The Origin Of The Largest Student Run Special Olympics Event In The World
Christopher Brown Staff Writer
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
This Athlete Oath is set to fill everyone with enthusiasm as Villanovans prepare for this weekend’s upcoming Fall Fest. An annual Villanova tradition since 1989, Fall Fest has grown to become the single largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
But what is the history of Special Olympics, or “SpO,” at Villanova?
SpO is an international sports organization that holds events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
This year marks the 37th consecutive Fall Fest at Villanova. The event was originally brought to campus as a soccer tournament in 1979, and later led to Villanova’s first Fall Fest in 1989, featuring sports like roller skating, volleyball and LDRW (long distance running and walking). The event was eventually inherited by Student Life and is now almost entirely student run.
“It began as a regional event of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, and then every year it kind of evolved, adding more sports, adding ancillary events to the overall experience, and it’s gotten to the point where it is recognized as the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world,” Stephen Koch, SpO Faculty Advisor, said.
Having been Associate Director for Leadership Programs in the Office of Student Involvement for 14 years, Koch has seen the event evolve tremendously over time. The same can be said
for Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) reps Bruce Bach, Senior Competition Director, and Hailey Euston, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.
“We’ve seen the event grow, and now, for the many years since then, the students and our state office have worked hand in hand to continue to grow the event, to have more than 1000 athletes that are participating next weekend,” Euston said.
Fall Fest has evolved to include a large O-Town, where more than 100 student organizations set up games and activities for students, staff and athletes. The organizations turn the Quad on Main Campus into a village of frantic fun and exhilarating entertainment. Through O-Town, athletes get to enjoy some Villanova hospitality.
The Healthy Athletes component of SpO is also a part of the event’s evolution. In between competitions, athletes can go to Driscoll Hall and receive health screenings and checks on their eyes and ears. Athletes susceptible to overstimulation can find comfort at the low sensory spaces that the committee has incorporated to fulfill their needs.
“Students are really focusing on so many different skills: people management, budget management, resource management, and time management,” Koch said. “All of those skills are focused on to get us ready for the weekend, and the nine months of planning really brings out those skills.”
Koch noted that, with more students participating in Inclusion Crew over the years, more leadership opportunities have arisen. The bonds among those involved have also seen a lot of growth. Koch talked about the weekend-long SpO retreat held for the committee over Labor Day
weekend, where students meet up at a retreat center right outside of Quakertown, PA.
“We get to know each other,” Koch said. “We appreciate personalities and strengths, and we really explore the mission of Fall Fest and what impact really has on our Special Olympics athletes and the Villanova community”
Eusten expressed her gratitude towards the numerous students who come on the day of the event, whether they are Local Program Hosts, Volunteer Coordinators, members of the Inclusion Crew or other students. She also loves how the committee has grown to address the different needs and responsibilities that are packaged with an event like Fall Fest.
“You see so many different groups coming out, offering activities, cheering our athletes on, but, even more, playing alongside our athletes,” Euston said.
Eusten also appreciates how Villanova has made strides towards increasing its Unified Sports offerings, which let individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities compete on the same team. She believes the mentality behind Fall Fest is exemplified by the Athlete Oath.
“It signifies leaving it all on the field, or, you know, going out there and busting down barriers in everyday life,” Eusten said. “Having a job, making friends, doing everything that humans want to do.”
Koch agreed.
“There’s always obstacles in life, but if you give it your all, you’re going to come out a winner, right?” Koch said.
Fall Fest exemplifies that mentality: treating every obstacle like a learning experience and continuously striving to improve oneself with the support of others who help us reach our goals.
Sports Should Not Define Culture
Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer
Buzzer-beater. The total time between the University of North Carolina’s basket and Kris Jenkins’ 2016 national championship game-winning shot was about 4.7 seconds. These 4.7 seconds have since been stretched across almost 10 years of Villanova basketball culture. As a University, we cling to the glory that the basketball program has brought not just the students, the athletics or the donors, but what it means to be a Villanovan. When that shot was made in 2016, it was as if our history as an institution filled with excellence and glory had been solidified. No matter how many rough seasons have followed or coaching changes have ensued, we are expected to revert back to this moment when in the face of the most recent realities of the program. But is this really all Villanovans have to be proud of?
Our acceptance rate for the 2029 class was an average of 27.4%, making our institution one that is extremely difficult to be granted entrance into with a pool of more than 20,000 applicants. Did these students apply because of the buzzer beater or the chance to stand in Jenkins’ footprints on the floor of the Finneran Pavilion? I don’t think so. Students are choosing this school because of its academics, its activities and most importantly, its community. This may be surprising to some, but I didn’t choose Villanova for the basketball team. Sure, it’s nice to have something to root for with the rest of my classmates, but it isn’t what led me to commit Early Decision to the class of 2028. I chose Villanova because of the people filling up the campus
Career Center Hosts U.S. Secret Service Recruiter
What’s In A Name? Unpacking The Change to “Xfinity” p. 8
Women’s XC Finish 2nd At Big East Championship, Men 3rd
On Friday, Oct. 31, the Villanova women’s cross country team finished second overall at the Big East Championship in Ashland, NE, earning its first podium finish since 2019. Meanwhile, the men finished third to grab their ninth consecutive podium finish. The women scored 42 points, behind Georgetown’s 24. All of the women’s scoring five earned All-Big East honors, with four of them placing individually in the top 10. It was the women’s low -
est score at the Big East Championships since 2018. The men finished with 62 points.
“We went in there fighting as hard as we could for a championship,” women’s head coach Gina Procaccio said. “We faced… one of the top 10 teams in the country. I thought we competed really well against them, and we can be nothing but proud of our effort.”
Junior Tilly O’Connor finished second overall – 27 spots higher than her performance last year – achieving a time of 19:52.7 on the 6000-meter course. It was her third consecutive sub-20-minute
race this season. She was just five seconds behind Georgetown’s Mellisa Riggins (19:47.7).
“She’s somebody who wasn’t even in the top seven last year,” Procaccio said. “Now to turn around and be second, that’s incredible.”
The other scoring runners included graduate student Margaret Carroll (20:01.2) in fifth place and graduate student Nikki Vanasse (20:05.4) in eighth.
Senior Amelia Arrieta ran a personal-best 20:21.1 to finish 10th. Arrieta’s previous best was 20:59.3, which she set at the Pre-National Invitational in Missouri last month.
All four runners were awarded First Team All-Big East honors.
Sophomore Rosie Shay rounded out the scoring five, running a 20:42.1 to finish 17th. Shay moved up six places from her Big East Championship debut last year and earned Second Team All-Big East honors.
“They just seem to be getting better and better, and they have a really good spread,” Procaccio said. “The goal from the beginning of the season was to get the team to nationals, and I think we’re right on track to make that happen.”
Villanova’s remain -
Continued on p. 32
This Week In Politics: Government Shutdown
Zoe Garrett Political Columnist
Today marks the 36th day of the ongoing government shutdown, tying the record set during the 2018-19 shutdown in President Donald Trump’s first term for the longest in United States history. With animosity continuing to run high and negotiations remaining minimal among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, the current shutdown is poised to surpass all previous ones and
VSB Group Wins Second Place At Case Competition p. 5
The Room Where It Happens: Asia’s Room p. 31
set a new record of its own.
The lapse in federal funding has prompted a host of severe consequences that affect numerous aspects of everyday life in the U.S. Among the most widely discussed are the impacts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which have drawn significant attention from both government officials and the population alike.
SNAP’s mission is to provide food benefits and supplement the grocery budgets
Ryan Center Scholarship Is An Invaluable Opportunity p. 6
Heart And Inclusivity In VSMT’s “The Prom” p. 31
of eligible low-income families.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website, nearly 42 million Americans which constitutes roughly 12% of the nation’s population received SNAP benefits in the fiscal year 2024. Without appropriations to substantiate the program, though, recipients of SNAP benefits are not able to collect the credit that they may rely on. These benefits are typically deposited on a regular, monthly basis. The
Halloween At Villanova Reflects University Values p. 6
Volleyball Goes 1-1 Against Xavier And Butler p. 32
most recent of these dates was supposed to be this past Saturday, Nov. 1. However, without the federal dollars to fund the program, SNAP benefits for this month were not disbursed as scheduled.
The halt in the federal program’s functioning has heightened already fraught tensions and has increased the amount of finger-pointing between partisans in Washington. More broadly, members on either side of the aisle
Continued on p. 4
Be So For Real: How Involved Should You Be? p. 7
Women’s Basketball Routs Lafayette In Home Opener p. 36
Megan Dussault Staff Writer
The women’s team earned their first podium position since 2019 and finished 18 points behind Georgetown. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
Theft By Unlawful
October 30, STANFORD HALL
A female resident student reported the theft of clothing. The amount of the loss is $510.00.
Liquor Underage
October 31, ST. MONICA HALL
A male resident student, under 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication.
Theft By Unlawful
October 31, JACKSON HALL
A female resident student reported the possible theft of approximately $100.00 of clothing from a communal laundry room.
Liquor Underage
October 31, MCGUIRE HALL
A female resident student, under 21, was transported to the hospital for alcohol intoxication.
Liquor Underage
November 1, GOOD COUNSEL
CORRECTIONS
HALL
A female resident student, under 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication and released.
Liquor Underage
November 1, AUSTIN HALL
A male resident student, under 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication and released.
Criminal Mischief
November 1, SULLIVAN HALL
A resident assistant reported damage to an exit sign in Sullivan Hall.
Liquor Underage
November 2, ITHAN AVE.
A male resident student, under 21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was evaluated by VEMS and released.
Liquor Underage
November 2, SHEEHAN HALL
A female resident student, under
Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send
21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was evaluated by VEMS and released.
Liquor Underage
November 2, FEDIGAN HALL
A female resident student, under 21, was transported by Radnor ALS to Paoli Hospital for alcohol intoxication and injuries sustained from a fall.
Disorderly Conduct November 2, L-4 LANCASTER RES. HALL LOT
Police responded to the L-4 lot for yellow tape blocking the roadway.
This Week In Politics: Government Shutdown
Zoe Garrett Political Columnist
Continued from p.1
continue to posit blame on the other for the onset and longevity of the shutdown.
On a post to social media on Friday, President Trump expressed resentment towards Democrats: “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” he said, as reported by The New York Times. Senate Democrats have thrown culpability for SNAP’s suspension right back at the GOP. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the chamber’s Appropriations Committee, said about top Republicans, “They are willing to hurt people at the bottom when they take care of their friends and priorities.”
The legality of blocking the distribution of SNAP benefits from recipients has not gone unchallenged by the courts. Rather, two federal judges out of Massachusetts and Rhode Island both ruled that the administration must continue to fund the food-assistance program even during the government shutdown, Axios reported.
The judicial proceedings concerned the contingency fund of about $5 billion that the federal government has reserved for SNAP should a situation arise which requires it, AP News explains. Both federal judges faced legal challenges to the assertion the administration made that they were not allowed to tap into these funds in order to meet the Nov. 1 deadline.
U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell from Providence, Rhode Island ruled that the executive must distribute SNAP benefits immediately, ordering on Saturday that full payments to SNAP
recipients must be distributed by Monday or partial disbursements by today, Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston, Massachusetts ruled in a similar way, writing in her opinion that USDA has to fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds,” reported AP News
On Monday, Nov. 3, the Trump administration responded to these judicial rulings. In a set of filings in federal court, the administration signaled its intention to send only partial payments to the roughly one in eight Americans who rely on the benefits, reported The New York Times
However, despite these judicial decisions and the administration’s stated intentions, the timeline for this incomplete distribution of SNAP benefits remains unclear. The process of disbursing the benefits is likely to be delayed, as it can often take a week or longer for the funds to load onto and be active on recipients’ cards.
President Trump acknowledged this fact: “Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out,” he said in a social media post.
With no clear end in sight for the government shutdown, the SNAP program and those who rely on it will continue to feel its impacts firsthand. While court rulings and administrative responses may offer some promise of funding restoration for vital government-backed programs like SNAP, the question of how these decisions will impact the everyday lives of recipients remains unresolved.
Until lawmakers reach an agreement and pass budget legislation to fund the federal government, millions of Americans who are dependent on such services will remain caught in the middle of the type of political gridlock that increasingly defines the United States’ political climate and future.
Career Center Hosts US Secret Service Recruiter
Caroline Etter Staff Writer
The Villanova University Career Center hosted Chip Lanker last Wednesday.
Lanker, a recruiter from the U.S. Secret Service, led an information session regarding federal resumes.
Lanker came to campus in light of the significant changes that federal hiring has experienced in recent months, between different actions by the Trump administration and the ongoing government shutdown.
Lanker began the session by distinguishing between two types of jobs in law enforcement: special agents and uniformed division officers.
The former includes jobs that cover financial crime investigation and cyber fraud, whereas the latter seeks to protect the White House.
He then clarified that neither of these jobs requires a bachelor’s degree, but all special agents and uniformed division officers must go through two academies, as well as meet basic eligibility and physical requirements.
Lanker then began to go into detail on how to build a federal resume to stand out when
looking for jobs. He noted how these types of resumes are different from others, and that using a federal resume builder is useful.
He advised students use their most recent transcripts when resume building.
In his presentation, Lanker included a preview of how to effectively use usajobs.gov to search for internships and jobs using the filter feature.
He mentioned how vacancies fill quickly, so it is important to stay on top of job posting and make one’s application stand out.
“List what’s relevant to the job,” Lanker said. “You’ve all done these things but we don’t think about it.”
He emphasized that point, noting how almost everyone in the room had worked in a group, paid attention to details, and used investigative methods without even knowing they were meeting the desired skills for a federal job.
To end the session, Lanker emphasized that things are changing within the federal hiring process and that it looks differently than it might have even in recent years.
For example, there are new requirements for resumes, and the interview process has been adjusted.
“This information session really helped me see what types of
experience the federal government is looking for in different types of employment,” sophomore Megan Lawn said.
With the shutdown that was still continuing at the time of the session, Lanker discussed how people are working without pay, only necessary jobs are being hired, and there is less job security.
He described the current state as “a little hiccup” that will soon be sorted out.
Questions were answered regarding appropriate language on a resume, the impacts of DOGE, and the timeline of hiring.
Regarding the language on a resume, Lanker suggested “Don’t try to be too wordy,” and to “Make it easy to understand.”
The session was hosted with political science majors in mind, but Lanker emphasizes the wide variety of skills and backgrounds that can be useful in working for the federal government.
The event was appreciated by students who were able to connect with a member of the secret service.
While the career opportunity seems intangible because of its prestige, the discussion with the recruiter made students feel as though the profession was more possible than they had assumed.
If students are looking for more information or similar future events, they are encouraged to keep up with the Career Center.
VSB Wins Second Place At Case Competition
George
Durraj
Staff Writer
VSB seniors Dominica Delayo, Evan Woo, Sofia Arrascue and Earl Kelly represented the University at the San Diego State University Business Case Competition from Oct. 23 to 26.
Held since 2013, the competition draws top undergraduate business students from across the United States and Mexico to solve complex international business cases.
The program is founded on the principle of providing an opportunity for experiential learning in global business education.
“The Moran Center for Global Leadership always does an amazing job connecting students with international experiences to help us grow as future business professionals,” Arrascue said.
After several rounds of competition against teams from across the country, the team advanced to the finals.
The finals themselves are already competitive to make it to, but the University’s team continued to advance.
Ultimately, Villanova’s representatives placed second and secured $2,000 in prize money.
For the case, the team was tasked with implementing an international business strategy for the Kenyan company, Ocean Sole.
It had to identify a South American country that provided Ocean Sole with a good opportunity to enter its market.
Then, it had to create an entrance strategy for Ocean Sole
in the selected country.
The team was given the case details on the preceding Thursday at 9 p.m., and was granted the next 24 hours to prepare its presentation.
“Preparing the project was a complete team effort,”
Kelly said. “We received the case Thursday night, read it together, and dove into developing our strategy. Once we identified the best path forward, we divided the work based on our strengths in marketing, finance and strategy. Everyone brought unique insights to the table that elevated the final deliverable far past the work of one individual.”
The group immediately had to get to work and cover each base.
Beyond the material component, the team also had to prepapre to present their ideas
Members were accompanied by a coach, Management and Operations Professor of Practice, Ward Utter.
“We were unable to have contact with anyone outside the team during the preparation day,” Arrascue said.
Thus, the team was on its own until the day of competition.
After considering various countries, the team settled on Colombia.
To enter the Colombian market, it decided to seek partnerships with domestic Colombian firms to ensure a smooth path toward establishing a foothold in the country.
Seeking partnerships would allow Ocean Sole access to local market knowledge, as its
selected partners have insights into the market that foreign firms would otherwise not have.
Additionally, Ocean Sole would benefit from sharing risk with its partners, as it would not be solely liable for any potential setbacks or failures.
“Presentation day was both intense and rewarding,” Kelly said. “We presented to two different panels of judges for the first and final rounds, which helped us adapt our delivery throughout the day. The feedback was constructive and motivating, and beyond the competition itself, it was simply a fun experience.”
The effort and thoughtful strategy of Woo, Delayo, Arrascue and Kelly took them far in the competition, as the judges looked favorably upon their clever partnership strategy.
Besides their superb performance, the team also made the most of their experience in San Diego.
“Competing in San Diego was very exciting… we were able to go to the beach and work on
our case in the nice weather,” Delayo said. “We all worked really well together.”
Given that the competition was based on case presentations, team chemistry and story telling were a critical factor for the team’s success.
The team delivered an exceptional final-round presentation in a massive auditorium to a panel of extremely accomplished judges.
Arrascue expressed that the Villanova School of Business did an exceptional job of preparing them for the competition.
“As VSB students, we’re given plenty of opportunities to practice [the competition’s] exact kind of format, so we felt prepared and excited to bring all of our knowledge from the classroom into the case competition,” Arrascue said.
Ultimately, the team’s endeavor was a success. Not only did it represent Villanova well with a second place finish, but it also gained professional experience that will aid members in their future careers.
The Career Center hosted the event and is located in Garey Hall. Courtesy of Villanova University
The VSB team scored second place at the CASE competition. Courtesy of Evan Woo
OPINION
Ryan Center Scholarship Is An Invaluable Opportunity
Juliana Burke Staff Writer
Located on the third floor of Old Falvey Library, the Matthew J. Ryan Center for the Study of Free Institutions & the Public Good offers far more than a space for spirited debate, but actively works to cultivate intellectual growth beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through the distinctive “Ryan Scholars” program, which opens applications each Fall Semester, students gain access to a curated schedule of readings, conferences and networking opportunities that foster genuine academic discourse. As a Ryan Scholar myself, I strongly encourage students of all majors and academic interests not only to engage with the Center, but to apply for the next cohort of Ryan Scholars. For students who crave thoughtful discussion, personal growth and a chance to wrestle seriously with big ideas, this program serves as a rare and rewarding academic home on campus.
The program’s semester calendar is rich with both academic and social events. Scholars participate in bi-weekly dinner discussions led by Dr. Brian T. Satterfield, each centered around a major classical work. For the current Fall Semester, we are studying Herodotus, as translated by Dr. David Grene. These discussions allow students to exchange interpretations, challenge assumptions, and gain deeper insights through dialogue with Satterfield and
fellow scholars. The small-group, seminar-style format fosters an environment where students feel comfortable pushing their thinking and developing the confidence to articulate complex ideas aloud. Beyond the intellectual rigor, the program also emphasizes the value of community. The Ryan Scholars foster friendships and networks through social gatherings such as cookouts, holiday celebrations and intimate dinners within the relatively small group. These informal settings not only strengthen relationships, but also serve to create space for continued conversation on the ideas explored during discussions. Many students find that the Ryan Center becomes
a reliable academic and social anchor on campus, offering both clarity of thought and a break from the pace of daily student life.
Additionally, scholars enjoy exclusive access to conferences designed to deepen their philosophical, political and economic understanding of the world. Most recently, the Ryan Scholars attended a roundtable on “The Market Process and Human Flourishing,” where economists led a discussion on the role of markets in promoting the common good. This experience provided valuable opportunities for engagement, networking, and reflection on post-graduate paths.
There truly is something at
the Ryan Center for students of every background and interest.
“It’s a great place to have open minded discussions and debates about the things that matter,” political science and legal studies student Dimitri Moujaes said. “It’s helped me see different perspectives and think more critically.”
Ryan Center President, sophomore Nicholas Shapkarov, offered a thoughtful overview of the program.
“The Scholars Program was founded a few years ago to promote inquiry into free thought by building a solid foundation in classical political philosophy for a select and intellectually diverse group of students from different disciplines,” Shapkarov said. “So far, it has been a great success. Its primary aim is to help students understand the context of Western philosophy and history upon which our country was modeled.”
I hope to encourage readers not only to apply for this wonderful opportunity, but to seek out learning experiences beyond the confines of one’s required credit hours.
One way to get involved this year is by attending the weekly Wednesday night discussions at 7:30 p.m. in Old Falvey 304, where students gather to explore contemporary topics in an open forum, regardless of scholarship status. The Ryan Center can also be found on Instagram at @vuryancenter, where updates, photos and upcoming events are regularly posted. In conclusion: Rush the Ryan Center.
Halloween At Villanova Reflects University Values
Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer
At Villanova, Halloween is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a season that transforms campus into a showcase of creativity, community and tradition. While many college students might view the holiday as a simple break from academics, Villanova students have shaped it into something more meaningful: a reflection of the University’s collaborative spirit and the small joys that define campus life.
As October winds down and the crisp air settles over Lancaster Avenue, the signs of Halloween appear everywhere. Door decorations line the residence halls, pumpkins pop up across dining tables and students bring an unmistakable energy to campus with costume ideas and themed events. What might seem like a fleeting celebration elsewhere becomes, at Villanova, a campus-wide moment of togetherness.
“It’s one of those times when everyone just seems lighter,” sophomore Abby Walsh said. “There’s something about Halloween here that feels so community-driven. It’s less about the costumes and more about the people you share it with.”
That sense of community is what makes Halloween at Villanova distinctive. Clubs and organizations seize the opportunity to host themed meetings or service events,
giving the holiday a unique Villanova twist. Campus Ministry, Residence Life and student-run groups often coordinate pumpkin carvings, charity drives and costume contests that blend fun with purpose. Even professors and staff join in, decorating offices or surprising students with candy bowls, small gestures that make the campus feel like home.
Halloween also reflects the University’s ability to balance tradition and creativity. Villanova students bring the same thoughtfulness to their Halloween celebrations that they do to other aspects of campus life: carefully curating decorations, planning group themes and using the occasion to
highlight causes they care about. Some student organizations use Halloween to raise awareness or funds for local charities, turning the holiday into an extension of Villanova’s broader mission of service. Beyond the events and decorations, Halloween offers a moment of pause in the middle of a demanding semester. It’s a time to laugh, reconnect and take part in the shared experiences that make college memorable. For many students, it brings a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times spent trick-or-treating and watching classic fall movies, while also marking how far they’ve come since then.
“It reminds me that we’re all still holding onto that sense of excitement we had as kids,” Walsh said. “But now it’s expressed through how we come together as a community. It’s something that feels uniquely Villanova.”
In a year that moves quickly from one deadline to the next, Halloween stands out as an example of Villanova’s ability to foster joy without losing focus. The holiday underscores the university’s values, unity, creativity and service, through something as simple as a shared celebration. Whether students are handing out candy in the Quad, cheering at a themed sports event, or admiring each other’s costumes on their way to class, the spirit of Villanova is on full display. What makes Halloween here memorable isn’t the spectacle but the sincerity. It’s found in the laughter echoing through residence halls, the collective effort to make campus feel festive and the mutual appreciation for a moment that brings everyone together. Halloween at Villanova may not be grand or extravagant, but it’s genuine, rooted in the same sense of belonging that defines the University year-round. As the last pumpkins fade and the November chill arrives, that spirit lingers. Halloween becomes less about a single night and more about what it represents: a community that knows how to celebrate not just the season, but each other.
The Ryan Center fosters discourse among undergraduates across all years and colleges. Courtesy of Villanova University
Halloween on campus offers an opportunity for self-expression and bonding. Zoe Schack/Villanovan Photography
EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
BROOKE ACKERMAN
NICOLE LIDDICOAT
LAUREN ARMSTRONG
KAILEY FAHY
ZOE SCHACK
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief
Associate Editor-in-Chief
Opinion Editor
Opinion Editor
The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.
POLICY
The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan
Be So For Real: How Involved Should You Be?
Katie Bryda Staff Writer
With over 300 clubs and organizations on Villanova’s campus, there is always something happening on campus. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to get involved in. Many Villanovans are eager to sign up for a wide variety of activities to show they are involved, but by signing up for so many things, students miss the point completely.
Being involved at Villanova is not about how many things you do, but how dedicated you are to the groups you are in. To fully embrace Villanova’s involvement culture, students must thoughtfully pick what they want to devote their time to. To do that, students should spend time thinking about the following.
What clubs were you in during high school? When deciding how you want to spend your time on campus, thinking of what you really enjoyed in high school is a good place to start. The clubs you just participated in to put on your college application do not count. The places you are going to be happiest and find people that you want to be friends with are going to be in these places.
What are you passionate about? While you may not have decided on a major or career path, everyone has something that they are interested in. On this
Kailey Fahy Co-Opinion Editor
campus, you can find a club associated with any passion, or you can even try something completely new you think you might like. But if you want to dive deeper into something–like the environment, or car racing, or baking–there are plenty of clubs eager to accept new members. Do you want to
help other people? Learn another language? Read more books? At Villanova, there is truly something for everybody.
Does it matter to you?
Some Villanovans join groups like NOVAdance or Special Olympics because of the unique meaning it holds for them or their family.
If you align with a specific value, experience, or cause that a club promotes, joining is a great way to meet like-minded students to bond with. Contributing to something bigger than yourself, like fostering civic engagement through Let’s Vote Nova or volunteering with Special Olympics athletes as a Local Program Host, can create an impact that extends beyond campus. So now we’ve narrowed down the clubs you want to be a part of, but exactly how many should you choose? Really, it’s up to each person and their schedule, but it is critical to understand that it’s impossible to be in two places at once. Not overbooking is key in college, so picking clubs that align with your schedule and passions is best.
Consider how much homework you have, when you have class on certain days, and if you want to get a campus job or research opportunity. Be comfortable in your ability to say “no” when something might not work with your schedule, since this will save you stress in the long run as your semester gets busier. Most importantly, however, dedicate time to what you really want to be doing. At the end of the day, there’s no exact formula and no such thing as being too involved or not involved enough. Involvement looks different for everyone on Villanova’s campus. It’s all about what you make of your time here on campus.
Two Games At Xfinity Is A Mistake
While a lot of colleges and universities rally around fall football tailgates and packed stadiums, Villanova’s school spirit peaks in the dead of winter. As temperatures drop, and the second semester begins, Villanova students eagerly gather in Xfinity Mobile Arena’s (formerly known as the Wells Fargo Center’s) empty parking lot to prepare for men’s basketball games. These games in Philadelphia have been a beloved Villanova tradition for many students. So, when the Big East schedule dropped, it was disappointing to see that the men’s basketball team would only be playing two games there this year. With a new head coach and an almost entirely rebuilt roster, this season marks a pivotal moment for Villanova basketball. Games at the Xfinity have always served as a chance to reconnect the Villanova community with the culture and
energy that have defined Villanova basketball for years. Yet with only two games scheduled at Xfinity this year, that opportunity feels limited. While the Finneran Pavilion offers an intimate home-court environment, limiting Xfinity appearances weakens the program’s reach.
Historically, games at Xfinity have drawn large and energetic crowds. Fans are often not just from the Villanova campus, but from alumni and fans across the Philadelphia area. These games create an electric atmosphere that mirrors the kind of environment players face in the Big East Tournament or even potentially NCAA March Madness, which are events that are inaccessible for many students. For a new team of players trying to build chemistry and confidence, performing in a big arena with thousands of fans is an important experience to have. Especially for a roster with just two returning Wildcats from the 2024-25 season.
But perhaps the biggest loss is the impact on student engage-
ment. Many Villanova students struggle to attend weeknight games at the Finn due to classes, labs and other extracurricular commitments. However, traveling to Philadelphia for a weekend Xfinity game offers a different kind of experience. For many students, these games are a chance to step away from campus life and experience Villanova basketball. When those opportunities are limited to just two games, it inevitably leads to decreased enthusiasm and connection to the team.
“I don’t follow basketball that much,” junior Michael Galbato. “The only games I am really interested in going to are the ones at Wells Fargo Center. Then, when I get there, I learn more about the players and become more invested for the rest of the season. I already have a conflict with one of the games there this semester, so only being able to attend one is just going to leave me uninterested.”
This lack of engagement is particularly concerning given the recent struggles of the program. In re-
cent seasons, Villanova’s underperformance and absence from March Madness have already weakened student interest. Basketball used to be one of the strongest things that bonded students on campus, regardless of how much they followed sports. To achieve that spirit again, exciting games need to be accessible. With an entirely new team and coaching staff, this season should be about rebuilding not just the roster, but the relationship between the program and the student body. Hosting more games in Philadelphia would give students and fans a chance to rediscover the Villanova basketball pride many have lost in recent years. Two games simply aren’t enough to do that. If the University truly wants to re-engage its fan base and introduce this new era of Villanova basketball to the community, expanding the schedule at Xfinity should be a priority. More games there wouldn’t just benefit the team. They’d help remind fans of traditions and culture that have always set the program apart
Involvement in events like Novadance plays a major role in campus culture at Villanova. Brooke Ackerman/Villanovan Photography
What’s In A Name? Unpacking The Change To “Xfinity”
Zoe Schack Co-Opinion Editor
From Big 5 victories to tailgates with friends and crowds decked out in Villanova blue, memories made at the Wells Fargo Center have shaped a generation of students and fans alike. However, this is set to change in the 2025–26 season. Or, at least, one key aspect of the “Wells” experience will look different. While the deal may bring in revenue for the location, the symbolic value of this famed name will no longer define gameday, eroding a piece of the Villanova basketball legacy as many Villanovans know it.
On Aug. 14, Wells Fargo Center was officially renamed “Xfinity Mobile Arena,” ahead of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. This change was the result of a new naming rights deal between Comcast, Xfinity Mobile’s parent company, and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the company that owns the venue itself.
However, this renaming comes after a 15-year stint of the Wells Fargo Center name, including Villanova’s impressive stretch of Big East and national championships throughout the 2010s. While the swap comes with a renovation for the facilities that teams and viewers will have at the arena, it eliminates the sense of familiarity that united the cohort
of Villanovans during the Wells Fargo era.
“I would understand it if Xfinity is offering more money, but I don’t care for the new name,” sophomore Caitlin Rooney said. “I’m probably going to keep calling it ‘Wells Fargo’ in conversation.”
In the wake of countless other corporate mergers and renamings (Facebook to Meta and Google to Alphabet) some would argue that this strategic move was only a matter of time. Even on a
campus-level scale, Villanova’s acquisitions of two other universities will generate a slew of new titles, such as the “Cabrini Campus of Villanova.” Alongside the array of changes happening to Villanova’s campus, the re-titling of such a popular off-campus staple only adds to the sense of confusion that students and alums are experiencing.
Although this decision is sound from a business perspective, it clearly comes at the cost of a priceless culture. As trivial as it
may seem, having a familiar name for a place that plays such a major role in the Villanova experience can bring the community together amidst a period of rapid changes to the structure of our campus.
“It will feel weird to call it ‘Xfinity Mobile Arena’ because ‘Wells’ is something I’ve always known,” junior Corey McCall said. “It feels like home to Villanova students.”
Looking ahead, Villanova’s men’s basketball team will play two games at the newly-dubbed “Xfinity Mobile Center” throughout the academic year. There’s no doubt that the lack of Instagram captions playing on the word “Wells” will be felt, but Villanova basketball fans remain excited nonetheless.
The agreement is set to last through the 2030-31 season, a date that seems far off, especially for the thousands of upperclassmen with years of Wells Fargo stories behind them. However, in the meantime, Villanovans can look to the new class of 2029 to set the stage for what future Villanovans will have to say about the change over time.
“As a freshman, I personally don’t feel strongly about the name change, but I can see how it may affect upperclassmen who have had more experience going to years of games at the arena,” Jake Grezch said. “Although people will be upset, I’m sure it won’t matter as much as the fact that we want our team to play and win.”
Sports Should Not Define Our Culture
Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer
Continued from p.1
that I call home. In the past year, I have met some of the most incredible people who are not just smart and kind, but who are eager to contribute to things bigger than themselves. We all see the bigger picture—whether that be through NOVAdance, Special Olympics, Blue Key or Greek Life philanthropies. Every single one of us wants to leave Villanova better than how we found it, which is something you cannot find at just any campus across the country. There is a culture surrounding Villanovans, knowing we were chosen to not just be students here but contribute to this community in whatever way we see fit and uplift one another in the process.
Our professors bring expertise into every lecture and conversation. But what stands out most is their willingness to connect with us on a personal level. They know our names, our goals and sometimes even the challenges we face outside of the classroom. I’ve had professors who stayed after class to talk about career paths, passions, or even life advice. This is something that makes Villanova feel less like an institution and more like a family. It’s this human connection that defines our learning experience and makes our education feel alive and purposeful.
That idea of purpose is woven into everything on Lancaster Ave. From our Augustinian values of “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas” (truth,
unity and love) to the countless service projects and campus organizations, Villanovans are reminded daily that knowledge means little unless it’s used to help others. As University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. once said, “Villanova is not a place you simply attend; it’s a place that transforms you.” That transformation doesn’t happen through basketball trophies or national rankings, but through the way we learn to see ourselves as part of something greater. Every weekend, you can find students volunteering, mentoring, or organizing events for causes close to their hearts. Whether it’s raising money for pediatric cancer through NOVAdance or helping run the Special Olympics Fall Fest, there’s a spirit of collective purpose that binds us together. When I walk through campus, I see students holding doors open for strangers, stopping to talk to their professors or cheering on classmates who are performing, presenting or competing. These small moments say more about Villanova than any highlight reel ever could.
Of course, basketball remains a thread that ties us all together. It’s the common spark that unites students, alumni and fans under one name. But even that connection feels deeper than sports. The same unity that fills the Finneran Pavilion during a big game is the same energy that fills campus during service days, Orientation week or graduation. It’s about shared pride, shared purpose and shared belief in what Villanova stands for. We don’t just celebrate victories on the court; we celebrate the victories in each other’s lives.
“It is unavoidable that basketball will be viewed as the most important aspect by many if the team is doing well, but as a student I have seen how it is one of many important things here,” Tommy Petrane, a sophomore and lifelong Villanova basketball fan, said. “ I hope that when looking at schools, students don’t view Villanova as just a basketball school, and in turn do not go because they aren’t that into basketball. Villanova is so much more than that and can be fitting for everyone, and you’ll probably end up liking basketball down the line anyway. Our fan’s heart and spirit comes from love for the school itself, not just the basketball team.” Basketball might have put us on the map, but it’s our people who give Villanova its soul. When we chant “Vs up,” it’s not just about victory. It’s about values. It’s about the
truth we seek in our studies, the unity we feel in our friendships, and the love we share through service and compassion.
Ten years after Jenkins’ shot, we still replay that moment because it represents something far greater than a win, it symbolizes the heartbeat of Villanova: poise under pressure, faith in your team and belief in something bigger than yourself. Those 4.7 seconds made history, but it’s the thousands of moments that have followed them that continue to define us. Villanova isn’t great because of a single play. It’s great because of the people who wake up every day and live out “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas” in everything they do. The buzzer-beater will always be part of our legacy, but the real triumph is how we carry that spirit into every corner of campus, and into the world beyond it.
The Xfinity Mobile Center has been known as Wells Fargo for years. Zoe Schack/Villanovan Photography
Athletics are only a part of life at Villanova, where involvement shapes student experience. Zoe Schack/Villanovan Photography
Lighting The Way: Fall Festival Kick-Off Torch Relay
Emma Cote Co-News Editor
Each year, Villanova’s Special Olympics’ Fall Festival begins with the lighting of the torch on campus.
Students, faculty, staff and athletes gather and line the quad in anticipation of the runners arriving to kickstart the weekend.
The event will occur on Nov 7., and participants will run the 28 miles from Navy Yard in South Philadelphia to Villanova’s William B. Finneran Pavillion.
Participants include law enforcement, athletes and community members.
There are 18 segments of the race, ranging from a half mile to three and a half miles.
Runners will race through a route that courses through the city and the surrounding suburbs.
All proceeds of the race benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA).
The Flame Of Hope is the torch that is used to begin the games, and it is carried for the run’s entire duration.
Along with the physical lighting of the torch, Fall Festival will begin with several performances and healthy athletes screenings.
Meagan Clancy is a current Volunteer Coordinator (VC) with the food team. Clancy has been participating in the Special Olympics since her freshman year, in which she was an Inclusion Crew member (IC).
While she has a few favorite events at Special Olympics, the lighting of the torch has always been incredibly special to her.
“The torch run is one of my favorite parts of Fall Fest,” Clancy said. “You can really feel the energy and the excitement when the runners arrive at Villanova.”
Clancy also emphasized the importance of community gathering at Fall Fest, and how this event highlights the importance of Special Olympics.
She shared her first experience seeing the lighting live her freshman year, and how impactful the event was to witness.
“Everyone there was so ex-
cited and cheering,” Clancy said. “I remember being an LPH and witnessing it for the first time, and it really got me even more excited to start the fall fest.”
While the race ends on Villanova’s campus, members of the Greater Philadelphia area also gather to watch the runners race.
The run is led by members of the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Fall Festival Torch Run also serves as a memorial for fallen officers across the state of Pennsylvania.
Hailey Euston is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). Euston Spoke with The Villanovan about the value the
Torch Run brings to campus.
“The students have truly embraced it, it’s quite an amazing kickoff to the event,” Euston said. “Because there’s our athletes, who are on a competition break, and then the LPH student leaders and committee members, they all come out in line the quad for the arrival and the lighting of the cauldron. So it truly is a great event that maybe the students aren’t logistically super involved in, but they have really embraced and helped this become a super nice tradition for the arrival of the flame of hope.”
While only the first event of many of Special Olympics Fall Festival, the Torch race incites excitement and sets the tone for the rest of the events and ceremonies that occur that weekend.
Additionally, it brings together the entire Villanova community and surrounding areas to witness what Fall Fest means to the University as the largest host of Special Olympics in the country.
For many, this is their first experience with the Special Olympics, and the goal is to foster as much enthusiasm as possible.
The cauldron will be lit by 3 p.m., and ceremonies will commence by 7 p.m.
Students and community members are encouraged to line the quad ahead of when runners are scheduled to arrive. During this time, attendees will cheer the runners on and celebrate the official start to the Fall Fest Weekend events and festivities.
Students cheer on runners arrving on campus. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Meet The Leaders Behind Admin & Support Services
Mia Galego Staff Writer
Hosting the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world is no easy task. Through months of preparation, unwavering dedication and the efforts of more than 3000 student volunteers, Villanova’s Fall Festival, better known as Fall Fest, continues to achieve success year after year.
Junior Lyla Buxton serves as the Director of Administration on the Fall Fest 2025 management team. In her role, Buxton oversees six subcommittees: Athlete Involvement, Evaluations, Development, DEI, Unified and Computers and Registration.
“That’s probably been my favorite part of being the director,” Buxton said. “Just being able to support each committee and make sure they know if they need anything, I’m there.”
Each subcommittee plays an integral role in putting the weekend together, and it is Buxton’s responsibility to make sure everything is running smoothly. On Friday alone, the Unified committee is initiating a new home run derby, the DEI committee is working to set up low sensory spaces all around campus and the Development committee is setting up the annual President’s Reception.
“The weekend consists of a lot of moving parts, which are so much fun to see them all come together and see each committee’s hard work pay off and serve the
athletes,” Buxton said.
Attending athlete flag football practices every Monday has been one of the most rewarding parts of Buxton’s role, giving her a deeper appreciation for the athletes’ commitment and determination.
“Seeing how hard they work every week and the grit that they have for competing is indescribable,” Buxton said. “It makes it all worth it to know that these are the people you are putting this event on for.”
Another member of the management team, senior Alex Blaha, serves as the Director of Support Services. Blaha oversees five subcommittees: Food, Transportation, Medical/Security, Housing and Facilities.
“You want Fall Fest to be focused on competition because it is a competitive event,” Blaha said. “So the support services allow those competitions to continue running without interruptions.”
Working in support services for the past three years has allowed Blaha to be a part of the little moments.
“It’s a really unique position because you can see every athlete out of competition, which is awesome,” Blaha said. “Being in the dining halls, you can really see every single athlete. It’s moments like that where you can see different counties eating with student volunteers.”
Blaha described how his leadership has grown throughout
his time in the program. He strives to be a role model and lead by example for the dozens of volunteers working in support services.
“One thing that has helped me a lot is learning from people before me,” Blaha said. “I have so many role models from Special Olympics that have really shown me how to lead and lead by example, and I think that has helped me in my role now.”
Both Buxton and Blaha encourage Villanova students, if not already, to volunteer and get involved in Fall Fest in any way they can.
“It is such a cool atmosphere, whether you want to be a general volunteer or table at O-town,” Buxton said. “Just being there for a few minutes is awesome, but the more involved you get, the better.”
Blaha emphasized both Buxton’s point and the role that Special Olympics plays in the lives of both athletes and volunteers.
“Being involved with sports when I was younger and in high school, seemingly anyone can sign up for a t-ball league or preschool soccer, but those with disabilities don’t really have that opportunity as much as we do,” Blaha said. “Being able to be a part of an event that provides that environment for them is really important.”
As Fall Fest draws near, we’re reminded of the months of hard work and preparation that goes into making this event a success. Without Administration and Support Services, this weekend would not be possible.
The 2025 SpO admin management team at their Labor Day retreat. Kailey Fahy/Villanovan Photography
Classes Should Be Cancelled On The Friday Before Fall Fest
Massimo DiLeo Staff Writer
Each fall, Villanova University hosts the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania event, referred to as Fall Fest, falls during the first full weekend of November each year, drawing in thousands of athletes and volunteers.
However, the first day of events, including the Torch Run and the first rounds of competi -
tion, happen on Friday afternoon, when many students have class. Students who play large roles in operating and facilitating the event then face a dilemma each year
Do they skip their Friday classes to devote more time to Fall Fest or attend class anyway? To solve this issue, Villanova should cancel classes.
This dilemma does not just apply to a small population of the student body, but rather many members, from first-years all the way to seniors, as there are so many ways to get involved in Fall Fest.
Local Program Hosts (LPHs) are composed entirely of first-year undergraduate Villanova students.
LPHs are spread out amongst each county participating in the event, with two to three students in each group.
As a result, they are able to create deep connections with their athletes.
First-years face a unique nuance in this dilemma, as many of their classes have stricter attendance policies. So, while they want to be there to support their athletes on the first day of competition, many may feel pressure to attend class.
The Inclusion Crew (IC) is composed of students across all class years and is defined by “cubes.”
Cubes refer to the specific sport or event of Fall Fest that the volunteers will specialize in.
ICs are not required to be on site for as much time as LPHs, which could shape Villanova students’ decisions on whether to skip Friday classes.
Volunteer Coordinators (VCs) and committee members have to be there for the entirety of the weekend, including waking up before sunrise to get last-minute preparations done.
So, they face an especially difficult choice when choosing to
skip class or not.
“I think you could argue either side of this debate easily,” Jane Butler, Fall Fest Festival Director, said. “For the majority of students, going to class on the Friday of Fall Fest isn’t a huge issue. However, I plan to use a personal day to miss my one Friday class this year. I know most committee members plan to do the same thing, but they could also choose to go to class if they’d like. I could see how it would be useful to more involved students to not have to worry about missing class, but most professors are usually very understanding.”
As a returning member of the Inclusion Crew, I agree with this insight.
Although I’ll attend class on Nov. 7, those with more involvement in Fall Fest, such as Butler, may not have that convenience due to the amount of responsibilities associated with these roles.
Looking ahead, the first day of Fall Fest will always fall on a Friday, so this debate will continue to linger on as students volunteer for Special Olympics each year.
To alleviate the stress of students having to decide or catchup on missed work later, Villanova should cancel classes on the Friday of Fall Fest.
SpO Spotlight: Volunteer Coordinator & Inclusion Crew
Jasmine Srivastava Staff Writer
In just a couple of days, the Special Olympics Fall Fest will commence and bring thousands of volunteers together to celebrate the mission of inclusion.
Two of the most popular ways students get involved in Special Olympics are through the Volunteer Coordinator (VC) program and the Inclusion Crew (IC) program.
There are 105 VCs this year who lead more than 1100 ICs in volunteering at this year’s Special Olympics and making a massive impact on the entire weekend’s success for all athletes.
Volunteer Coordinator (VC):
Junior Ryan Murphy, who is on the Special Olympics committee, co-leads the VCs and dove into what a VC is and their role during Fall Fest.
What truly is a VC?
“A VC is someone who consistently takes time out of their busy schedule to be more involved with an amazing organization,” Murphy said. “They are committed to making Fall Fest the best it’s ever been, and I have full confidence this year that we are all going to do that.”
What is the role of a VC on the day of Fall Fest?
“The ‘role’ of VCs is to help run their function of the event, whether that be an athletic competition like powerlifting or running an awards ceremony,” Murphy said. “Additionally, VCs are there to help guide their IC [cube] and delegate tasks for them.”
Senior Allie D’Angelo, who serves as the VC Committee Chair
this year, shared the impact the VC program has had and reflects on her experience leading it.
What makes the VC program special?
“The VC program is special because it’s built on mentorship and shared purpose,” D’Angelo said. “Through weekly meetings and collaboration, VCs serve as leaders, helping every IC understand that their role matters and that inclusion starts with each of us.”
How has your experience been leading the VCs?
“Each week, I’ve had the privilege of watching the VCs grow into confident, compassionate leaders for their IC meetings,” D’Angelo said. “Seeing that growth and knowing they’ll bring that same spirit to Fall Fest, and beyond, is what makes this role so meaningful to me.”
Inclusion Crew (IC):
Senior Brooke Manganiello, who is on the Special Olympics IC Committee, shared what an IC is and its role during Fall Fest.
What is an IC?
“IC members are the best cheerleaders at events, dance partners at O-Town and listening ears and supporters whenever they are needed,” Manganiello said. “An IC member is someone who really does want to make an impact on people’s lives.”
What is the role of an IC during Fall Fest?
“Weekend of, ICs should be ready to bring the energy and make this weekend the most memorable of the year,” Manganiello said. “If an IC leaves the weekend with a scratchy voice, tired feet, and a smile on their face, then they did everything right.”
Junior Ali Benjamin, who was an IC last year and a Healthy Athletes VC this year, reflected on her experience last year and how it has prepared her to lead her own IC at this year’s Fall Fest.
What was your experience being an IC?
“I was an IC last year, so getting to see the other side of all the hard work my VCs put in last year to make Fall Fest so amazing is such a cool experience,” Benjamin said.
How has it been leading an IC?
“Leading ICs is really fun. My co-cube leader and I get to share some of our favorite memories from previous Fall Fests with the people we will get to spend the weekend making new memories with,” Benjamin said.
What is ‘my why’?
Jessica Repetto, who is a soccer 5v5 VC this year, explained her ‘why,’ which students are typically asked to share during a VC or IC
meeting.
“One of my favorite things about Fall Fest is being able to see the hard work and passion of the athletes shine through during their competition, and I loved being able to see them in their element in November,” Repetto said.
For any student at Villanova, regardless of whether they ever participated in SpO or Fall Fest in the past, Repetto emphaszies there never is a point when someone still can’t get involved in some way.
“Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s never too late to fall in love with the magic of Fall Fest,” Repetto said. “Everyone has their own pathway to finding their ‘why.’”
Both VCs and ICs alike play a critically pivotal role in welcoming athletes to campus and ensuring that the entirety of Fall Fest weekend is a success and magically for each and every athlete participating. this year.
Inclusion Crew consists of 1100 Villanovans and help make Fall Fest such a magical time. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
In order to give students more time to devote towards Fall Fest, Villanova should cancel Friday classes. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Fall Fest’s Theme Is A Masterpiece In Itself
Lexie Scibilia Staff Writer
Each November, Villanova’s campus transforms. Banners go up, volunteers flood the walkways and excitement builds for one of the University’s most beloved traditions: Fall Fest.
It is one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, when Villanova students, faculty and athletes from across Pennsylvania come together to celebrate inclusion, competition and connection.
This year’s theme of “Let Your Passions Unleash: Create Your Masterpiece” could not capture that spirit more perfectly. Rooted in the arts, the theme celebrates individuality and expression, which reinforces the idea that every person brings something unique to the canvas of Fall Fest. Whether that’s through dance, film, music or painting, it’s a reminder that beauty takes many forms, and that the masterpiece of this weekend is the community itself.
It is the Special Events Management Team that spends hours deliberating on what the theme should be and how they can make it come to life.
“We were bouncing around ideas, and the word ‘masterpiece’ came up,” Sophia Tucker, Director of Special Events, said. “It resonated
with everyone, because that’s what Fall Fest is: a masterpiece built from the hard work of athletes, volunteers and everyone involved.”
That word, “masterpiece,” feels especially right for a tradition that relies on so many moving parts. The athletes train all year to qualify and compete. The committee members spend months planning and hundreds of volunteers dedicate their weekend to making sure every event runs seamlessly. Together, their efforts create something that feels bigger than any one person; a living, breathing work of art that fills campus with energy and care. But this theme also feels bigger than the event itself. It highlights what makes Villanova, and Fall Fest in particular, so special.
Every student on this campus carries their own passions, whether through academics, service or the arts. This year’s theme celebrates the idea that all of those passions matter. They deserve to be unleashed, shared and celebrated. That’s where the message truly resonates.
Fall Fest has always been about inclusion, about honoring the talents and humanity of every athlete who comes to compete. “Create Your Masterpiece” expands that message beyond competition. It conveys that creativity isn’t limited to the arts, and beauty isn’t limited to aesthetics. There is artistry in teamwork, in compassion and in friendship.
Tucker hopes people walk
through campus and “find something that resonates with them.”
This year’s theme makes space for individuality and connection to coexist among one another.
The events scattered across campus highlight mediums of art, but what ties them together is emotion. Whether your passion is painting, performance or cheering from the sidelines, there’s something about Fall Fest that invites all to participate.
And maybe that’s what makes this year’s theme so special. It’s not just about creativity in the literal sense, it’s about recognizing that everyone has something to offer, some passion that makes them who they are. In that way, Fall Fest feels like Villanova at its best: people showing up, working hard and finding beauty in each other’s differences.
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make new connections,”
Tucker said. That’s what this theme is really about. Passion is meant to be shared. Masterpieces aren’t created in isolation. They’re built from moments of collaboration, laughter and care. Fall Fest reminds us that connection is an art form. It’s the kind of art you can’t frame or display, but you feel it everywhere: in the smiles exchanged between volunteers and athletes, in the cheers that echo across campus and in the friendships that form over the course of a single weekend.
So, as campus prepares for another unforgettable Fall Fest, Villanovans should take this theme to heart. Let passions unleash, yes, but also look for the beauty in the people and moments around you. Because in the end, our masterpiece isn’t just what we create individually. It’s what we build together.
SpO Spotlight: VUnited Scholars & Unified Sports Club
Baily Keeley Staff Writer
VUnited is a two-year program at Villanova, in which students with disabilities enhance their academic, social and independent living skills on campus.
Members have started a Unified Sports Club, in which their students can participate in Special Olympics as athletes or coaches, and it has become a crucial part of the program for the Scholars.
“I participate in SpO because I think it’s one of the best weekends of the year at Villanova and the whole community comes together,” junior and Unified Vice President Greg Gorsky said. “It is a great opportunity to get back and I love being around [the VUnited Scholars].”
Unified not only gives members of VUnited and its athletes a chance to be involved in a variety of sports, but to also compete at a high level with others who share a similar passion for athletics.
“I like SpO because it is fun,” freshman James Humphreys said.
He is both a coach and athlete for SpO Powerlifting events this year.
“SpO brings me a big community at Villanova,” sophomore Cooper Roy said. “I am very glad to play again this year.”
Fall Fest is a wonderful opportunity for VUnited Scholars to have a great weekend and make many memories.
Some Scholars have been
doing Special Olympics in their hometowns for years before coming to Villanova, and look forward to experiencing Fall Fest as a new and bigger version of those celebrations.
“I have been doing SpO since I was eight years old,” freshman George Conrod said. “I am very honored to be here, and to be on another SpO team outside of [my] town. I like meeting new people and I think it will be a great year and a great season.”
Molly Shawhan, Director of VUnited Scholars, started the Unified Sports Club a few years ago.
“I feel very lucky that Molly started this opportunity,” Roy said. “Getting to know traditional students has helped me with a lot of things.”
“[Unified] has enhanced my VUnited experience very well,” Conrod said. “I do SpO because I like cheering on new teams from all over the State, and it is nice to meet new people, and hopefully those friendships can become more [than just for the weekend].”
Shawhan has seen firsthand the impact of this program on both the Scholars’ lives and on her own.
“The program has been around for five years, before we had the Unified Sports Program,” Shawhan said. “It truly made the program incredibly integrated and inclusive. I played sports in college and I think I cried more and was happier when we won Fall Fest last year than any sports victory I got in my career. It was one of the best days of my life this far. It was
incredible to see our students having fun and enjoying and competing at such a high level. Everyone was celebrating and enjoying the weekend and enjoying one another and championing what it looks like to be an inclusive community.”
This inclusive community and chance to compete at the level SpO offers is not taken for granted by the Scholars.
They also have core memories of their victories from previous years, and are looking forward to hopefully having the same success this year.
“I think it is important for Villanova to host Special Olympics because not a lot of people
know about our program, and not a lot of people know what we do,” Conrod said. “It is a chance for regular people to meet people that have special needs and different abilities and I think it is great that a college has an experience like this.”
Unified has grown tremendously since it began five years ago, bonding its members and celebrated good times.
After winning Fall Fest at this past year’s event, all involved from athletes to coaches to Shawnan and those working in VUnited’s administration are looking forward to this year’s Fall Fest coming up.
The Unified Sports Club gives members of VUnited the opportunity to get involved in competition. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Fall Fest’s true magic comes not from what’s built individually, but built together. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Local Program Host (LPH) Spotlight
Finn Courtney Co-News Editor
Special Olympics (SpO) at Villanova is a tradition. It’s something that has drawn many current students to apply or accept their admission offer and, for first-year students, being a Local Program Host (LPH) is arguably the best way to contribute to Fall Fest as a freshman.
“It’s a unique opportunity for first-year students to really be immersed into the mission of inclusion in Special Olympics, in a very unique way,” LPH Committee Chair James Manion said. “They get to have the best role, which is just supporting and cheering on athletes the entire weekend. They are the energy behind Fall Fest, they are really what makes it as special and as just incredible of an environment as it is.”
Fall Fest began in 1989 and Villanova’s Special Olympics website describes being an LPH as a path for freshmen to “have a profound impact throughout the entire weekend.” For many members on SpO Committee, including Manion, now a senior, it doubly made a profound impact on them.
“Ever since I was an LPH my own freshman year, I just knew it was such a special community [to be a part of],” Manion said. “It’s a unique position you get to be in, I know I still think of my leaders
Aidan Davies Staff Writer
Every year, more than 1000 athletes, coaches and student volunteers congregate on campus for Villanova’s Fall Fest, the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Though organizing an event that comes with the title of “largest in the world” may sound daunting for some, the members of the Special Olympics Committee are up for the challenge.
Starting in January, five management teams divide into more than 25 subcommittees set out to coordinate and prepare for Fall Fest. Despite the tremendous amount of work that goes into the planning of Fall Fest throughout the year, the members of SpO Committee still find time to form meaningful bonds along the way.
“The connections you build are unlike anything else,” senior Julia Wagner, Development Subcommittee Member, said.
Though the workload in preparation for Fall Fest is heavy, committee members take an opportunity to step back over Labor Day Weekend at their retreat. With no phone access and a wide array of activities and games, junior Sarah Martin Sachtleben, Fundraising subcommittee member, said that the weekend at Camp Men-A-Lon heavily contributed to the camaraderie and bonds formed by the team.
“I think being without phones was honestly so great. Everyone really enjoyed it and leaned into being completely disconnected and getting
when I was a freshman, just the way I look at them, the way I see them and how big of an inspiration they were to me and so many others.”
For sophomore Jake LaBella, who was an LPH last year and is now a member of the LPH Committee, this year has marked a bit of a full circle moment as he’s seeing the other side of what he himself experienced just a year ago.
“My OC was actually an LPH leader and [she] just radiated all this positivity, was such a great influence and she really inspired me to be like I want to be in the position where she is and teach Villanovans about this really awesome program,” LaBella said. “It’s so awesome to see [this year’s LPHs] learn about the program. It’s kind of like passing the torch away and teaching them about the experience [and] I’m honored to be in a position where I can really be a part of it.”
For Manion and the other
three members of this year’s LPH Committee, the work for this weekend’s Fall Fest started months ago even if the Villanovans who would make up the 300 LPHs hadn’t even begun class on campus yet. This year also marked a change from previous Fall Fests as the number of LPHs doubled to that 300 figure, from last year’s 150, which marked a curveball thrown the committee’s way.
“It’s definitely been more chaotic, we even talk about how everything we do just takes twice as long because there’s twice as many people,” Manion said. “But we have reminded ourselves, even though it’s been pretty chaotic, that we are privileged to lead this group and the more the merrier. So, it has definitely posed some challenges for us [but] again, each and every one of them are awesome, they all play such a special role.”
LaBella emphasized the adjustments needed because of the
The Bond Of SpO Committee
to know each other a lot better,” Sachtleben said. “It set the tone for the semester as a whole, and knowing that everyone’s there for each other because Special Olympics has a lot of emotions connected with it. I think knowing each other on that deeper level is super helpful.”
Besides the retreat, the committee also comes together for Production Weekend over the first weekend of Fall Break. Sophomore member of the Facilities Subcommittee Annabelle McKernan said that the Production Weekend is a demanding but very impactful time.
“It’s the first weekend of Fall Break and the whole campus is gone, it’s just all of us and that’s it,” McKernan said. “But it’s where the real work begins. We work really hard then we can hang out later.”
The bonds formed and lessons learned through committee events and meetings are not limited to SpO, though, as they have a lasting impact on the members’ daily lives.
“I think that the impact these bonds have had on me is that they’ve made me more willing to talk to people and say hi to people I don’t know so well,” Junior Dorothy McCarthy, Volleyball Subcommittee member, said. “It has definitely forced me to meet new people and feel much more supported around the people I know on campus.”
Through it all, across the different management teams and subcommittees, the overall focus of all SpO volunteers remains the same: the athletes. Senior Teddy Archer, a fouryear SpO participant and member of the Bocce subcommittee, spoke on the
change, but also the great reward as a result.
“It’s definitely been a bit challenging because we’ve had to reassess a few things that have been pretty consistent throughout the past few years,” LaBella said. “But it’s also been really rewarding because we’re so lucky to have such a large amount of freshmen that are interested in getting so involved in Special Olympics on campus.”
As LPH meetings began earlier this semester, the four members of the LPH committee (Manion, LaBella, senior Avery Junker and junior Julia Mickiewicz) hoped to get to know all those with the role or at the very least, be a friendly face to them on campus and hope they enjoy the fun, the bonding and the work along the way.
“That’s been a goal of ours the whole time, especially of mine. I want them to see me on campus and see me as a friend,” Manion said. “I expressed to them during one of our meetings that [as an] LPH, for the first time, I felt a real community on Villanova’s campus and I just explained how, especially Fall Fest weekend, you all can have this commonality with each other and really feel that.”
For the committee members and 300 LPHs alike, after weeks and months of work, one job ends and for another, it’s all hands on deck come Friday into Sunday, with many flash mobs, cheers and spreading the message of inclusion to come along the way.
value of having athlete representatives on the committee.
“We have an athlete rep. Her name is Natalie. She’s playing Bocce Ball at Fall Fest,” Archer said. “Athlete reps are a really good way for us to get athlete input on what they think should change and what would look better. I think just having her help us plan has been one of the best experiences for me because you can see how grateful she is for what we do. And also we’re grateful for [the athletes] because they teach us so much.”
For many of the SpO volunteers, the athletes are their “why.” They are the motivating factor behind the months of hard work and dedication. Senior Member of the Flag Football Subcommittee Sarah Conn reflected on the importance of learn-
ing everyone’s “why” on the Committee retreat.
“I feel like it’s super impactful to be grounded in your motivation, your personal ‘why’ toward Special Olympics,” Conn said. “Learning more about why they’re involved and what motivates them to stay involved is really impactful. I feel like it just brings the committee in general closer together.”
Simply put, Special Olympics brings people together. Fall Fest is more than just a weekend, it fosters connections and memories that can leave a lasting impact on everyone involved. The dedication of both the athletes and student volunteers is a display, to the highest degree, of the values of veritas, unitas and caritas being put into practice every day.
The LPH committee at the 2025 Fall retreat during Labor Day Weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
The 2024 Special Olympics committee during Fall Fest weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
The Partnership of Villanova SpO & SOPA
Isabella Carlin Co-News Editor
Forty-six years ago, Villanova hosted its first-ever Special Olympics event. The campus welcomed athletes from across the state of Pennsylvania to compete in a regional soccer tournament.
Fast forward 37 Fall Festivals later, thousands of athletes and volunteers, and a multitude of memories, Villanova Special Olympics’ partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA), is now known for hosting the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
SOPA is the accredited state program of the international Special Olympics organization. With more than 70 employees, SOPA strives to provide year-round athletic training to individuals with intellectual disabilities in the state of Pennsylvania.
“Whether you’re a school student or a community athlete, we have programming that exists in every county right now. So we are fully statewide,” SOPA Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Hailey Euston said.
SOPA provides opportunities for athletes that live anywhere in PA, of all ages and abilities to partake in programming.
“In our Young Athletes program, we have athletes as young as two, and I believe we have athletes as old as 79,” Euston said. “So we truly are an organization for athletes of all ages, and we have programming for you to get involved.”
Ciara Dursee Co-Digital Editor
Many of the SOPA athletes will be traveling across the state to visit Villanova’s campus this weekend to compete in Fall Fest.
Villanova Special Olympics and SOPA share a 50/50 partnership when it comes to planning and funding the annual Fall Festival on campus. Both student committee members and SOPA employees work together to bring the visions of Fall Fest to life.
“We provide our campus and our resources and they welcome the athletes and provide their expertise, so it technically, is a 50/50, partnership,” Festival Director Jane Butler said. “What is sort of unique about it is that SOPA puts a lot of the planning on us and trust on Villanova, and that’s kind of like a unique part of the program, students are able to plan a large portion of the event.”
The Villanova Special Olympics Committee consists of approximately 110 undergraduate students who work year-round to organize every aspect of Fall Fest with tasks ranging from coordinating the athletic competitions, to providing support services, to planning all of the events throughout the weekend. These Committee Members are supported by SOPA employees.
“The committee works tirelessly, and they partner with staff,” Euston said. “So it truly is like the best partnership from, like a joint effort. But I think it really shines through the event, because it’s an amazing time that our athletes and volunteers truly value.”
Throughout the planning process, the student committees and SOPA employees also have the opportunity to work in conjunction with athlete representatives.
“The goal of the athlete rep program is to ensure that committees are getting real time feedback from people who have actually been there,” Butler said.
These SOPA athletes are selected to work with certain committees throughout the year on the planning process and serve in a leadership position. Most serve in roles aiding the competition committees where they get to share their firsthand experiences and suggestions to improve the programs.
“There truly are students and committees involved in all facets,” Euston said.
In addition to assisting with the planning of Fall Fest, SOPA also offers various other events for athletes to partake in once the Nov. 7-9 period is over.
Throughout the year, SOPA provides training in 21 sports on a four-season schedule with each season having a culminating event.
“So obviously, for fall, [the event] would be Fall Fest,” Euston said. “In our winter season, we actually have two events. We have Outdoor Winter Games, which are out on the mountain and offer alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Then, Indoor Winter Games, which is more floor ball, bowling, figure skating and speed skating. Following the spring athletic season, Summer Games are annu-
ally held at Penn State University. Later in the summer, athletes have the chance to participate in the golf and softball championships. This was the first year of SOPA’s summer sports season.”
In addition to athletic competitions, SOPA also hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. The Polar Plunge, an event where participants jump into ice water to raise funds for athletes, is a favorite among schools in the state.
“I would say right now we’ve probably gotten to a point where we’ve got over 30 plunges and way more activation around plunge season,” Euston said.
Even though SOPA works with multiple other universities on events throughout the year, their partnership with Villanova remains unique.
“While we work with a bunch of amazing committees around the state for our various events, [Villanova] is definitely a committee that goes above and beyond,” Euston said. “It’s our largest committee. We have amazing colleges that host sectionals that have similar committees, but we just have such an amazing relationship with Villanova, and a lot of history is there.”
With more than 16000 Special Olympics athletes currently in the state of Pennsylvania, the decades-long partnership between SOPA and Villanova Special Olympics remains a cornerstone to the organization’s spirit and commitment to inclusion.
VillaVogue: SpO Capsule Wardrobe
Coming up this weekend is one of Villanova’s dedicated traditions around campus: Special Olympics Fall Fest. The weekend-long festival celebrates determination, encourages friendships and strengthens communities. Fall Fest is a memorable event each year, with many students volunteering and joining in on the excitement.
It’s important to recognize just how much energy and excitement go into a weekend like this. The days are packed with nonstop activity. If it’s your first time participating in the fun of SpO, let me take one thing off your plate: what to wear.
The Classic Pant: Khaki pants. The required uniform for the volunteers who take the lead in facilitating the event and are part of Committee, VC and LPH involves investing in a pair of khaki pants. Lucky for Villanovans, we’re just a 15-minute drive to King of Prussia mall and a few miles from Suburban Square. From the Gap to J. Crew, these shopping centers have you covered for the classic SpO look.
Shirt Colors: Each year, the official Fall Fest shirts for volunteers with all different levels of involvement come in new, vibrant colors, bringing a fresh twist that
makes the festival unique. Whether a member of Committee, Inclusion Crew or anything in between, you’ll have to wait and see what this year’s shade will be for your group.
Committee Swag: The zip-up fleece. This simple essential is an easy way to spot those on SpO Committee. Each one has the participant’s name embroidered on, making it clear who is running the show. Perfect for the chilly November morning and serving as a badge of honor for the people who help put the weekend together.
Functional Footwear:
This one’s simple: stick to sneakers. No matter if you’re reffing the soccer games or jumping up and down while cheering on the sidelines, the best resort is an athletic pair of shoes. Last year, I wore my New Balance running shoes and had no regrets. Comfort is key. Hairstyles: Fun but functional. Keep it simple and out of your face. You’ll be moving around a lot, so embrace a ponytail, braids or bun to get your hair out of the way. For those of you with shorter hair, headbands and hats make great accessories while still keeping things practical. This guide is simply to prepare you for the weekend ahead. Above all, embrace the experience. Run around, cheer for others and join in on all the fun that SpO has to offer.
Every classic SpO outfit includes khakis and a bright colored shirt. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
SpO Low-Sensory Zones: A Crucial Element Of Fall Fest
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
Each year, the Villanova Fall Festival is filled with competitive spirits, high energy and much enthusiasm. However, at times, this environment may overstimulate or overwhelm some of the athletes.
The low-sensory spaces are the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee’s way to help.
“The purpose of them is to provide a quiet, low stimulating space for athletes and parents and coaches and even the volunteers to escape the busyness, the hustle and bustle of Fall Fest,” said Ella Bergschneider, Chair of the DEIA Committee.
“Those are really excellent,” said Jane Butler, 2025 Villanova University SPO Festival Director. “Particularly among a population of people with disabilities, we find that there is a really wide range of sensory needs. And this is something that, like, I’ve noticed at Fall Fest. I’ve also noticed it [while] working at home with people with disabilities. Everybody’s sensory needs are different…We have worked really hard over the years to bring a lot of low-sensory spaces to Villanova, and so that athletes at every competition have somewhere they can take a break.”
These spaces will be stocked with items to encourage a calming experience. Participants who visit a low-sensory space may find fidget toys, ear plugs, noise-cancelling head-
Kailey Fahy Co-Opinion Editor
phones, coloring materials, blankets and sound machines. At least one volunteer will be stationed in each space at all times, providing the athletes with someone they can talk to if needed.
There will be multiple low-sensory spaces dispersed throughout Fall Fest, which will be strategically placed to be accessible near a competition venue. They will be located at Austin Hall, the Connelly Center, the Jake Nevin Field House, Pike Field, the Villanova Stadium and at Cabrini College’s campus. The tent placed at the Stadium is a newly-added location.
“It’s sort of a way to increase accessibility on campus in ways that you might not always think about,”
Butler said.
In addition, the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) will host a Pop-Up AHN Chill Room in Driscoll Hall. The room will be utilized in collaboration with Healthy Athletes.
Healthy Athletes is an opportunity for athletes to partake in a free physical health screening and receive health information to improve their health and overall well-being.
The Pop-Up AHN Chill Room will be staffed with two mental health professionals to ensure the athletes’ mental wellbeing during the screening.
“That’s going to be really cool because it’s going to give athletes an opportunity, which we’ve never done
before, during when they go through one of their rotations for Healthy Athletes, which can be a lot because you’re getting your eyes checked, you’re getting your feet checked, and there’s so many people in there,” Bergschneider said. “For some athletes, it’s, like, the first time they’re getting healthcare for the year. And so, we’re also putting in a low-sensory space there just in case that process gets overwhelming.”
While the low-sensory zones are not a new addition to Villanova’s Fall Fest, their name was only created in 2024. Before that, these spaces were referred to as “Inclusion Zones.” The spaces were renamed by the 2024 DEIA Committee who agreed the language of “Inclusion Zone” could be misleading.
“We felt that [the name change] was more clear of what the purpose of them [low-sensory spaces] were because the whole Fall Fest is supposed to be inclusive,” Bergschneider said. “And so, the [DEIA] Committee prior changed it to low-sensory space, and I think it was a great move.”
Bergschneider also noted how hard the current DEIA Committee has worked to ensure the athletes’ comfortability in creating these spaces.
“We’ve tried to be really thoughtful about all the athletes’ Fall Fest experience and how they can have something to escape to,” Bergschneider said.
Throughout Fall Fest, these low sensory zones will allow athletes the chance to relax and recharge in an
Inclusion Should Be All-Year Round
Villanova Special Olympics’ annual Fall Fest fills campus with a resounding sense of inclusion and kindness. Whether one is a part of the Special Olympics Committee that spends all year planning the event, or simply a student passing through, it is difficult not to embrace this sense of community that surrounds the weekend. Yet, once the athletes leave for the weekend, this spirit of inclusion often fades with them. While the primary goal of Fall Fest is to create an environment where athletes can compete at their best and feel supported by our community, its greater purpose extends beyond the weekend itself. This atmosphere of acceptance and love that defines Fall Fest is meant to inspire Villanovans to carry those same values into their everyday lives, so that the sense of inclusion felt during this weekend becomes a way of life.
Fall Fest is a unique event that truly reflects the values of veritas, caritas and unitas constantly touted by the University. Unlike many Villanova events, its purpose is not to directly benefit students, attract families or raise money. Instead, it is meant to celebrate a community of people that is too often overlooked.
When committing to Villanova, many students (if not all) are well aware that the University
hosts the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. This fact is proudly shared during tours and at admissions events, so when committing, students should understand that the values embodied by such an event should define campus life year-round. Yet, so many times, through all the other weekends of the year, this is not the case. Villanovans must take a more proactive approach to ensuring that the mission of inclusion extends beyond this one weekend.
Villanova’s Special Olympics’ DEI and Awareness committee is tasked with fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for attendees during the weekend of the event but also spreading this mission to the wider student body during the rest of the year. This committee creates and shares a lot of accessible resources that make it easy for students to learn. By simply following their account on Instagram, @spreadthewordinclusion, students can gain access to educational posts about disability awareness, inclusive practices and the history behind the inclusion movement. Beyond that, Villanova offers many opportunities through campus organizations throughout the year, such as Best Buddies, Unified Sports Club and LEVEL. While Villanovans do not necessarily need to participate in these activities to foster this sense of inclusion, ignorance about these topics is not an excuse for exclusionary language or attitudes here at Villanova, with this many
resources available.
“As Villanovans, it’s not just our responsibility but our privilege to carry that mission of inclusion forward in all that we do,” Ella Bergschneider, DEI and Awareness Chair, said.
With DEI initiatives and other practices of inclusion under attack right now, these events and the opportunity we have at Villanova to create spaces where every person can feel seen and celebrated should not be taken lightly and should be experiences that students choose to embrace. Simple, everyday habits, like meeting people where they are and showing kindness in our interactions, go a long way. These habits then turn into consistent actions that make
inclusion a part of our culture. And, beyond Villanova, students should aim to continue to integrate these values into their professional and personal lives after graduation. Taking time to understand others’ lived experiences can expose individuals to new perspectives and inform decisions they would have never otherwise made. University values are meant to be carried with Villanovans for the rest of their lives. Inclusion is at the heart of these values. And they call us to action by creating spaces where everyone can feel respected and valued.
The world is a better, kinder and more informed place when people choose to include 365 days of the year.
The low-sensory tents offer a moment of happy relaxation amidst a chaotic weekend. Courtesy of @villanovaspecialolympics on Instagram
The entire SpO committee at their Labor Day weekend retreat. Kailey Fahy/Villanovan Photography
Meet The Festival Director: Jane Butler
Lauren Armstrong Associate EIC
Like many first year students, senior Jane Butler was extremely homesick during her first semester on campus. That was, until she discovered Villanova’s Special Olympics program. Since her first year, Butler has continued to become increasingly involved with the organization, and this year she serves as the 2025 Festival Director.
Butler is a humanities major from outside Boston. Her passion for inclusion began during her high school years when she began volunteering for Newton Athletes Unlimited. There, she worked at a summer camp for high-school-aged students with disabilities.
“When I came to Villanova, I really just missed [Athletes Unlimited],” Butler said. “I really missed it because it is such an important part of my life…when I got here Special Olympics is what felt most like it.”
Throughout her time involved within Villanova’s Special Olympics, Butler has served in a plethora of roles. Her freshman year she was a part of the Local Program Hosts (LPH) program as a supporter of Montgomery County.
Her first year on Special Olympics Committee, Butler was assigned to the Soccer Committee.
“I always would joke, when I was on soccer, that soccer was never a sport that I really cared for,” Butler said. “I did not really ever enjoy playing it or watching it, but I locked in for Special Olympics soccer and it was so cool to see. Those games were so fun. On [the] Sunday morning every single match went into penalty kicks…it is so neat to just see athletes compete.”
During her junior year, Butler was a part of the Athlete Involvement Committee, which is in charge of bringing Villanova students to different athletic practices throughout the semester.
“I loved that,” Butler said. “I [would go], like, three times a week and got to meet a ton of people and then see them at Fall Fest. Forming those relationships is so cool.”
This year as Festival Director, Butler is experiencing a new side of Special Olympics.
In this role, Butler is the primary point of contact between Villanova’s Special Olympics and Special Olympics Pennsylvania and was in charge of selecting the Management Team and overseeing committee selection. She also is at the forefront of planning logistics, Committee bonding and ensuring the weekend of Fall Fest runs smoothly and accordingly.
The selection process for Special Olympics occurs over a few months span, with Butler selecting the Management Team early last semester.
“I was selected right after Thanksgiving,” Butler said. “So, I started in December and it was so close to finals that I could not do much. I released [the Management Team] application over
break…and then [they] were interviewed and selected over the first week of classes in the Spring Semester. Then it takes about two months to select a committee, so I want to say Committee started in early March or really late February.”
From there, the Volunteer Coordinators are selected around April, and Inclusion Crew and LPH happens early during Fall Semester.
The role of Festival Director takes on the role of Committee morale and connections, as well. This begins by the Committee Members being placed according to who Butler and the members of Management Team believe will work well together.
Additionally, the Special Olympics committee has a retreat each semester, with a smaller one in the Spring and the bigger retreat which takes place off campus in early fall.
“We go camping for three days,” Butler said. “It sounds so nuts because I took their phones and I did not tell anyone what was planned. It is always very sweet… we bring in team building facilitators and we do scavenger hunts and we make smores. It is very wholesome fun. I feel like that moment is very important for bringing people closer together and we are very lucky to be able to go do something like that.”
Another aspect of Fall Fest that makes the weekend special is how each year there is a different theme. The 2025 theme is “Let Yours Passions Unleash, Create Your Masterpiece.”
This theme came together with Butler and members from the Special Events committee in a classroom in Driscoll working together to come up with the perfect
The theme seeps into each part of the weekend, but all and all the weekend is surrounded by competition-the main reason the athletes travel to Villanova each fall.
“Practicing with teams is a really cool way to see how much Fall Fest means to them,” Butler said. “I think about the Del-Co Hawks volleyball because qualifying for Fall Fest is a big deal for them, and everyone who plays, and I think that people do not recognize that to make it to Fall Fest is a huge accomplishment…when athletes find out they qualify it is a huge deal.”
The athletes compete in a variety of sectional and divisional competitions in order to qualify for Fall Fest.
While the weekend is about these competitions, the athletes gain a lot more from the weekend aside from playing their sports.
“It is the fall championship games but it is also so much fun,” Butler said. “[The athletes] love O-Town and the Victory Jamboree and stuff like that, which they do not get at every competition. There is no other school where the whole campus looks different and where every student gets involved….and because of that, Fall Fest is super special and athletes work so hard to get here.”
combination for a theme.
“We are in a room and [everyone] just pitches [ideas],” Butler said. “We write it on the board and then we discuss. It is just a couple of hours of just talking about it. [This year’s] theme was not suggested until later in the conversation.”
While the theme is used for the promotional materials going into the weekend, it is also heavily included within Fall Fest itself.
“It started with [the word] art museum and then we were, like, ‘how does that make sense?’” Butler said. “Then we had kind of conceptualized it. It is cool to see them come up with tangible ideas, like, with them being, like, ‘well, we want the Victory Jamboree to look like this and this is what we are going to do for this big thing and this is what the O-Town banner would look like if we went with this theme.’ So, once we were able to visualize it, we were, like, alright this is it.”
Each year, Fall Fest strives to improve. With competitions moving to Cabrini’s campus to making improvements with the Closing Celebrations, Butler and the committee strive to make minor improvements that will continue to make Fall Fest better for the athletes and their families who travel to compete.
For Butler, it’s more than just the behind the scenes work, it’s getting to see her own work, the work of the committee and the efforts of all 4,000+ volunteers coming to life.
“Meeting them and hearing about their stories and what got them here, you can tell that it is just very meaningful,” Butler said. “It feels really nice to know that something that felt like me on my laptop all year was able to affect someone in a positive way.”
While this is Butler’s last year as a student involved with Fall Fest, her hope for the future of Special Olympics at Villanova is for it to continue to grow in a sustainable way.
Festival Director Jane Butler in O-Town during the 2024 Fall Fest. Courtesy of Jane Butler
Butler hopes that her contributions to SpO are just the start for how much it can grow. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Isabella Carlin Co-News Editor
Even though Fall Fest only lasts for three days in November, the mission of inclusion is shared all-year round on Villanova’s campus.
Unified Sports is a nationwide program led by Special Olympics that brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete on the same sports team. More than 10,800 schools across the country offer Unified experiences, including Villanova.
The 2025 Unified Committee consists of seniors Joe Ciampa and Hannah Weldon and junior Grace Fonkalsrud.
“I would say that the main goal of Unified is to encourage athlete partner interactions, both on the field and off the field,” Fonkalsrud said.
Throughout the academic year, the Committee hosts two campus-wide Unified events where both Villanova students and local SpO athletes are invited to partake in a day of athletic competition that includes a bracket-style tournament, food and community.
This year’s spring soccer event was unfortunately canceled due to severe weather.
In late September, Unified hosted a basketball event that gathered approximately 50 athletes and over a hundred students to the West Courts on a Sunday morning.
“It’s the coolest place to be able to compete alongside the athletes
Finn Courtney Co-News Editor
Within the magic of Special Olympics and Fall Fest at Villanova, there is a long list of logistical necessities. Of those necessities, one of the most crucial is athlete placement and the housing letters that go along with those placements, which falls under the purview of the Housing Committee. This year, the Housing Committee is composed of senior Chair Sarah Doherty, senior Angela DiBitetto and junior Julia Kavanagh.
Those letters, done by anyone and everyone involved in SpO from Committee to LPHs to VCs and ICs are centered around the year’s theme, wish the athletes well as the weekend begins and welcome them to Villanova’s campus.
“My favorite thing about [the housing letters] is I’ve had an athlete when I was a Volleyball VC come in and had my letter and brought it to competition the next day because I said I was gonna be at volleyball,” Doherty said. “He ended up finding my roommate, and being, like, ‘Who’s Sarah?’ and bringing the letter and he was just so shocked that we had written a letter for him and that it was personalized and gave well wishes and stuff like that. So, I think it’s another great way to make an athlete connection in a different way that you wouldn’t expect.”
In their primary role, members of this committee work with representatives from local hotels, along with representatives from Special Olympics of Pennsylvania to handle
Play Unified, Live Unified
who work so hard all year in their respective sports and be able to form relationships with them through those sports,” Unified Chair Ciampa said. “Being on this committee allows us to uplift that and bolster that to the greatest level.”
Beyond the annual events, Unified also always plays an impactful role at Fall Fest. This year, the committee incorporated new changes to Unified programming.
“It used to be called the ‘Fall Fest Experience,’ but now we have tried to revamp it and get more involved in encouraging partner-athlete interactions by renaming it the ‘Unified Zones,’” Weldon said. “We’ll have events all weekend to try to bridge the gap between partners and
athletes.”
The Unified Committee will be hosting events for athletes and partners to participate in from Friday to Sunday.
Prior to Opening Ceremony on Friday, a home run derby and yard games will be occurring on Mendel Field from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The first-ever kickball tournament will be held Saturday on Mendel Field from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Additionally, “morning stretches” will be occurring at the Oreo on Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The Unified Committee has been planning these programs for Fall Fest since the early spring.
“My first experience with
Committee Spotlight: Housing
room restrictions, size restrictions and number of available rooms, while coordinating and problem-solving a variety of scenarios along the way.
“For housing, we house every single athlete and coach and volunteer that needs a place to stay during Fall Fest Weekend, so it’s, like, 1100-ish people,” Doherty said. “We decorate the hotels and make that experience as great as we can for them with accommodations, who they want to room with. And outside of placing them, [we] do housing letters. Every athlete gets a personalized housing letter.”
In terms of the logistics involved with this committee and the placing of the more than 1100 athletes and coaches, the work began back in February of this past semester, and committee members worked through the summer until the start of Fall Fest.
“While most people are only involved in the Fall [or during Fall Fest], committee preparation begins over 250 days prior to fall fest in February,” Kavanagh said. “I’ve absolutely lived this part of being involved because the process of preparing for months on end really shows me how each individual that contributes something extraordinary to offer and despite having different strengths, experiences and reasons for why we choose to be involved in this organization, we are all governed by our mission for promoting inclusion on Villanova’s campus.”
For Kavanagh, the dual responsibilities have been a wonderful experience, despite the workload, since she and her fellow committee
Special Olympics at Villanova was at the fall Unified basketball event my freshman year,” Fonkalsrud said. “So it’s really full circle being on the other side of that and actually getting to plan those events and seeing all of our visions come to life.”
In addition to planning and executing events throughout the year, Villanova Unified has the opportunity to partner with local Special Olympics team, the Montgomery County “MC Hammers” to provide partners for their Unified flag football team.
The Villanova MC Hammers Unified partners often include SpO Committee or VC members.
“We are the liaisons between Villanova students and the MC Hammers to get to volunteer on that team, which is a really unique opportunity,” Ciampa said. “We get to go to practices all year-round for that.”
The MC Hammers Unified team will have the chance to compete in front of the Villanova community at Fall Fest this year.
“The most important part about Unified Sports is the relationships you make with both the athletes and other partners,” Weldon said. “I feel like that’s the most rewarding part that I’ve gotten out of it, and it means just making sure everyone feels included and welcomed.”
