Fall Check-In: Virginia Tech (DI)

It's early,  but Fall Ball has begun.  All over the country teams are getting to the business of nailing down their 2026 rosters and preparing for the season ahead.  September is always a time of great optimism as programs look to build from the previous season and incorporate new faces.

We begin our Fall Check-In series with the DI Virginia Tech Hokies and head coach Panchito Ojeda.

You guys had a very productive midfield last season with most of your top scorers set to return, do you expect to be a midfield driven offense again this season?

Panchito Ojeda: Every year is a new crop of young men and that always presents challenges with what will drive you. Without a doubt we expect our midfield to be strong and contributing a big way to our success.

What are the schedule highlights outside of the ALC slate?  Any big trips?

PO:  We are hosting FSU and South Carolina which are two of the best programs in the country. We are also heading north to CLC country to play Northeastern and BC.  Our trips to Boston will be a big challenge and we are looking forward to playing some top OOC games.

Your season last year was marked with some incredible highs  (beating both teams that played in the national championship game) and some tough days (getting swept in Florida and closing the season with consecutive losses) and ended up on the bubbles and missing nationals.  What are you guys doing to eliminate those tough days and get back to nationals?

PO: Consistency is the name of the game in sports, but definitely in the MCLA. Doing things to create more consistent showings starts in practice, keeping guys healthy, and continuing to focus on culture.  We have a great group and I expect them to be hungry to compete and get to Richmond.

Do you feel like the disappointment of not making it is still with the returning players, or have they turned the page?

PO: It is naive to think last year doesn't weigh on the minds of many of the players. This senior class played in the MCLA final in 2023 and they want to get back there, so last year is impossible to ignore. However, new year, new team. Our focus will be on this year and being our best selves come April and May. Last year comparisons won't serve us well in achieving our goals.

You guys typically carry one of the larger rosters in the MCLA, how do you manage such a large roster and what are some of the benefits and challenges that come with that?

PO: Getting everyone quality minutes at practice is always a challenge with big groups. However, the benefit outweighs the cost as our competition level at practice is stout. It makes our practices incredibly fun, competitive, and opportunities for growth at every turn.  As coaches we spend a lot of time practice planning to ensure that competition is at the forefront and everyone leaves practice with a smile on their face.

Thank you to Coach Ojeda for getting the series started.  Coaches, if you'd like your program to be featured in our Fall Check-In series, please email info@mcla.us to receive your questions.