Small Gesture, Big Impact
Most kids dread waking up early for school. Mornings are often filled with sleepy eyes, hurried breakfasts and the dreaded shuffle to the bus or car. On Friday mornings, however, students at Wise Primary School in Wise, Virginia, are wide awake and full of energy thanks to UVA Wise student-athletes lining the sidewalks with wide smiles and outstretched hands. The children eagerly reach out, exchanging fist bumps and morning hellos, giggling as they make their way inside. This weekly ritual, known as Fist Bump Friday, has managed to transform a simple greeting into a moment of connection, excitement and joy for everyone involved.
The tradition began three years ago, sparked by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as they looked for ways to connect with the community.
“We started Fist Bump Friday because we wanted to engage with the kids at Wise Primary and create a positive start to their day,” says Kristen Salyer ’10, associate athletic director for student-athlete development. “A student suggested bringing the idea from his former school, and Wise Primary was happy to embrace it.”
The idea came from Will Rudeseal ’26 a former member of the UVA Wise football team.
“I think Fist Bump Friday has always been special to me,” says Rudeseal. “It’s incredible to see it in action and how much the kids enjoy it.”
For student-athletes like former lacrosse star Logen Davis ’26, the tradition is about more than just greeting kids in the morning.
“My favorite part is seeing the kids recognize you after a few weeks,” says Davis. “Eventually, they come up and give you hugs, and you can see the excitement in their eyes because they know Friday means we’ll be there.”
Davis says the weekly ritual is a stress reliever, boosts her mood and gives her a sense of purpose.
“It’s important for the younger kids to see college athletes they can look up to. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to be good role models,” she says.
Deidre Pendleton, assistant principal at Wise Primary, agrees. “Fist Bump Friday brings a lot of positive energy to the school on Friday mornings,” she says. “Students get pumped to walk through the line of athletes, and it helps them start the day on a happy note. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference.”
“The Division II philosophy is ‘Life in the balance’, which emphasizes academics, athletics and community,” says Salyer. “Starting this event falls in line with both the mission of NCAA Division II and the UVA Wise athletic department. I think the athletes who have participated will look back on it for years to come and be proud of the small impact they are making in our community.”
The weekly ritual leaves an impression on everyone involved. For the children, it’s a joyful start to the day. For the student-athletes, it’s a chance to give back and be role models. And for the school, it’s a reminder of the connection between UVA Wise and the community it serves. Fist Bump Friday may start with a simple gesture, but its impact stretches far beyond a morning greeting.