Mike Hollins, Virginia return to practice for first time since November shooting

Mike Hollins made a significant step on Tuesday as the Virginia running back, and the rest of his team, returned to practice for the first time since the November shooting that claimed the lives of 3 teammates — Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry

Hollins was a full participant as the Cavaliers opened spring practice after he spent time on a ventilator during a weeklong stay in a hospital.

“Just to watch how he’s attacked everything, could easily have made excuses, easily have overthought things, but he’s taking it upon himself to respond and show perseverance and be resilient,” coach Tony Elliott said, per ESPN. “I think a lot of it is for himself, but the majority of it is for his teammates. There was a time when we didn’t know if he’d ever have the chance to play to play football again. I’m just grateful to be on the grass, grateful to have an opportunity to be here at the University of Virginia and lead this program, lead these young men, all the guys that decided to come back and pick up the pieces and turn this tragedy into a triumph.