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With the opening of the Molly and Robert Hardie Football Operations Center, Phase II of the Virginia Athletics Master Plan is complete.
“Molly and I love all UVA sports, and in particular, we recognize the value of a strong football program,” said Robert Hardie (Col ’87, Darden ’95, ’99), University rector and supporter of the center, at the opening ceremony. “We believe in the young men who come to the University to honor us by wearing the orange and blue. With this facility, we’re giving our staff and athletes the resources they need.” The event also marked a milestone in Phase III of the Master Plan with the topping out of the Harrison Family Olympic Sports Center.
“I am so excited to welcome our student-athletes, coaches, and staff into this amazing Football Operations Center,” said Director of Athletics Carla Williams. “It’s been a long time coming, and it has taken the work of a lot of people. I’m so thankful to everyone who made this a reality. This facility will give our football student-athletes an opportunity to maximize their UVA experience, and it gives our football program a chance to compete at the highest level.”
Players saw the interior of the space for the first time on the morning of the grand opening. “The weight room is huge,” said safety Antonio Clary (Col ’22). “I’m a big extra work guy, so I’m going to be in that weight room all day.”
“When you have a facility to show off like this to recruits, families, and transfers, I think it shows a level of commitment, a level of seriousness to the program … it’s how we’re going to get everyone’s goals accomplished,” said defensive end Ben Smiley III (Col ’23).
“Coach Elliott talks about how it symbolizes our growth as a program,” said quarterback Tony Muskett (Col ’24). “We had to lay the foundations first year and second year. Now the thing is built … just like in the fall when we’re going to put that finished product on the field.”
“In our program we talk about applying an equation for excellence. This equation consists of intentional preparation, passionate engagement, and precise effort. We also have a vision for our players and what their future could look like,” said Fralin Family Head Football Coach Tony Elliott. “To bring this vision to life we must provide our scholar-athletes with the best resources possible. It’s important that we show them that we support them fully in everything that they do. This new facility gives us the space and resources we need to pour into these young men holistically, helping us create the model program.”
The Football Operations Center also provides room to reflect and remember. The jerseys of Lavel Davis Jr. (Col ’22), Devin Chandler (Col ’22), and D’Sean Perry (Col ’22), who were shot and killed in November 2022, are displayed on the first floor and in their respective position rooms. The running backs’ room is named for Mike Hollins (Col ’22, Ed ’24), who was wounded in the shooting. Hollins recovered and returned to play the 2023 season.
“In my view, one of the things that makes UVA special is that it offers a one-of-a-kind, exceptional student experience, and our athletics programs are absolutely critical to all of that,” said President Jim Ryan. “Our teams bring joy, excitement, vibrancy, connection, and inspiration to students, alumni, and the broader community.”
