The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Get your ‘Cats gear ready and join the party!

What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!

🏈 Tussle In Texas
🏀 STATEment Opportunity
🗓️ The Spring Slates
🔷 And much more!

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!

🔼 Tussle In Texas. The Villanova Football team is headed south looking to return to the FCS Semifinals for the first time since 2010.

In the way stands #4 Tarleton State as the Wildcats take their 10-game win streak to Stephenville, Texas to square off with the Texans.

Kickoff is set for 12 pm EST on ESPN.

🏈 Previewing The Matchup
🎥 Coach Ferrante Press Availability

🔼 STATEment Opportunity. State bragging rights will be on the line tomorrow at Finneran Pavilion as the Villanova Men’s Basketball team is set to host Pitt.

The Wildcats, who are currently 6-0 at home and 4-0 against in-state opponents, will battle the Panthers at 4:30 p.m.

🎟️ Secure Your Tickets

🔼 Coming To A Screen Near You. With more winter weather possibly on the way this weekend, we’ve got the perfect thing to catch up on this weekend.

Episode 4 of Inside Villanova Basketball presented by Toyota will be released tonight on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

This week’s episode features another Coaches Corner film room segment with Coach Willard, and host Jimmy Jackson goes through a workout with men’s basketball performance coach Justin McClelland.

Here’s where to catch Episode #4
Friday, December 12 – 10:30pm on NBCSP+ AND 11:30pm on NBCSP
Sunday, December 14 – 4:00pm on NBCSP
Monday, December 15 – 8:30pm on NBCSP

🔼 Smarty Cats. The course and courts weren’t the only places that some of our fall squads dominated.

This week, a trio of ‘Cats were recognized for their academic prowess.

For just the second time ever and first since 2006, Villanova Volleyball has a PhillySIDA Performer of the Year as Abby Harrell was selected for the honor on Thursday. 

For the women’s cross country squad, Margaret Carroll and Nikki Vanasee were recognized for their work in the classroom as the duo were both named Philly-Sida academic all-area selections.

🔼 Save The Dates. We are less than two months away from the return of Villanova Lacrosse.

This week, the Wildcats’ men’s squad released their full slate for the upcoming 2026 season.

🥍 A Look At The Full Slate

🔼 The Spring Slate. The Big 5-0 is on tap for the Villanova softball program.

This week, the Wildcats released its 2026 schedule ahead of the program’s 50th season in history.

Head coach Bridget Orchard's eighth season leading the 'Cats will see the team face a competitive non-conference schedule, with 10 matchups against 2025 NCAA tournament teams. 

🥎 Breaking Down The Full Slate

🔼 Filling The Calendars. The third spring team to fill the calendar this week was the Villanova Water Polo program.

Coming off back-to-back 21 win seasons, the Wildcats announced their upcoming 2026 slate, which is set to open up at the end of January.

🤽 A Look at the Full Schedule

What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises.

Friday, December 12
⛸️ Glice Skating Rink at Linvilla Orchards

Saturday, December 13
🚂 Trains at The Grange
🏈 Football at Tarleton State @ 12 pm (FCS Playoffs - Quarterfinal)
Game Day Tailgate Info & Watch Party Info
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Pitt @ 4:30 pm
🏊 Swimming at Collegiate 5k National Championship (Sarasota, Fla.)

Sunday, December 14
🍷 Sunday Music Series at Red Brick Winery

Monday, December 15
🎄 Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights

Tuesday, December 16
🎨 CraftForms 2025 at the Wayne Art Center

Wednesday, December 17
🤔 Trivia Night at 2SP

Thursday, December 18
🎶 Lenora - A One-Woman Christmas Carol at Park Avenue Community Center

Friday, December 19
🎄 The Mill at Rockdale: Mill Works Creator Space Holiday Hang
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Seton Hall @ 7 pm
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Wisconsin @ 8 pm (Milwaukee, Wisc.)

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!