INDIANAPOLIS – Villanova has been named the Division I honoree for the 2025 NCAA Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) Award for Diversity & Inclusion, as announced by the NCAA on Thursday afternoon.
A selection committee composed of MOAA members and the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics recognize athletic departments and institutions that work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. The award represents a partnership formed by the NCAA and the MOAA to recognize and celebrate the initiatives, policies and practices of schools and offices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the intercollegiate athletics community. Applications for the award were reviewed for efforts in leadership, infrastructure, evaluation and assessment, education and collaboration.
"This achievement is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Villanova University and the inclusive, united community that our entire Athletic Department has nurtured over the years," Assistant AD for UNITAS Leashia Lewis said. "I am deeply honored that the NCAA and MOAA committees have recognized our support of diversity, equity and inclusion at Villanova and am grateful to lead and contribute to a community committed to fostering a culture of belonging for all."
A major part of Villanova's selection for this award, as noted by the committee, was the work done by UNITAS in Athletics to foster an inclusive campus environment for student-athletes, coaches and administrators. Since its inception in 2017, UNITAS has embodied Villanova's Augustinian values. The program's dedication to promoting a community where differences are celebrated has been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment for student-athletes, coaches and staff.
UNITAS builds mutual understanding throughout the University by collaborating with Villanovans who are experts in diversity, equity, inclusion, gender empowerment, multiculturalism and mental health. Villanova Athletics' number one priority is to graduate complete student-athletes who loved their time at Villanova and remain actively connected to the University as alumni. Through UNITAS, Villanova Athletics is committed to fostering an inclusive, anti-bigotry environment where every member of our community has a voice and feels respected, valued, and safe.
Throughout the academic year, UNITAS puts on countless events that spark conversations and foster togetherness, giving student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators the space to lean into opportunities for learning, communication and fellowship. These events range from Soul Food Sunday gatherings where various members of the community share a meal to UNITAS games that are hosted by teams during their respective seasons to bring awareness to the group's efforts while also highlighting its student-athlete groups. UNITAS has also put on headline events that are centered on learning and creating dialogue. Two such events have been the "Hesburgh" documentary screening in September 2024 and the Critical Conversation panels hosted in conjunction with RISE in 2022 and 2023.
Villanova will be honored with the award during the 2025 NCAA Convention to be held in Nashville, Tennessee in January.
