Above: David Braine as Virginia Tech’s Athletic Director from 1988 to 1997. Courtesy of Virginia Tech.

As Virginia Tech’s Athletics Director, David Braine emphasized improving the quality of student life through increased academic advisement and by implementing a code of conduct for student-athletes. Braine also directed an expansion of women's athletics that made Virginia Tech compliant with federal gender-equity rules by implementing new women's sports programs, such as soccer, lacrosse, and softball. During Braine's tenure, Virginia Tech won an NIT Championship in basketball and nine Atlantic 10 Conference titles in other sports. Braine also oversaw significant improvements to Virginia Tech's athletics facilities.

Braine helped rebuild Virginia Tech’s football program by securing ties with the Big East Conference and by supporting Virginia Tech's football coach Frank Beamer following a 2-8-1 football season in 1992. Braine lead the Hokies to back-to-back berths in the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl. For his contributions in Blacksburg, he was enshrined in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.