In November 2022, the University of Virginia community was stunned by a mass shooting that killed three students and injured two more. Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry and Devin Chandler — all members of the football team — tragically lost their lives after a fellow student opened fire on a bus as they returned from a field trip.
One of the injured victims, Mike Hollins, is also a member of the football team. He survived a bullet to the stomach, and worked hard to recover and rejoin his teammates on the gridiron.
Fans were delighted to see not only was Hollins dressed on the sidelines of Virginia’s spring game Saturday, but he got the first touch of the game.
Hollins opened the scrimmage with a 7-yard rush up the middle, leading to a standing ovation from those in attendance.
Iron Mike!
🧡💙#UVAStrong | 🔶⚔️🔷#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/x55spJCosB
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) April 15, 2023
Prior to the game, Virginia held a moment of silence for their lost teammates. Several teammates paid their respects in the end zone painted with the “UVA STRONG” mantra the Charlottesville community adopted in the wake of the shooting.
Although Hollins didn’t score the first points of the game, it feels fitting that the first touchdown was in the end zone dedicated to the lives of those lost.
Muskett ➡️ Wilson for 6️⃣3️⃣ yards!
White takes lead 7-3!
📺: @accnetwork pic.twitter.com/bWUZ7dSap8
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) April 15, 2023
In all, Virginia’s spring game was one that brought fans and players some joy following months of immense pain.
I'm sorry but every time Mike Hollins touches the ball this season, I'm gonna cry tears of joy. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/rhkF0hqYGq
— Nichole M. Flores (@nicholemflores) April 15, 2023
Amazing to see Mike Hollins on the field in the @UVAFootball Spring Game after what he experienced this fall. A true inspiration. Coverage is underway now on @accnetwork. #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/y6P7lYcuwa
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) April 15, 2023
Mike Hollins gets a carry on the first play of the #UVA spring game. Fitting and impressive… https://t.co/FCrzri9YRb
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) April 15, 2023
Nice ovation for Mike Hollins after his 7-yard run is the first play of #UVa's spring game.
— Greg Madia (@GregMadia) April 15, 2023
First play of the game. Handoff to Mike Hollins for a 7-yard gain. Fans give him a long, loud ovation. Deservedly so. Hollins was severely wounded in the November tragedy. His recovery is nothing short of remarkable.
— BFriedACC (@BFriedACC) April 15, 2023
The Wahoo Walk welcomes UVA back to Scott Stadium with Mike Hollins leading the team. pic.twitter.com/wbe25K4DNP
— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) April 15, 2023
.@UVAFootball defensive tackle Michael Diatta takes a moment in the end zone before the Spring Game. @RTDNEWS pic.twitter.com/ARIZC8zuG4
— Mike Kropf (@mikekropfphoto) April 15, 2023
𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧🧡💙
1.15.41🕊#UVAStrong | #GoHoos⚔️ pic.twitter.com/hjgT9rDFSS— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) April 15, 2023
Friday from @AroundtheHorn: #UVAStrong https://t.co/U3Hf68jkhu pic.twitter.com/mzySomRHgl
— Clinton Yates (@clintonyates) April 14, 2023
