When the Virginia Tech softball team fell to the Lipscomb Lady Bisons 12-3 back on May 17, 2014, Amanda Ake thought that her time with the Hokies had come to an end.
However, after a very successful career in centerfield for Tech, Amanda Ake joined the coaching staff of the softball team this fall as a volunteer assistant.
Players often look to Ake for advice since she recently graduated this spring.
Although she admits the transition has been tough, Ake maintains the career goal of one day becoming the head coach of her own softball program.
“It’s been hard. We had our first games last week. It was hard watching but getting to inspire these girls as a coach is pretty cool,” said Ake.
The Virginia Tech softball team is one of the most consistent squads on campus. Since its establishment in 1996, the program has made the NCAA tournament 7 times, won 2 ACC championships and even made an appearance in the Women’s College World Series. Head coach Scot Thomas has been the skipper of the Hokies since the team was founded.
“We’ve had a lot of great players come through this program,” said Thomas. “Ake’s playing experience will definitely benefit our players as we move closer to the season.”
Volunteer assistant coach Amanda Ake looks on as head coach Scot Thomas addresses the team.
The Carrollton, GA native notes that she already has an offer for an assistant coaching position at her former school, Tallahassee Community College. Ake spent two seasons playing softball in Florida before transferring to Virginia Tech. She plans on returning to TCC as a coach after finishing up her master’s degree.
“God has given me this opportunity to come out and be there for the girls and that’s something that I definitely want to do for the next thirty years.”
Virginia Tech will host West Virginia Wesleyan at 12:30 PM and Gardner-Webb at 3 PM this sunday in a doubleheader exhibition at Tech Softball Park.
Take a closer look at Ake’s transition from player to coach:
