The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good morning, Nova Nation! Congratulations to Eric Dixon for being named the Big 5 Player of the Year for the second-straight season!

What else is going on in Nova Nation?

🥎 Softball sweeps Providence
🏀 Meet the staff
🔷 And much more!

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🔼  Break Out The Brooms. Villanova softball closed out the regular season by sweeping Providence! The weekend started with an 8-0 run-rule shutout on Friday as Elaina Wagner and Madison Ostrowski both recorded two RBIs. Saturday’s 5-4 win was much closer as it took an Ava Mahnken home run to walk it off. The catcher finished the day with two homers. They completed the sweep with a 13-5 win on a rainy Sunday. Maranda Runco brought the power, hitting two home runs.

The Wildcats clinched a spot in the BIG EAST Tournament, which starts Wednesday. Villanova is hosting the tournament and fans can purchase tickets here.

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and our Class of 2025 Graduation Edition necklace is the perfect keepsake. A refined take on our signature design, it features ‘25 engraved on the back to mark this special achievement. Crafted from 14KT gold, diamonds, and sapphires, it blends tradition with luxury—the ultimate graduation gift. Celebrate your journey and Villanova pride forever. Limited Availability—Shop Now!!

🔼 Meet The Staff. Villanova men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard announced the 2025-26 coaching staff, featuring six former Maryland coaches and a Villanova veteran. The staff includes David Cox, Kevin Norris, Greg Manning Jr. and Ricky Harris from Maryland, along with Ashley Howard, who previously served at Villanova. Brenton Petty and Charlie Butler, also from Maryland, join as Director of Player Personnel and Director of Basketball Operations, respectively.

🔼 That’s A Wrap. Lacrosse season came to a close for the men’s and women’s teams in the BIG EAST Championship games. The women’s team fell to No. 1 Denver 14-9 on Saturday. Sydney Pappas led the game with five goals. She was joined by Rose Christie and Maddy Stoddard on the All-BIG EAST Tournament Team.

The men’s team fell to Georgetown, 16-8. Matt Licata, Luke Raymond and Scot Mackie earned All-BIG EAST Tournament honors. Licata finishes his career 12th all-time with 94 career goals and tied for 11th with 192 career points.

🔼 Solid Showing. The Wildcat track & field team had a good weekend at the Larry Ellis Invitational. Olivia Allen won the 400m hurdles, while Ajanae Thompson finished second in the 100m hurdles. Adria Retter finished second in the discus with the 10th longest throw in Villanova history.

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📅 THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday 5/7

🥎 Softball in BIG EAST Tournament Round One

Have a great Monday!