, Drew Brockwell, who finished at 10-under and claimed low amateur honors. Lawrence fired a second-round 63 on Saturday afternoon on the par-70 layout to put him in position to win the event for a second time.
