WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Tewaaraton Foundation unveiled its watch lists this week for the 2026 Tewaaraton Award Presented by Stifel, and one of the 50 nominees on the men's side comes from the Villanova Wildcats. Junior long stick midfielder Jake Melchionni made his first career appearance on the list, highlighting the early contenders for the award. 

The New Jersey native becomes the 15th Wildcat ever named to the watch list since the award started in 2001. Matt Licata was the most recent 'Cat mentioned on the watch list in 2025, while Matt Campbell was the last trophy nominee at the end of a season (2023).

VU's top LSM started out his junior season with a six ground ball, three caused turnover effort to illustrate why he was a consensus Preseason All-American and unanimous All-BIG EAST selection ahead of the 2026 campaign. 

Melchionni and the Wildcats take to Villanova Stadium on Saturday for the team's home opener, hosting the Saint Joseph's Hawks at noon on ESPN+.