jvpoctober
Premium
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2025
- Messages
- 33
I graduated from the University of Miami in 2004—what many of us proudly call the “glory years.” From 2000 to 2004, Miami football wasn’t just good; it was legendary. Those teams set a standard that felt untouchable, the gold measure of college football greatness.
After graduation, my connection to the U never faded. No matter where life took me, I carried orange and green with me. From Hurricanes-themed birthday parties at a sports bar in Seattle (h/t Bryce Williams) to fully buying into the Turnover Chain era, I stayed loyal. I believed. I lived it.
Of course, loyalty came with its share of heartbreak. There were false starts, dashed hopes, and years filled with the familiar refrain that “the U is back,” only for disappointment to follow. Still, I never stopped believing that one day we would return to national prominence. I never doubted it would happen in my lifetime.
I showed up—again and again. We traveled to Ohio State in the 2010s: myself, Erin Vayo Zito and Alex Zito. I attended the Notre Dame games in 2017 and 2025 with Roberta Armstrong, Beverly Perez Hew and Valerie Prentiss. Through every season and every setback, I was all in.
What I couldn’t have anticipated was how much this season—2025—would mean to me personally. This year has been one of profound loss. I went through a divorce, and shortly after Miami was selected for its first-ever College Football Playoff, I lost my best friend of 15 years—my fluffy white Havanese, Figgy. She passed away the very next day. I booked my ticket to College Station almost immediately, knowing I'd never regret following my heart. I even made a dear friend Yaozer Amen on the journey over.
For years, I’ve given back to the University of Miami as a donor to the athletic program, the School of Communication, and UM Hillel. It always felt right—to repay the education, opportunities, and unforgettable memories the U gave me.
What I didn’t realize was that all the emotional and financial investment I poured into this university, this family, and this football program would ultimately give something back to me when I needed it most: hope.
In a year when so much felt broken, Miami football reminded me that with a little patience and faith, greatness returns.
That’s why I’m riding with my boys. No matter the cost. No matter the outcome. I’ll be there, cheering them on, until the very end. See you in Dallas.
After graduation, my connection to the U never faded. No matter where life took me, I carried orange and green with me. From Hurricanes-themed birthday parties at a sports bar in Seattle (h/t Bryce Williams) to fully buying into the Turnover Chain era, I stayed loyal. I believed. I lived it.
Of course, loyalty came with its share of heartbreak. There were false starts, dashed hopes, and years filled with the familiar refrain that “the U is back,” only for disappointment to follow. Still, I never stopped believing that one day we would return to national prominence. I never doubted it would happen in my lifetime.
I showed up—again and again. We traveled to Ohio State in the 2010s: myself, Erin Vayo Zito and Alex Zito. I attended the Notre Dame games in 2017 and 2025 with Roberta Armstrong, Beverly Perez Hew and Valerie Prentiss. Through every season and every setback, I was all in.
What I couldn’t have anticipated was how much this season—2025—would mean to me personally. This year has been one of profound loss. I went through a divorce, and shortly after Miami was selected for its first-ever College Football Playoff, I lost my best friend of 15 years—my fluffy white Havanese, Figgy. She passed away the very next day. I booked my ticket to College Station almost immediately, knowing I'd never regret following my heart. I even made a dear friend Yaozer Amen on the journey over.
For years, I’ve given back to the University of Miami as a donor to the athletic program, the School of Communication, and UM Hillel. It always felt right—to repay the education, opportunities, and unforgettable memories the U gave me.
What I didn’t realize was that all the emotional and financial investment I poured into this university, this family, and this football program would ultimately give something back to me when I needed it most: hope.
In a year when so much felt broken, Miami football reminded me that with a little patience and faith, greatness returns.
That’s why I’m riding with my boys. No matter the cost. No matter the outcome. I’ll be there, cheering them on, until the very end. See you in Dallas.