“Play Unified, Live Unified” is a motto that extends beyond the athletic venues of Villanova’s Fall Fest. It encompasses the international Unified mission of athletes and partners coming together for some friendly competition and to promote the message of inclusion together.
members are doing this all in the spirit of inclusion and for all the right reasons.
“On housing, specifically, I’ve felt fortunate that my committee and I get the opportunity to coordinate the making of over 1000-plus individualized and personalized housing letters to every single participating athlete as well as allocate all athletes and supporting members of our athletes including family members, coaches and head of county delegations into their proper hotels,” Kavanagh said. “Getting to read the names of the athletes were addressing in our letters gives me a tangible tender feeling where I feel fortunate to make an impact.”
While this is one of the most time-consuming and hard-working roles on SpO Committee, it is also one of the most worthwhile ones and
one that touches the lives of each athlete.
“The housing process in itself is a lot of hard work, but seeing everything come together is truly so rewarding,” DiBitetto said. “Making sure that each athlete has a place to relax and rest after a long day of competition is so valuable and vital, and I am so grateful to be part of the amazing committee that fulfills this.”
As athletes, families, coaches and county delegations travel to Villanova’s campus for Fall Fest, the amazing magic seen all weekend starts with those hotel rooms, with the planning out of every detail so everything is done right and making sure each athlete feels seen, appreciated and has a weekend they’ll never forget, from the moment they walk into their hotel room.
Students and athletes competed together at the fall Unified event. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Housing committee works tirelessly over the year to make sure the weekend runs smoothly. Courtesy of Julia Kavanagh
Housing Letters: Connecting Athletes & Students
Korin Kohen Staff Writer
Every November, Villanova University bursts to life, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of joy, unity and energy. Since its founding in 1989, Fall Festival, otherwise known as Fall Fest, has become one of Villanova’s proudest celebrations, growing each year in both success and spirit.
More than 1,000 athletes and nearly 4,000 volunteers fill every corner of campus, creating an atmosphere of passion and excitement that is felt from the Oreo all the way to Jake Nevin. But beyond the cheers, medals and competitions lies the enduring message of inclusion that this weekend is meant to illuminate.
Among the many beloved Fall Fest traditions is the creation of housing letters. Long before the athletes even arrive on campus, Villanova student volunteers craft handwritten notes that are packed into athletes’ welcome bags to offer encouragement and support as they head into a weekend of hard work. These simple letters remind each participant that they are seen and celebrated for their strength and individual, unique qualities.
“When you’re writing 1100 letters and packing them into bags, it can be easy to think they are getting lost into this huge pile,” senior and Housing Committee Member Sarah Doherty said. “But
it still goes to someone, and they carry that with them even if it’s not a face-to-face interaction.”
The emotional impact of this small but powerful act can be huge for an athlete.
“An athlete came up to my peer, asking if they knew who Sarah was,” Doherty said. “He had carried his letter with him to the competition which made me realize how the care we put into each note truly reaches the athletes.”
These letters are one of the first things the players receive when they arrive at their hotels, making it that much more motivating as they head into an intense weekend. The volunteers often follow similar guidelines when writing, including
advice, friendly reminders to rest, stay hydrated and even facts about themselves to make it more personable. Still, each letter carries the unique creativity of its writer.
“I like to draw little doodles and fun designs at the bottom of each card to connect to this year’s theme of art,” junior and Volunteer Coordinator Ally McManus said.
These quick additions ensure that the athletes know time and care was put into the entire weekend, and that it will carry through to each competition and activity. For many student volunteers, the letters are more than just a kind gesture, but a reflection of their own traditions.
“When I was in high school, my parents would leave notes before a big exam or sports game,” senior and Volunteer Coordinator Meghan Stricker said. “Sometimes just hearing a ‘you got this’ makes all the difference.”
Though it may not seem like such a defining factor, these letters capture the true essence of Special Olympics. Over time, Villanova students who participate in Fall Fest have built meaningful and special connections that extend far beyond the weekend itself. The relationships between athletes, coaches, students, parents and general volunteers symbolizes Villanova’s core values of compassion and community.
“It was so cool to see my interests melding and to expand my horizons,” junior and Inclusion Crew Member Maeve Cantwell said. “It’s never too late, and there are so many levels of involvement that allow people to be a part of this amazing community.”
Even newcomers can feel the significance of this event and how important it is to all groups of participants. From the flash-mob dances and colorful banners that span across campus, to the quiet moments when athletes unfold their letters and take in those words just for them, Fall Fest radiates the best of Villanova’s values.
These letters serve as a reminder that every person belongs, every effort matters and any word of encouragement can spark lasting change.
Behind The Scenes Of SpO’s Victory Jamboree
Isabella Carlin Co-News Editor
On Saturday night, Cabrini’s Dixon Center will be transformed into a dance floor and celebration for hundreds of Special Olympics athletes and members of the Villanova SpO community to celebrate the achievements of the weekend together.
The annual Victory Jamboree or “V-Jam” is held for all athletes, coaches, heads of delegations, Special Olympics Committee members, Volunteer Coordinators and Local Program Hosts. Throughout the Dixon Center, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music from DJ Dave in the main dance room, watch a movie, participate in bingo games and visit a craft room.
“There’s a ton of different activities, snacks, water and just fun energy and vibes all night to get everyone in the spirit for the last day of competition, and as a fun tradition of Fall Fest,” Entertainment Committee Member Martina Penelas said.
The Special Olympics Entertainment Committee began the planning process for V-Jam back in early April. The 2025 Committee is composed of seniors Taylor Wiseley and Martina Penelas, junior Mark Fusca and sophomore Peyton Loftis.
One of the primary goals of the Entertainment Committee was to incorporate this year’s Fall Fest theme of “Let Your Passions
Unleash, Create Your Masterpiece” to their vision for V-Jam.
“So, the first thing that I think came to our minds, and probably most of SpE (Special Events Management Team), was a ‘starry night’ theme for V-Jam,” Loftis said. “So, picture blues, purples and stars, and that’s our way of incorporating the theme in the main room, as well as in each of the craft rooms.”
In addition to organizing the logistics for the day-of, members of the Entertainment Committee were also tasked with coordinating with other committees.
Throughout the planning process, Entertainment worked with the DEI Committee to design the low sensory rooms for athletes to visit. Additionally, they collaborated with the Evaluations Team to get feedback from last year’s event as it was the first year held on Cabrini’s Campus.
“Everything we have worked on is collaborative,” Penelas said. “There’s nothing we did alone, truly.”
Entertainment also teamed up with the Bocce, Transportation and Facilities Committees to prepare the venue.
“We worked with Bocce, because they obviously share the same space,” Penelas said. “We need to make sure that our decorations are okay and that we can break them down before Sunday’s competition. Transportation helps get everyone there. Facilities assist with all the tables and chairs.”
Prior to last year’s V-Jam, the celebration had never been hosted at Cabrini’s campus before. Previously, Mendel Field, the Villanova Room and the Finneran Pavilion have been utilized as the event location. Feedback from last year’s athlete attendees was prioritized when drafting the details of this year’s event.
“Obviously, last year was a brand new venue, so we didn’t really know the logistics of how things worked,” Penelas said. “The feedback of the day was that it was too loud next to the meeting room, especially since those are low sensory spaces, we don’t want them to be loud and over- stimulating. So, we modified those locations this year.”
Even though the event will
begin later in the evening on Saturday, preparations for the lighting and decor of the venue will start as early as Wednesday.
“I hope everyone just has the opportunity to let loose and just really enjoy the moment at V-Jam,” Wiseley said. “I think it can be a very stressful weekend with athletes competing and with volunteers trying to get everything in order. I hope that V-Jam is just a time where everybody can have a good time and really just appreciate being with each other.”
This year’s Victory Jamboree will present the chance for athletes and volunteers to take a break from their busy schedules of the weekend and enjoy a night among their community of support and camaraderie.
Housing committee works with VCs and IC members to write these special letters. Courtesy of Julia Kavanagh
V-Jam is an opportunity for athletes, coaches and some students to let loose and have fun.
Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Fall Fest Takes On Cabrini Campus
Grace LaFond Staff Writer
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival will be hosted and organized by Villanova University students on both the University’s primary campus and the newly-acquired Cabrini campus this year.
As the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world, Fall Fest features a variety of different sporting events for different age levels, with more than 40 Pennsylvania counties represented.
Fall Fest is scheduled to occur from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, and most sports will be located on the University’s Main and West campuses.
The Cabrini campus will feature bocce as its only sport, alongside renovations for its grand opening as a working part of the University’s campus for the 2026-27 school year.
Regarding transportation, shuttles are scheduled to begin running at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, running in 15 to 30-minute intervals throughout the weekend.
The on-campus shuttles will depart from both the Connelly Center and the Bartley Exchange, taking athletes either to West Campus or the Cabrini Campus for bocce.
Additionally, shuttles will be running to Agnes Irwin for volleyball.
“Everybody has to get on there at some point, and you’re going to meet athletes of all different counties and sports” Katherine Carney, Senior Transportation Committee
chair, said. In addition to on-campus shuttles, off-campus shuttles will also be available to transport athletes to the University’s primary campus and the Cabrini Campus.
At each shuttle stop, coloring activities will be available to athletes, coinciding with this year’s theme of creating masterpieces.
Transportation is a great way to connect with athletes, volunteers and supporters of the Special Olympics Fall Fest.
In addition to bocce, the Cabrini campus will host the Fall Fest Jamboree.
“We’ll have all sorts of sensory areas and all different types of activities if athletes don’t want to sing
and dance and that’s, like the main thing in the Jamboree, but if that’s like a lot, which it is for lot of people, they can go into some of those low sensory areas,” Carney said.
Just two years ago, Pennsylvania Special Olympics hosted Bocce in the Coliseum Sports Complex in Conshohocken, PA.
Last year’s Fall Fest was the first to feature bocce on the Cabrini Campus, setting a precedent for future events.
This year, bocce will once again be hosted at the Cabrini Campus’s Dixon Athletics Center, allowing athletes to be closer to the primary campus and Fall Fest as a whole.
“We’re going to have a mini
O-Town there right outside the Dixon Center, because one of the biggest things that the athletes love coming to Fall Fest is to see O-Town,” senior and Bocce Committee Chair Teddy Archer said. “It is its own space, and we can kind of have creative liberty to just do whatever we want and make it feel like super special just for the athletes.”
Archer continued, “We’re going to have a lot of volunteers... we’re going to bring the energy anyway.”
Medical volunteers will be present for bocce at the Cabrini Campus for the first time in Fall Festival history, in addition to inclusion crew volunteers for bocce.
Food and drinks will be provided to athletes at the Cabrini Campus, with areas for rest and recovery provided, as well.
“Volunteering as an IC [inclusion crew] at Cabrini last year was a nice new perspective of SPO weekend. The facilities were very nice, and the setup was still very entertaining and upbeat with us being on a separate campus,” junior and volunteer Shannon Green said. “Although there weren’t as many people on Cabrini’s campus, the atmosphere was enthusiastic and there was lots of opportunities to spend time with the athletes.”
As Fall Fest approaches, the University is preparing to welcome and celebrate the athletes and their hard work.
Volunteers are encouraged to cheer on and support all sports, including all that will take place on the Cabrini campus.
The Business of Belonging: Insider On Funding Fall Fest
Emma Cote Co-News Editor
As students and athletes gear up for Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova, much work has been going on all year behind the scenes for fundraising.
Within the Administration Team, led by Lyla Buxton, two teams spearhead the charge of fundraising for the weekend-of.
Through working to secure corporate sponsorships and hosting various events throughout the year, the two teams contribute immensely financially to the Fall Festival.
The Development Team includes Chair Ace Carr and team members Julia Wagner, Aisling Kelly and Tori Phillips.
The group is responsible for corporate sponsorship involvement and fundraising that takes place on 1842 Day.
These bigger picture funds keep Special Olympics Fall Festival running year-after-year at the University.
The Fundraising Team is led by Chair Isabella Carlin. Alongside her are team members Kat Guzman, Claire Murphy and Sarah Martin Sachtleben.
Fundraising works on raising money for Special Olympics year-round by running student and community-driven events.
Whether it is a dine-out day or an on-campus event, Fundraising is responsible for raising as
much as possible leading up to the weekend-of.
While both teams’ contributions are critical to the mission of Special Olympics, much of their work goes on outside of the spotlight. Furthermore, these operations go on year-round.
While much of the focus is centered around Fall Festival weekend, their jobs require getting started as soon as the application cycle commences.
Isabella Carlin spoke on her experience chairing the Fundraising Team and the work her group has done this year.
“We’ve been working since late February,” Carlin said. “Basically, our main initiative is to fund throughout the year and raise as much money as we can.”
The team hosts a variety of events that are well known on campus, as well as several dineout days that get the community involved.
Carlin specifically highlighted Strides, the 5k for Special Olympics that took place on campus last week.
“Strides is a chance for students and athletes to get together on campus for a really fun event,” Carlin said.
Ultimately, Carlin said the goal is to work hard and raise as much money as possible throughout the year in as many ways as possible.
“Our main job is that all the money we raise will go directly to help create the best experiences for the athletes,” Carlin said.
Aisling Kelly is a team member on development, and described the two main events for the weekend of Special Olympics Fall Fest.
These events include the President’s Reception and the Committee Banquet, which both occur on campus.
“We welcome and thank our corporate sponsors for everything they’ve done for us throughout the year,” Kelly said, “And then we have our committee banquet, which we invite committee members family and friends. We say a ‘thank you,’ have a dinner, and share memories.”
Carr is the chair of the Committee, and highlighted the connections fostered by his team
with corporate sponsors.
“I think it’s also a really cool opportunity to work with alumni that are one year out to local sponsors in the area to help them understand that regardless of the size of the donation it’ll have a very big impact on Fall Fest and help to spread the mission of inclusion.” Carr said.
Ultimately, this year-long work is what allows Special Olympics to operate on campus.
While both teams have been working tirelessly all year to raise as much money as possible, their critical work is often done out of the limelight.
With all the money raised and sponsorships gained this year, Fall Festival is ready to begin.
Bocce is one of many events that will take place at Cabrini. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Special Events Committee contributes to fundraising efforts. Courtesy of Villanova Special Olympics
Letters From Lauren: Dear Special Olympics
Lauren Armstrong Associate EIC
Dear Special Olympics, Each Fall, the Villanova community comes together to host Fall Fest, the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. This weekend celebrates the accomplishments of the athletes who make it to this level of competition.
