I ordered a Virginia Tech T-shirt this summer.
If you know me, you know that’s saying something.
The maize and blue of Michigan has always had a permanent place in my closet. So has the red and blue of Florida Atlantic University. Those shirts aren’t just school colors; they’re reminders of people, places, and seasons of life that shaped me.
Now there’s a Hokies shirt folded beside them, too. Because a few weeks ago, a group of us gathered to celebrate one of my dearest friends, Paige White, before she and her husband, Brian White, moved to Blacksburg, Va., home to Virginia Tech. Brian recently accepted the role of director of athletics at Virginia Tech following eight years leading Florida Atlantic University’s athletic department.
On this night, we all wore Hokie colors. We laughed, shared stories, and somehow found ourselves talking about memories that still feel like yesterday. Somewhere between the stories, laughter and tears, I realized we weren’t just celebrating a new chapter. We were quietly saying thank you for the last one.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Whites in many different ways over the years. We first met at an FAU event shortly after they moved to Boca Raton, when someone decided the two Paiges simply had to meet. We were both television journalists, both sports fans and both raising young children. Before long, people were asking if we were sisters. Since then, our paths have crossed professionally through journalism, community events, FAU, bowl season, and my podcasts, but our friendship has been built through our children and countless moments that never had anything to do with headlines.
Some of my favorite memories have nothing to do with sports. They’re the beach days that became a constant through changing seasons of life. We watched our kids grow up there. We celebrated birthdays there. We chased kids everywhere there. And after my divorce, when life looked different than I ever imagined, Paige simply kept making room for my kids and me. Sometimes the greatest gift a friend gives you is an invitation that never stops coming.
I think about Halloween nights when dozens of our friends gathered while toddlers became elementary school kids and somehow became teenagers before we knew it. Then there were school events. Sporting events. Galas and fundraisers. Holidays when the Whites welcomed my children and me into their home.
Coaching families, athletic department families, military families, media families; we all know that every opportunity often means another move, another school, another community to embrace. The spouses are often the quiet thread holding it all together, welcoming newcomers, raising children, building friendships and making each place feel like home.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about FAU is the people it attracts. During his eight years at the university, Brian brought in coaches, administrators and staff who cared deeply about students, athletes and this community. Dusty May was one of them with a Final Four to boot. So were many, many others who helped shape Florida Atlantic University during an extremely exciting period of growth. And now FAU welcomes Josh McCowan as its new vice president and director of athletics, coming to Boca Raton from Mississippi State University. Another new chapter begins. That’s what strong universities do. They attract good people, encourage them to build something meaningful and, eventually, another generation carries it forward.
Covering FAU over the years has reminded me that universities do far more than educate students. They create opportunities for young athletes. They support nonprofits. They inspire children through camps and year-round programming. They bring communities together. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, they introduce you to people who become lifelong friends.
Maybe that’s why these past few weeks felt different. Such a reminder for me to not take these seasons for granted. The people who pass through our communities, whether they’re military families, coaching families, business leaders, journalists ,or neighbors… they fill positions and huge chapters of our lives. And when it’s time for them to move on, maybe the best response isn’t sadness. It’s gratitude. Hold tight to the good.
Boca Raton is fortunate to have FAU as our hometown university. And we were fortunate to have the White family here for part of their journey. Virginia Tech is fortunate to welcome them next.
As for me, I’ll happily wear my new Hokies T-shirt. But most days, you’ll probably still find me reaching first for an FAU shirt or the maize and blue of Michigan.
Until I make my way to Blacksburg.
Or Virginia Tech gets an invite to play in the Boca Raton Bowl.
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