Launched last September, the Villanova Athletics Women's Empowerment Initiative looked to raise $1 million to support the 13 varsity women's teams and the women who define them. Through sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements and highlighting their history the Initiative surpassed the goal, raising $1.1 million in support of Villanova's female student-athletes.

Funds raised from the campaign will be used to support female student-athlete success on and off the field, enhance facilities and provide the foundation of resources for future generations of student-athletes.

"We are deeply grateful to the more than 1,100 alumni, family, friends and faculty who demonstrated extraordinary support during the Women's Athletics Empowerment Initiative," said Lynn Tighe Chief Administrative Officer/Senior Associate AD/SWA.  "Your generosity has provided critical funds that are vital to the success of women's athletics and our female student-athletes."

From business owners and nurses to executives and engineers, Villanova's female student-athletes continually demonstrate that their accomplishments in school and in competition are just the beginning of their influence and impact.

"Villanova is a special place and I loved my time there as a student-athlete," said Sarah Francis-Bland '06, 2019 Young Alumni Medal Recipient and former field hockey player. "The leadership lessons gained on the field and the mental toughness and grit developed by playing a competitive Division I sport for four years were formative in terms of preparing me for the realities of life and work."

This Initiative has built upon Villanova's legacy of supporting women's athletics and has emphasized its continued commitment to create and enhance opportunities for female student-athletes.

There's still time to become a supporter and support HER. To learn more about how you can support women's athletics, visit Villanova.com/empower or reach out to the Villanova Athletic Fund at vaf@villanova.edu or call 610-519-6700.