I'm not sure how much HELP this will actually be, but 302's
VIRSYSis designed to be a "take home" robot software development system. If your pre-season schedule is "light" (~one night a week), then your new student could get in a whole lot more practical robot software development practice between now and the start of the season (and on their own schedule).
I also recommend having some kind of simple bot such as the KoP AndyMark chassis ready to go anytime for high quality contact hours with actual hardware. It is best if this hardware is simple and unused (or gently used) because the last thing you want is your new software person having to address hardware issues the first time out without a mentor to help.
The VIRSYS simulation is the 302 LogoMotion bot, but we can show you how to change the mass properties, wheel positions, gear ratios, and friction to make it behave like the KoP AndyMark.
Good luck!