Coach Brent Pry
Photography by VT Athletics
If you’re reading this, we are stronger together.
One of the things I cherish the most in my role as a coach is helping our players understand how we can be better together both on the field and off the field. There is a fairly well-known saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This is a great quote to introduce to a team to help remind everyone that we won’t accomplish nearly as much individually as we will collectively. It’s also a great philosophy to recall when we’re going through tough times, starting something new, facing challenges, navigating adversity, or trying to process emotions.
College can present plenty of moments that stretch our physical and emotional capacity. It can also feel like a time when we must do or handle things on our own. For many, it’s the first time being away from home and being independent. The pressure to figure everything out on your own can push us beyond our limits. In my experience, sharing those challenges and be willing to lean on others can make a big difference. I tend to find more clarity when I can have a conversation with someone. If I can communicate what I’m feeling and share what the challenge(s) are then I can begin to find a way forward. Working on a college campus provides a number of incredible resources and knowledgeable people that want to help. The support you can find and build for yourself here can become a foundation for your future too.
I am grateful and encouraged that the conversations around mental health and well-being are happening with more consistency. We are breaking barriers together and reducing the stigma that still sometimes surrounds mental health. Our campus and community recognize that everyone has things they are dealing with and we want to be able to support and guide someone to the resources they need. One of the things I love about Virginia Tech is how we show up for one another. We are helping each other become stronger and sending a message of hope to those that are struggling. “We are strong together.”
Coach Brent Pry, Virginia Tech
Football Head Coach
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