Nova Nation,

I hope you have had a wonderful and relaxing summer with plenty of opportunity to spend time with friends and family. 

As a new academic year begins at Villanova, we are filled with excitement and gratitude. Each year brings new opportunities for our student-athletes to grow, compete, and represent our University with pride.

SPRING REWIND

Speaking of pride, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the accomplishments of our spring student-athletes. Liam Murphy, Marco Langon and Sadie Sigfstead each earned All-America honors in track and field; our women’s swimming and diving teams captured its 12th consecutive BIG EAST title; the women’s water polo team competed in the MAAC Championship for the first time in nine years; and our men’s and women’s lacrosse and women’s tennis teams all competed for their respective BIG EAST Championships.

As always, our student-athletes continue to compete just as hard in the classroom as they do in competition. This spring our student-athletes earned a 3.495 GPA and 66 percent were named to their respective school’s Dean’s Lists. Villanova is also just one of 23 schools nationwide to post a graduation rate of 98% or better. We commend them for their hard work and thank our Office of Academic Support for Athletics for their dedication.

FALL SPORTS IN FULL SWING

There is nothing quite like a fall football weekend, and this season our football team will host six of them. We kick off the 2025 season at 6 p.m. this Saturday against Colgate, with later dates against William & Mary, Hampton, UAlbany, Stony Brook and Sacred Heart.

Fresh off our second-round appearance in last year’s playoff, our Wildcats have big aspirations for this, our last season in the Coastal Athletic Association. Linebacker Shane Hartzell and running back David Avit headline our list of top returners, each named to preseason watch lists for defensive and offensive players of the year respectively.

Coming to games has never been more enjoyable for fans, thanks to a host of new in-game experiences. The Touchdown Lounge includes indoor seating, a game-day spread and access to a terrace overlooking the stadium. The new kids’ zone, complete with a bounce house, face painting and balloon artists, is a great spot for families, and the East endzone features a new concession area. We also have promotions planned throughout the season.

Single-game and season tickets are on sale now so be sure to find your way to Villanova Stadium for at least one game. And when you do, stop by the A-2 parking lot two hours prior to kick off for the Wildcat Walk and send our players on to victory. Our players thrive off your energy and support.

Our other fall sports, including soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and cross country, are already underway and our student-athletes have been preparing tirelessly to compete at the highest level. The start of a new year is always exciting, with fresh goals, high expectations, and the chance to create unforgettable moments together.

The men’s soccer team already enjoyed one of those unforgettable moments, when two of our newcomers combined for the winning goal in the 90th minute against rival Saint Joseph’s in the annual Soccer Six clash. It was great to see a packed house at the Higgins Soccer Complex enjoy the dramatic victory.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Along with our full slate of games, campus will be busy with several great events this fall.

Villanova greats Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are bringing their popular Roommates Show Podcast to campus to tip off the 2025-26 men’s and women’s basketball seasons on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The Roommates Show Homecoming will include giveaways, shooting contests and a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of our 2016 national champions. A limited number of tickets are on sale for what promises to be a great night.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will also both host exhibition games this fall. Kevin Willard will make his debut as head coach against VCU on Sunday, October 19 at the Finn, and our women, coming off their third consecutive 20-win season, will host Towson on October 24. Season tickets for both the men and the women are all on sale now.

And, of course, make plans to come back to campus for Homecoming on the weekend of October 24-26.

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES

None of this would be possible without you—our loyal fans and generous donors. Your passionate support in the stands fuels our teams, and your philanthropy provides the resources necessary for success, from academic support and health and wellness to facilities and championship opportunities. Simply put, you are the foundation of Villanova Athletics.

Looking ahead, we are committed to building on our proud tradition and embracing the challenges that lie ahead with determination and unity. In response to the passing of the House Settlement this spring, bringing revenue sharing to college athletics, we recently launched our Villanova Athletics Strategic Excellence (VASE) Fund. Much is changing in college sport, but Villanova’s commitment to its Augustinian principles remains steadfast. I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about the changing landscape in college sports, the VASE Fund and how your support can make a difference.

With your continued support, we will strive for excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.

On behalf of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes, thank you for all that you do. We cannot wait to see you on campus throughout this year, cheering loudly and proudly.

Go 'Cats!

Eric Roedl
Vice President & Director of Athletics