Virginia Tech has announced a major shift in its program, naming a new head coach. The decision comes after a challenging season for the Hokies, who struggled to meet expectations. The university leadership expressed confidence that the new coach will bring a fresh perspective and reinvigorate the team’s competitive edge.
The new head coach, reportedly with ties to a top-tier SEC program, is expected to focus on modernizing the team’s strategies and improving player development. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans and alumni, who are eager to see the program return to prominence.
The new head coach has been a volunteer assistant coach for the Hokies since 2021. Both the men’s and women’s squads have had tremendous success, with both teams finishing in the Top 25 of the final Coaches Association of America polls every season he has been with the Hokies. The guys are presently ranked thirteenth.
“Ryan is a great addition to the coaching staff,” Lopez Miro stated. “He has been a volunteer assistant for several years and understands the team dynamics. Most importantly, Ryan brings to the table his love for Virginia Tech. I’ve watched him coach over the last few years, and he’s done an excellent job with our divers. He is highly attentive, works extremely hard, is devoted, and adores Virginia Tech.”
Ryan Hawkins, a great personality for the Hokies, currently a record holder. Hawkins was a four-time All-American and three-time Honorable Mention All-American with the Hokies from 2010 to 2014.
He was selected Virginia Tech’s Male Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2014.
Hawkins joined the Hokies as a fifth-year assistant coach in 2014-15, before moving on to coach the Fort Lauderdale Diving Team in 2017-18. He also managed the Carolina Diving Academy’s 13 and under team for three seasons.
Hawkins was also a volunteer assistant coach at Davidson from 2019 to 2021, where he aided with individual athlete programming and practices.
He has been a volunteer assistant coach for the Hokies since 2021, helping with exercises and progressions during water and dryland workouts. He is currently the CEO of New River Diving.
Hawkins is a two-time Academic All-American who earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in industrial design from Virginia Tech in 2015.
“It is an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Hokie diving team,” Hawkins told the audience. “As a former athlete under Coach Ron Piemonte, I am very proud of Virginia Tech’s diving program. Ron established a unique culture in Blacksburg, which coach Rio Ramirez continued to build, and I am thrilled to be following in their footsteps and guiding future Hokies for years to come.
Coach Sergio has created and cultivated a world-class staff around him, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Throughout its history, Virginia Tech diving has earned 15 All-American awards and 14 Honorable Mention All-Americans. Since entering the ACC, Hokie divers have won 11 individual ACC championships.
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