Delaney Switzer - Freshman Shortstop

Hi Nova Nation! My name is Delaney Switzer and I am a freshman shortstop from Escondido, California. I am currently studying mechanical engineering and am loving my time here at Villanova.

With our first games coming up in just a few short days, I can barely contain my excitement! We'll be heading for the sun and playing our first games in Madeira Beach, Florida. It will be my first time travelling with the team which will also be very exciting. We are hoping this weekend will foreshadow a great season and show other teams that we are in it to win it all this year!

Of course, being a freshman, the first game will comes with some nerves, but knowing my team has my back no matter what will make it a little better. This team has truly become a second family to me and I wouldn't want to be out there playing the game I love with any other group of girls.

This past Saturday our team and coaches spent at a retreat, where we gathered together to get closer with one another and share what has been on our hearts. Our softball family truly bonded and we are ready to take on this season alongside each other.

It's hard to believe that in just a few short days, all those years of hard work will finally have paid off when I get to play in my first collegiate softball game. The feeling is surreal and I truly wouldn't want to experience with any other team than the Villanova Wildcats.

I can't wait to see what this weekend and our whole season has in store for us. The Wildcats sure are coming out with a bang and won't stop till we win Big East! Hope to see many of you at our games as we work to accomplish all the goals we have set for this season! Go Cats!!

Feb. 8, 2016

Shea Palmer - Senior outfielder

As I enter my last season of softball, there are a lot of emotionsââ'¬Â¦The anticipation of every game on our calendar and realizing the day of my last game is only getting closer and closer. The excitement of knowing that I am finishing my softball career with some of the greatest teammates I have ever had. The happiness I feel looking back on all my years here and feeling grateful I was given this opportunity to be a Wildcat. The thankfulness that overwhelms my heart thinking about of all the people who have sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today.

I am proud of my teammates for their hard work and dedication to our goal of becoming Big East Champions. I know we won't go down without a fight and a ring on our finger. We have been working hard all year and I can't wait to get down to Florida in a couple weeks and start our season off with some wins.

I am humbled that I have been given this opportunity to play softball at Villanova and I could not have written a better script for my time here. I can't wait to leave it all out on the field one.

Jan. 20, 2016

Natalia Segovia - Junior catcher

HELLO WILDCAT FAMILY! My name is Natalia Segovia and I am a junior catcher from Temecula, California. I am majoring in Economics and minoring in both Spanish and Communication. I am working on one day "walking the walk" in the Business World -specifically in Marketing and Advertisement.

Here is a little insight into the world of this California Girl. Personally, Villanova has been the smartest and best decision I have made. The reason I chose Nova was because I wanted to be a part of a program that emphasized academics as much as athletics, and now 3 years into my journey I am 100 percent sure I chose the right place! As I look back at my time here, I know I couldn't be any more blessed.

My Coaches and teammates here at Nova have driven me to not only be a complete athlete but more importantly a better person. I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world!

I did mention I was a Cali Girl right? It's always great to get back home to sunny California with family. This fall break I was able to catch up with family, friends, and sleep. The sleep was well needed after finals weeks. I went to the movies, played some mini-golf, bowled, and visited some nearby towns that were lit-up with Christmas lights to really get you into Christmas spirit. My time with family and friends during the holidays has always been a charitable.

Now, February 19th!! GAME DAY!! Florida will only be a preview of the many accomplishments coming this season. I can see the excitement in all of our faces including coaches when we show up for every practice! Everyone is giving "one more" in every throw, swing, and run. Being a part of last year's success as we made it to the Big East Tournament has challenged every one of us to go even farther this year. This is our year and we all believe it! I know that once our trip for Florida comes around and our new white Nike cleats hit the dirt, it will be the beginning of a whole new era for Villanova Softball. I hope to see every one of you at our games as my teammates and I launch Villanova Softball to a whole new level!!

Nov. 27, 2015

Chase Snell - Junior Infielder

Hi Nova Nation! My name is Chase Snell and I am a junior second baseman from Poway, California. I am a Biochemistry major, hoping to one day become a doctor. Junior year at Nova is pretty tough and now I get why athletics and science don't mix. IT'S THE LABS!!! But I'm so thankful to be here, and most importantly, thankful for my teammates!

