Jessica Angersbach - Junior Infielder

What's up Nova Nation?! My name is Jessica Angersbach. I am a junior on the Villanova Softball team studying Education and General Sciences from Brick, New Jersey.

Over the summer, the team read a book by Jon Gordon titled The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate. Every few weeks we enter a new phase that corresponds to one of the 21 ways that we can be good teammates. The past few weeks we have been working on implementing the ideas of treating everyone with respect and expecting everyone to do the same, holding each other accountable, giving all and taking nothing, and communication. It is really great to see how much of an impact The Hard Hat has had on our team's attitudes and culture.

I think I am the most excited to see where this season takes us out of any season thus far. As season opens up, the thing I am looking forward to the most is traveling with the team and getting to explore new places that I wouldn't normally get to visit. Getting to play the sport you love and travel the country with 18 of your closest friends has to be one of the coolest things that I have ever experienced. It is hard to believe that I only have one more year left. Here's to a great 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!