The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Does it get any better than this? We think not.

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

🏀 Matchup For The Ages
🥍 Making An Impact
🇺🇸 All-American Girls
🔷 And much more!

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

🔼 Matchup For The Ages. One thing is clear. The Villanova men’s hoops program isn’t shying away from anyone for the 2026-27 season.

This week, the Wildcats announced a home-and-home series with Kansas, which is set to begin in 2026-27 with a clash at historic Allen Field House. Villanova will host a return game in 2027-28. This upcoming season, the two programs will battle on "Black Friday", Nov. 27 in Lawrence.

The Wildcats will open the 2026-27 season at the Eternal City Tip Off in Rome against Notre Dame (the Villanova women's team will also face the Fighting Irish as part of a doubleheader on Nov. 1). The 'Cats will host defending NCAA champion Michigan, face Pittsburgh on the road and meet Wisconsin in the fall in a neutral site contest at Xfinity Mobile Arena while also playing three games in the Philadelphia Big Five.

The complete non-conference schedule will be announced in the weeks ahead.

🏀 More On The Upcoming Matchup

🔼 Making An Impact. No one defines being a Wildcat better than men’s lacrosse junior Jack Gormley. Despite multiple season-ending injuries throughout his career, he’s remained a part of an integral part of the program.

This week, Gormley was announced as a member of the inaugural Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award class. He is one of 77 Division I men's lacrosse student-athletes honored, alongside Kennedy Gleason, daughter of Coach Liam Gleason. 

Established in January 2026 by Liam's family, former coaches, and close friends, the Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering support for teammates and staff, strong sportsmanship, and impactful community involvement.

🥍 More On The Distinguished Honor

🔼 All American Girls. The accolades continue to roll in for the Villanova Water Polo squad.

This week, Wildcat standouts Riley Hull and Ella Mattocks were both named Honorable Mentions on the ACWPC All-American team.

Mattocks becomes the third different All-American selection in program history, following Hull last season and now-assistant coach Kaysie Stuba in 2022. Hull becomes the first player in program history to be named an All-American twice, also being the first to be honored in consecutive years. 

🤽 More On The Award-Winning Wildcats

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, May 22nd
🎶 Live Music at 118 North

Saturday, May 23rd
🍷 Grace Winery Tasting Room Open

Sunday, May 24th
🍅 Media Farmers Market

Monday, May 25th
🇺🇸 The 145th Rockdale Memorial Day Parade

Tuesday, May 26th
🍻 2SP Brewing Company Tasting Room Open

Wednesday, May 27th
🐦‍⬛ Weekday Bird Walk at Tyler Arboretum
👟 Track & Field at NCAA Regionals (Lexington, Ky.)

Thursday, May 28th
🎨 John Sloan’s Street Theater at the Brandywine Museum of Art
👟 Track & Field at NCAA Regionals (Lexington, Ky.)

Friday, May 29th
🎭 PCS Theatre Presents: Big Fish
👟 Track & Field at NCAA Regionals (Lexington, Ky.)

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Have a great weekend, Nova Nation!