This past Sunday our team had a Friendsgiving. We all chose whatever dish we wanted to make and brought it to share. I, of course, brought a cookie-brownie dessert. Since nobody really knows how to make a turkey, we had ham, chicken, and that traditional Thanksgiving treat, bacon! But the side dishes were the best part and we had all the basics from mashed potatoes to sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls, and much more. We all reflected on what we were thankful for, drew names for secret Santa, and had fun just hanging out with each other. Friendsgiving is something our team has done every year since I've been here and I look forward to it every time.

Being a part of last year's success in going to the Big East Tournament motivates me to do my best every day. I want to get back there again, and I know the rest of the team does as well. Last year was the first year we had a team retreat for an entire day, where we got to know each other so much better. I believe it truly had an impact on us making it to the tournament. Last week we had another reflection-type gathering with the team and coaches that was really helpful in developing relationships and getting us all on the same page.

So it doesn't all happen on the playing field. These gatherings bring our team closer, creating special bonds that carry onto the field and make a real contribution to our success. We are one family and can count on one another for anything. The girls and coaches are special people, and I believe we are all wholly in it to win it. I am so excited for this spring season! Just have to get past fall semester finals first.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Nova Nation softball families, see you in the Spring!

Oct. 26, 2015

Kalee Smith - Freshman pitcher

Hello Nova Nation! My name is Kalee Smith and I am a freshman pitcher from Orange County, California. I am currently undeclared looking to study criminology in the future.

Since home is so far away, I decided to stay here on campus for Fall Break. Luckily, my teammate Lauren, also from California, stayed on campus over the break as well so we kept each other company.

The fall break was an amazing experience for us. Since we are not from the area, we decided to explore the area and sightsee. We decided to take the train into Philly. The train is conveniently located right on campus so we easily made do without a car.

For under $10, we were able to make it to Philly, shop around, and of course enjoy some Philly cheesesteaks. Staying here over fall break was a great option as we got to see more of the beautiful city, and also catch up on sleep.

The fall has exceeded my expectations. I have yet to be homesick as I am in love the school, the people, and my team. I am extremely happy here as we are like one big family.

The upperclassmen have done a great job in taking all of us freshmen under their wing and making us feel welcome.

My teammates motivate and inspire me everyday to be the best teammate I can be. I am extremely thankful to be at such an amazing school with awesome teammates. I really enjoy it. Not only has the educational aspect been going great, but my experience as a Villanova student-athlete has exceeded my expectations.

Sept. 24, 2015

Nikki Alden - Sophomore infielder/outfielder

Hello Nova Nation! My name is Nicole Alden and I am a sophomore infielder/outfielder from Ivyland, Pennsylvania. I transferred from Saint Joseph's University and yes, you're right: I did finally come to my senses. I'm majoring in Comprehensive Science and hope to pursue a career as a physician's assistant.

It felt like just yesterday I was finishing up with my last exam and heading home for the summer! I spent most of my summer in Wildwood, trying to get a golden tan but ending up with a cherry red burn! I ran a lot tooââ'¬Â¦ maybe a little too much. When I was first told about the conditioning test about a month before arriving to campus, I decided to practice it a few times just to get the feel of it. By the day of the test, I ran it 45 times. You could tell I was nervous!

Though I never anticipated going from a Hawk to a Wildcat, the transition is going smoothly. I originally expected to go through a second freshman year-the awkwardness and anxiety that comes during the first year of college. Instead, I feel right at home! I'm so thankful that I am able to continue my academic and athletic careers at such a distinguished institution and welcoming environment.

Over the summer, our coach asked that I read two books that would familiarize me with the culture of the team. The first book, The Energy Bus, emphasized that positivity and collaboration will fuel and propel a team forward. The second book, The Hard Hat, told the story about a lacrosse player who embodied the essence of a great teammate.

Though it has only been a month since school started, I am so excited to be a part of this Villanova Softball culture!

As a new member of the team, the hearts and commitments of my new teammates already inspire me. They show me how to give 110% in the weight room right after a hard practice in the afternoon heat. We're currently in the middle of our Fall Season, so please feel free to come out and support your fellow Wildcats!

GO CATS!