2026 Hall of Fame Inductee: Dick Dart

As we begin 2026 we are recognizing each of our Hall of Famers with short bios put together by some of our esteemed alumni and spearheaded by fellow Hall of Famer Kurt Kuhn.  Today we recognize Dick Dart (Played 1975-1979)

Dick picked up the game of lacrosse in the fall of 1972 with the newly formed team at Lane High School in Charlottesville, Virginia - the first public high school lacrosse team in Virginia. Dick began playing as a sophomore and by his senior year he was a starting midfielder and elected co-caption.

When you observe Dick’s four-year playing career as a midfielder at Virginia Tech, several consistent attributes come to mind. Dick led by example – he had a quiet, determined workman-like approach on the field. He was a tough, hard playing team leader. He led the team in ground balls during his junior and senior years. He was one of the fastest and most athletic players on the team. He was a model of consistency and always prepared and ready to play. Although Dick scored 5 goals against Division 1 Duke University in one game, he was just as happy to assist a teammate. Dick was a highly respected, unselfish teammate with whom other players loved to play with. He played with a great deal of quiet confidence and made the right decisions with the ball. Dick’s toughness and leadership skills led him to being named team captain in 1979.

After Dick graduated, he played several seasons with the Washington Lacrosse Club. He also returned to Blacksburg to play in and be part of numerous Alumni Games.

Dick Dart was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 1992 and passed away 5 years later. He left behind a lovely wife, Denise, and two young children. Dick fought this disease exactly like he played the game of lacrosse – with humility, determination and courage.

Upon Dick’s passing, the Virginia Tech Lacrosse Team initiated the “Dick Dart: Unsung Player Award” honoring Dick’s leadership; his value as a teammate; and his quiet, tough playing style.