VILLANOVA, Pa.—As the collegiate landscape continues to evolve in the areas of revenue generation and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes, Villanova University has announced the hiring of three staff members who have already made invaluable contributions to Villanova Athletics in previous roles with Friends of Nova, the department's former NIL maximization partner whose work will now be brought in-house.
 
One of the most recognizable names in program history to Villanova Basketball fans, Randy Foye '06 served as the president of Friends of Nova and will begin a role as a special assistant to the Vice President and Director of Athletics. As an advisor to Villanova Athletics in the NIL space, Foye will partner with Athletics on revenue generation strategies, new corporate partnership business development and student-athlete NIL initiatives across the department.
 
Devin Hassinger '18, a Women's Lacrosse student-athlete during her time at Villanova, is beginning a staff position with the Villanova Athletic Fund (VAF) in the newly created position of Associate Director, Athletics Development – Events and Experiences. This position will be responsible for the management, development and execution of revenue generating events and experiences in support of Villanova Athletics. Hassinger will work closely with internal partners from University Advancement and Villanova Athletics staff, coaches and leadership to execute the goals of the position.
 
Also formally joining Villanova Athletics in a staff position is Justin Mirenda '23, whose title will be Assistant Director, NIL Strategy & Operations. In this role, Mirenda will provide operation support responsible for enhancing student-athletes success through NIL and optimizing department efficiencies through supporting areas within both internal and external operations. He specialized in student-athlete relations and business operations during his time with Friends of Nova and is a former Villanova men's basketball manager and office assistant.
 
Over the past several years, Foye's leadership and the work of Friends of Nova have gone above and beyond in identifying and maximizing NIL opportunities for Villanova student-athletes. Their work created a lasting impact for student-athletes in the areas of brand management and financial literacy while paving the way for Villanova Athletics to put itself in a position of strength in ensuring the long-term success of its varsity programs in generating revenue and in attracting and retaining top student-athletes.
 
"It is a proud day for Villanova Athletics to officially welcome Randy, Devin and Justin," Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl said. "They have each made invaluable contributions to Villanova as alumni and through their work with Friends of Nova over the last several years. Their efforts have gone a long way in helping create NIL opportunities for our student-athletes and have put us in a strong position as a department in the areas of revenue generation and student-athlete recruitment and retention. We are excited to continue working with Randy, Devin and Justin and building on the strong foundation they have helped establish."