The Virginia Valley Vipers have relocated to Purcellville using Patrick Henry College’s basketball court as their home base.
The team is part of The Basketball League, the third largest professional basketball league in North America. Family owned by Rodney, Tina and Rze Culbreath, the Valley Vipers have been operating in Winchester since they were established in 2022.
During a press conference Tuesday, Tina said the team is excited about the move and partnership with the college.
“We want to extend our gratitude to you guys, because this is a wonderful space,” she said. “We also believe in the mission here at Patrick Henry College, and we’re excited for this partnership. So, thank you for believing in the mission and the vision to impact and serve the community together.”
Mayor Stanley J. Milan and Vice Mayor Erin Rayner pointed to the benefits of a second sports team calling Purcellville its home, in addition to the Cannons baseball team, and said it will both provide family-friendly entertainment and economic growth.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to present this team to our community, which we serve, so Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hamilton, Hillsboro, Bluemont, St. Louis, Philomont and the other communities have an outlet and can come to Purcellville and have an enjoyable evening in a safe environment,” Milan said.
“As a mother of two young kids, it’ll be great to find another activity to bring them to that is exciting and active,” Rayner said. “And it is a great economic opportunity as well, to partner with local businesses and be involved in our community. And I love your mission. I love how active you will be in our community, and I know the business community is very excited to have you here.”
Rodney said being involved in the community is an important part of the team’s mission.
“It’s more than just basketball that you’re teaching kids or the community. It’s about giving back. It’s about being there, and I think that’s what we do best,” he said.
Ashburn-based nonprofit United Charitable is the team’s first sponsor at its new facility, working with them as part of an initiative to provide children free access to the games.
The team also received a warm welcome from the school’s Athletic Director Ethan Patrick and the students.
“We’re excited to have the Vipers join us here. We’re excited that they found our little school, and appreciate the beauty that God’s given us, as far as a school and the facilities that we have, and we wish that they have a great season,” Patrick said.
“I’m so excited that we’re going to have a pro team here at Patrick Henry College. I love having the PHC games and just having more professional sports here, that’s going to be so great,” Student Body President Trevor Good said.
The team’s season will kick off in March 2025. Learn more at virginiavalleyvipers.com.