The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Get your holiday shopping done early on Saturday…. you’ve got plans Saturday night!

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

🏈 Saturday Night Fever
🏀 Diaper Dandy
⚾️ Diamond Days Ahead
🔷 And much more!

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

🔼 Saturday Night Fever. No place better for the ‘Cats to hunt a spot in the National Championship than right at home!

Villanova will put the nation’s longest home winning streak (23) on the line this Saturday when the Redbirds of Illinois State come to town for a Saturday night showdown.

The ‘Cats will be making the fourth semifinal appearance and will looking to advance to the National Championship for the second time in program history and first since 2009.

Kickoff on Saturday night is set for 7:30 pm on ESPN.

🎟️ Buy Your Semifinal Tickets

When Villanova advanced to the national title game in 2009, who did the ‘Cats beat in the semifinals?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom to see if you know your stuff!

🔼 Diaper Dandy. Less than two months into his collegiate career, freshman Acaden Lewis is already filling up his resume with accolades.

For the third time this year, Lewis was named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Week.

The dazzling point guard averaged 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in a 1-1 week for Villanova. His 5.6 assists per game ranks third among freshmen nationally.

🏀 Recapping Lewis’ Award-Winning Week

Six home wins equals Six-Thousand Dollars for Bringing Hope Home. United Healthcare will continue to donate One-Thousand-Dollars to Bringing Hope Home for every home win this season! The more we win, the more Bringing Hope Home wins thanks to the generosity of United Healthcare. United Healthcare is a proud partner of Villanova Athletics.

🔼 Class Acts. More honors came rolling in for Villanova volleyball on Tuesday afternoon as a trio of Wildcats were selected to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Taylor Lewis and Alyssa Nelson each earned their first career mentions on the list while Abby Harrell received a repeat selection.

Only seven other 'Cats have ever been named to the list before, including a program-best four choices last year after Ruth Ann Blankenheim's nod in 2000 was the most recent before that. To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must hold at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and have competed in at least 90% of the team's total matches played.

🏐 More On The Smarty ‘Cats

🔼 Diamond Days Ahead. While the winter weather has taken over our region, diamond days will be here before we know it!

This week, he Villanova baseball program unveiled their 2026 slate.

⚾️ The Full 2026 Slate

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.

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.)

Saturday, December 20
🌟 The Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular
🏈 Football vs. Illinois State @ 7:30 pm l ESPN (FCS Playoffs - Semifinals)

Sunday, December 21
⛸️ Glice Skating Rink at Linvilla Orchards

Monday, December 22
🎄 Holidays at the Brandywine at the Brandywine Museum of Art
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. St. John’s @ 12 pm

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!