The Appalachian State Mountaineers women's basketball program announced a three‑game series against the Virginia Tech Hokies that will run from the 2027‑28 season through 2029, a deal that restores a high‑profile opponent to the Mountaineers' schedule after a decade‑long hiatus.
A Milestone Matchup
The 2027‑28 installment will be played at the Holmes Center in Boone, giving the Mountaineers their first home contest against a power‑conference team since 2017. The arrangement not only revitalizes the rivalry but also underscores Appalachian State's growing ambition on the national stage.
Virginia Tech arrives in Boone with a strong recent pedigree. The Hokies have reached the NCAA Tournament in five of the past six seasons and captured a Final Four berth in 2023, establishing themselves as a consistent contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Virginia Tech's Recent Dominance
Coach Nikki Fargas' squad has built momentum through aggressive recruiting and player development, turning the program into a regular threat to the traditional powerhouses of women's college basketball.
The upcoming series will test the Mountaineers against a team that has consistently ranked among the nation's elite, offering a measuring stick for Appalachian State's own progress.
A Local Hero Returns
Adding a layer of local significance, former Watauga High School standout Kate Sears will return to Boone for the 2027‑28 game. Sears, who starred for Virginia Tech in the 2024‑25 season, grew up just miles from the campus and remains a beloved figure in the region.
Sears' high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including Gatorade North Carolina Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Ms. Basketball honors from the Charlotte Observer, and North Carolina Player of the Year from the NC Coaches Association. She was also ranked 82nd on ESPN's Top 100 High School Women's Basketball prospects.
Her decision to commit to Virginia Tech was a homecoming of sorts, as she chose to stay close to her roots while pursuing a high‑level collegiate experience. The upcoming matchup will give fans in Boone a chance to see the alumna back on familiar turf.