VILLANOVA, Pa. – Today, Villanova University unveiled the designs for The Cavanaugh Family Boathouse. Construction on this first-class home for the Villanova Rowing program along the Schuylkill River in Conshohocken, Pa. is to begin in Spring 2025 with a projected opening date set for Spring 2026.

"Our goal was simple: design a space befitting the rich history of Villanova Rowing and create a place of pride for Villanova Rowing student-athletes, coaches, staff and alumni," Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Jackson said. "The new boathouse will significantly enhance the student-athlete experience for both our women's varsity and men's club teams and finally reflect the caliber and prestige of our Rowing program."

The boathouse will be named in honor of the leadership gift from Terry, Patty and the entire Cavanaugh family who led the support of the Boathouse project. The Cavanaugh family have been longtime and passionate supporters of the Villanova Rowing program since their daughter, Maggie Cavanaugh '17, was a captain and member of the team during her time at Villanova.

"The new boathouse will reinforce what Villanova is all about," Terry Cavanaugh said. "When you walk around this campus you see the great infrastructure that reflects the school's academic excellence, a history of high-level athletic success, and extraordinary student life.

"This VU 'DNA' will be replicated on the river with this boathouse. The family is excited about the fact that we have this opportunity to build a structure that supports a long-standing program at Villanova. This boathouse will be a legacy for rowing alumni and a lasting asset for future generations of student-athletes."

The new Villanova Rowing facility will feature locker rooms for the student-athletes and coaches, coaches' offices, a video room, a strength and conditioning space and fueling station. The overall design vision is to create a premier and welcoming place for the Villanova Rowing community to train, compete, visit and enjoy for generations to come.

"Our athletes strive every day to get better so we can elevate our program and make the Villanova community proud," Villanova Rowing head coach Carissa Adams said. "The Cavanaugh Family Boathouse is going to serve as a reminder and motivator that their efforts are valued and recognized.  I feel honored and blessed that this project is becoming a reality and will be forever grateful for the alumni that continued to push for their dream to come true.  It is the biggest and most exciting announcement of my 30-year coaching career."

If you are interested in learning more about the project, or would like to make a gift or pledge toward the project, please fill out  this interest form and a member of the Villanova Athletic Fund will be in touch with you.