Virginia Cavaliers Are Turning Trials Into Triumph

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Tony Elliott and the University of Virginia Cavaliers are ready to step into greatness after scratching and clawing through some trying times. The Cavaliers are stronger, smarter, and showing signs of solidarity that they believe will lead to continued success. They shared those thoughts and more at the Atlantic Coast Conference Media Day on July 23 in Charlotte, N.C.

Elliott’s Takes

In his third year as coach, Tony Elliott is convinced that he now has that solid foundation that all coaches look for in their programs. In his short tenure, the program has seen some tumultuous times that were more football-adjacent and not football-related. However, Elliott and the Cavaliers have been resilient and are now primed to change the narrative that surrounds the program.

Elliott and staff have asked their players to be the examples on and off the field. Challenging them to higher academic goals in addition to their achievements as an athlete. Elliott wanted to challenge his team to be the model for college football.

“When I showed up and told them our goal was going to be a 3.0 GPA people laughed," Elliott said. "They said that had never been done here with the football program and now these guys have consistently done that, and so that’s confirmation that we are buying into the concept of the model and I believe that will translate to success on the field.”

Virginia Defense Sets the Tone

Defensive leaders and upperclassmen Kam Butler and Chico Bennett Jr. shared their thoughts about the program as well as their careers at the University of Virginia. Butler shared his experiences coming back from an injury and some lessons he was able to learn during his injury:

“Instead of playing, I was kind of like a mini-coach just coaching on the side, coaching up the young guys," Butler said. "Even some of the older guys who came to replace me. I learned a ton of patience within myself and having more patience with others.”

Bennett also had insight to give to the underclassmen and talked about his role as a seasoned leader for the Cavaliers.

“I wouldn’t say old, I’d say seasoned, but in terms of helping younger guys develop I just tell them to emphasize taking care of your body and self from a mental and physical standpoint," Bennett said. "Make sure to maximize every opportunity that you get … the biggest thing is to capitalize and soak up all the information. Take tough love and hear the message, not the tone.”

Back on Solid Ground

The Cavaliers are a hard-nosed and scrappy bunch. The wiles of life have been unable to deter them from their goals and now they are back on solid ground with some new goals in mind. They have shown that nothing will slow them down and they will always pull themselves back to their feet. Now that they have the foundation they are looking to build a home atop the ACC.