It's not every day you get an autograph for the ages by one of the premier coaches in college sports. Knoxville native and diehard Vols fan Larrmosha Hollis struck gold when Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello signed a "V" on her chest during the parade honoring the team’s first national title .
“Coach asked me, 'Where do you want me to sign it?' and I yelled, 'Anywhere!' And he signed right there. Now the world's going crazy over my picture. It's great," Hollis told Knox News.
In a matter of minutes after the signing, Hollis saw the moment replayed on TV and all over social media. The photo and screenshot from live footage of Vitello signing Hollis' orange tank top has been shared thousands of times by fans.
Hollis, a proud 51-year-old grandmother to a devoted baseball player in Knoxville, said she had the time of her life during the June 25 celebration. She brought her entire family to join in the festivities on Gay Street. And with her 11-year-old grandson playing baseball since the age of 6, Hollis proudly embraces her role as a dedicated baseball grandmomma.
“Oh, I love watching all the Vols sports and have my entire life. I’m very athletic with it! I love the baseball team, the basketball team and the football team. I’m a Knoxville girl, born and raised,” Hollis said.
As for that orange shirt with Vitello’s autograph on the chest, she has plans for it.
“That’s going in a frame. I’m never letting go of that. I wish I could meet Coach Vitello again to tell him how thankful I am for it,” she said.
Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Meet the Vols superfan grandma who went viral after Tony Vitello signed her tank top
Local Knoxville, TN
Most Popular
Comments / 0