However, Fall Fest has another layer attached to it. In addition to celebrating the athletes, Fall Fest teaches the Villanova community the importance of inclusion and supports opportunities for Villanova students to form life-long relationships and friendships with the athletes who come to campus. The lessons of inclusion and acceptance are those that the Villanova community will carry with us for the rest of our lives, but do not just take this sentiment from me, listen to some of the senior members of the Special Olympics committee.
“Dear Special Olympics, Someone once told me that inclusion isn’t just inviting someone to the party but pulling them onto the dance floor with you. That’s exactly what you’ve done for me, welcomed me in as an eager LPH, helped me find my closest friends who believe in your incredible mission of inclusion, and connected me with the most inspiring athletes
over the past four years. You’ve not only transformed my college experience but have shaped the way I think and lead my life with compassion. You’ve taught me lessons and given me a love for advocacy that I’ll carry into every community I join beyond Villanova. Thank you for filling my college years with purpose, empathy and the kind of joy that can only be found on the Fall Fest dance floor.
With love and gratitude, Ella Bergschneider, DEI and Awareness Chair 2025”
“Dear Special Olympics, Thank you. Genuinely thank you
for giving me the opportunity to see just how valuable inclusion can be. Over the past four years, I’ve seen Special Olympics change in themes, in volunteers and in athletes. Yet at the core of it all, there is one mission that has remained: love. Thank you for showing me just how powerful spreading this love can be. Most of all, thank you for showing me that these ideas of inclusion aren’t just confined to three days in November. They are timeless.
Much love, Rob Vagnini, Awards Chair 2025” “Dear Special Olympics, Thank you for being a home that
introduced me to the mission of inclusion and brought me closer to people united by that mission. Thank you to the athletes, the volunteers and to Fall Fest for the endless positivity and compassion these last four years.
Much love, Joe Ciampa, Unified Chair 2025”
“Dear Special Olympics,
Over the past four years you have opened up to me a whole new world I never expected walking onto Villanova’s campus. I have been lucky enough to meet some of my closest friends and a community I can call home. Most importantly, I have built memories and relationships that will last a lifetime with athletes and have learned to bring their contagious energy to my everyday life. These four years have been nothing short of amazing and I will continue to find ways to be involved with Special Olympics past my time at Villanova.
Best, Nick Grieco, Long Distance Running and Walking Chair 2025”
So, thank you, Special Olympics, for allowing the Villanova community to be a part of this special weekend. You have been a beacon of love, acceptance and inclusion on campus for both the Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes and for the Villanova community.
With love always, Lauren and Senior Members of the 2025 SpO Committee
The Healthy Athletes Table & Non-Competitive Events
Casey Healey Staff Writer
On the weekend of Nov. 7-9, thousands will flock to Villanova for one of the biggest weekends of the year: the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival.
While the Special Olympics features sporting competitions, there will be numerous events on Villanova’s campus this weekend that do not revolve around athletic competition: an opening and closing ceremony, the Victory Dance and Healthy Athlete clinician screenings.
These non-competitive events are run by five committees: Healthy Athletes, Awards, Ceremonies, Entertainment and Fundraising. Every aspect of the weekend is run primarily by Villanova students. The Fall Festival will feature about 1000 volunteers from Villanova’s Inclusion Crew, 300 Local Program Hosts and 2500 general volunteers.
Healthy Athletes is a program that allows for the athletes participating in the games to receive free screenings and health information in order to promote healthy habits and practices.
Junior Abby Boyle serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Healthy Athletes Committee. Boyle and three other coordinators oversee about 30 Inclusion Crew (IC) volunteers. She has been involved with the Special Olympics through all three years of her time at Villa-
nova.
“Special Olympics brings so many people together, and is a great way to get to know other Villanovans and help spread the mission of inclusion,” Boyle said.
Students in the Healthy Athletes Committee assist in taking athletes’ blood pressure, measuring their heights and weights and even conduct bone density screenings. Additionally, they provide health education regarding topics such as nutrition, exercise and sun safety.
They also run stations around different parts of campus that provide healthy snacks for the athletes, as well as promoting healthy habits.
As a whole, the Special Olympics organization has performed more than two million free health screenings for athletes, dating back to 1997. Over time, the organization has integrated more aspects into the screenings, contributing to advancements in detecting unseen conditions and health problems for athletes. It also now includes exams in dentistry, podiatry, audiology, physical therapy and emotional health.
“It is so cool to be involved in an event that means so much to so many of the athletes,” Boyle said.
Volunteering for the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Committee allows for students who aspire to work in healthcare to gain real-life experience communicating and caring for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. For Boyle and others, this an im-
portant skill to have in the medical field that they can develop through their involvement in Healthy Athletes.
At the end of the weekend, once the athletic competitions are complete, student volunteers on the Awards Committee step into their own roles. To celebrate the athletes and honor their dedication, the Fall Festival concludes with official ceremonies in which awards are announced.
The Awards Committee Chair, senior Rob Vagnini, coordinates the award ceremony for each venue. As his responsibilities take place outside of the athletic competitions themselves, Vagnini sees the
awards ceremony as an important way to recognize individual athletes and promote the overarching message of inclusion.
“[Special Olympics is about] the idea of spreading inclusion, even beyond Villanova,” Vagnini said. “There’s something really special about sending a message, like around the world, that inclusion doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to just those three days.” Competition for each sport will begin on Friday, Nov. 7, between 1 and 1:30 p.m., and will go through Sunday, Nov. 9. Awards presentations will be on Sunday, along with dual closing ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The 2025 SpO Committee seniors at their Labor Day retreat. Kailey Fahy/Villanovan Photography
The 2024 Healthy Athletes Committee and VCs at Fall Fest. Isabella Carlin/Villanovan Photography
RG3: Villanova WBB’s Head Manager And SpO Athlete
Megan Dussault Staff Writer
For the past seven years, the managers of the Villanova women’s basketball team have been led by head manager Rachel Grace, who is better known by her nickname, RG3.
RG3, who has Down Syndrome, is a Special Olympics athlete in addition to her position as head manager, and has had a lifelong love for athletics. She grew up playing basketball, starting at the age of five, and later began playing soccer.
“I’ve seen her play basketball and soccer,” Maggie Harris, friend of RG and Special Olympics soccer committee member, said. “She’s amazing at both of them. She’s famous for her threes in basketball… she’s amazing at everything she does.”
RG3 said she has participated in Special Olympics since she was a young teenager and hasn’t missed a single year of Villanova’s Fall Festival since she started.
These days, RG3 plays soccer for the Montgomery County Knights, a local recreational soccer club. While she often switches positions, she typically plays at striker, scoring goals and assisting teammates.
“I’m a striker, so I usually have a good shot of getting some goals,” RG3 said.
RG3 has an infectious energy and love for the people around her. She appreciates the little things in life. Harris has been honored to experience RG3’s bigger-than-life personali-
ty throughout her time at Villanova.
“Once, after she won a game, she came up to me and hugged me, and it was just awesome,” Harris said. I” feel like she really shows her appreciation for people through hugs. I saw her in [Dougherty Dining Hall] and she literally gave me six hugs… when she feels for you, she’ll let you know, which is awesome and very heartwarming.”
RG3 loves every part of Fall Fest weekend: the games, the energy and the connections she gets to make with other athletes and volunteers. She especially enjoys making new friends each year and sharing her love of athletics with others.
“What I love about Special Olympics is that you get to meet new people and create friendships,” RG
said. “It’s like the whole point of being there. To share the love of the sport, but also make friends doing it.”
RG3 is known as the hype person at Villanova. She cheers everyone on, whether it’s basketball players, fellow managers, or teammates.
“If someone makes a shot, she always hypes them up,” Harris said. “She’ll high-five them and cheer them on, even during practice. She’s just a source of energy. Whenever you see her, it’s gonna put a smile on your face. She’s always very energetic. If I were having a bad day, I would see RG3, and it would be a good day. Her energy is very contagious.”
Beyond her love of sports, RG3 emphasizes the importance of the message of inclusion that Fall Fest celebrates each year.
RG3 enjoys Fall Fest because it serves as a platform for her and others to emphasize the value of inclusion and accessibility in sports. For RG3, Special Olympics is a space where she can play the sports she loves and always feel included.
“For Special Olympics, for me, I’d have to say that we don’t have to be excluded now from playing sports,” RG3 said. “You don’t have to feel excluded because you get a shot of playing in Special Olympics.”
That is what the Special Olympics committee strives for and values. RG3’s message can be seen across the entirety of Fall Fest sports.
“So many athletes come to Fall Fest and the vibes are just embracing everyone’s abilities instead of looking at their disabilities first,” Harris said. “They worked so hard to get here… It’s just acknowledging the hard work that they put in, not just looking at their disability, but embracing them for their character.”
Throughout her entire life, RG3 has felt the unyielding support of her parents, who have encouraged her to be a role model for other people with Down Syndrome.
“What my parents always told me is that I’m a good role model for people with Down Syndrome,” RG3 said. “Being a role model is like putting your foot forward…and just supporting everyone.”
As Fall Fest weekend is fast approaching, RG3 has a message for her fellow athletes: “Believe in yourself, show who you are, always follow your dreams, and keep living it.”
Villanova Division I Athletes Get Involved In Special Olympics
Genna Cottingham Sports Columnist
For some Villanova Division I student-athletes, their involvement in athletics on campus extends beyond their own team.
Numerous Villanova student-athletes annually volunteer for Special Olympics (SpO) Pennsylvania to give back to the community that has given them so much.
Villanova has hosted the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival on its campus for the past 36 years, and it is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Thousands of people participate in the event in November, and there is year-long preparation behind the scenes.
Annie Welde, a senior forward on the women’s basketball team, believes that Fall Festival encapsulates Villanova’s Augustinian mission of service.
“Your time here is so much bigger than just being on a sports team,” Welde said. “Obviously, academics comes first, but community involvement is what makes this place so special.”
Welde grew up close by in Havertown, PA. She started volunteering for Special Olympics Pennsylvania as a high schooler at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Now, entering her final year at Villanova, Welde will partake in her eighth Fall Fest.
Henry Gingrich is also a senior student-athlete heavily involved in Special Olympics. He is on the Villanova swimming and diving team
and hails from Lititz, PA.
“The support crew [from] Villanova Athletics does a great job at being liaisons between sport teams and Special Olympics,” Gingrich said. “I was part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which is a committee with two athletes per team and they meet once a month.”
Gingrich was inspired by his cousin, who has autism, to begin volunteering for the Special Olympics and support athletes with intellectual disabilities. It also provided a way for Gingrich to serve the Villanova community and get more involved on campus. Along with other members of the swimming and diving team, Gingrich volunteers for the Awards Ceremony Committee every year.
“It doesn’t feel like a burden or a requirement. It feels like a privilege,” Gingrich said. “We see the impact right when we hand [the athletes] their medals, a huge smile on their face. They’re excited, we’re excited. The positive impact we make is priceless.”
A junior defender on the men’s lacrosse team, Jack Gormley, has been involved with the Special Olympics since he stepped foot on campus. Gormley was first interested in the Special Olympics student organization when it was discussed during freshman Orientation. Now he sits on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee alongside Gingrich.
Men’s lacrosse head coach Mike Corrado graduated from Villanova in 1987. Since he used to participate in Fall Fest nearly 40 years ago, Corrado now ensures the men’s lacrosse team continues the legacy of
positive community impact.
“I think they just do a great job of allowing you to excel in different programs but also meet new people,” Gormley said. “The way they do the Special Olympics is unlike any other school and I think that just adds to the sense of community that Villanova teaches you and shows you throughout your time here.”
Another strong connection that Villanova has with SpO is through women’s basketball manager Rachel Grace. Better known as RG3 around campus, she is a Special Olympics athlete who has played soccer in several Fall Fests.
“[RG3] has played soccer all the years that I’ve been here, so even
all summer, she goes to the [Special Olympics] tournaments,” Welde said. “She comes literally every single day to see us practice and helps us do what we need to do. Just being able to support her, her team and all the other athletes has always been so cool.”
Welde and other members of the women’s basketball team look forward to cheering on all athletes, signing autographs outside Connelly Center and taking part in the biggest weekend on campus.
Decades of tradition and history inspire generations of Villanovans and athletes alike to get involved in the 36th annual PA Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Fest this upcoming weekend, Nov. 7 to 9.
Rachel Grace (lower center) with Jason Kelce and fellow women’s basketball managers. Courtesy of Sarah Augustine
Senior swimmer Henry Gingrich (middle left) volunteers for Special Olympics every year.
Courtesy of Henry Gingrich
Fall Festival Should Expand Its Competition Offerings
Allie Hesler Staff Writer
This year, Villanova’s annual Fall Festival is set to take place from Nov. 7 to 9. This weekend is the biggest student-run Special Olympics event in the world, with athletes from across Pennsylvania coming to attend. Athletes can currently participate in six competitive sports including flag football, soccer, volleyball, long distance running and walking, bocce and powerlifting.
While these six sports give participants many different options and areas to compete in, the expansion of the campus to Cabrini presents a perfect opportunity to introduce even more sports and further expand the event for both participants and volunteers.
The Competition Management team is tasked with planning and executing these events the weekend of Fall Fest. When thinking about the expansion question, bocce has already explored what Fall Fest looks like at Cabrini.
“I would definitely think as the program continues to grow, I could see more sports being moved to Cabrini, just to accommodate the amount of athletes and volunteers that we have,” Caroline Hundley, Director of Competition, said. “It’s a hard thing to balance because the reason so many athletes love to come to Fall Fest is that it’s on Villanova’s campus, and there’s something so awesome about the energy that we
create here. And I think it’s definitely been a process to try and create that same energy and environment at Cabrini. So, it’s trying to make that environment that wasn’t Villanova at the time make it feel like Villanova.”
While it may have previously been difficult to recreate the same energy that Villanova’s campus brings in years past, the combination of a newly-developed Cabrini campus as well as the striking increase in the number of volunteers each year makes adding a new sport for athletes more possible. Also, with Villanova planning to increase class sizes in the coming years, expanding sports would create more jobs on committee for
students who wish to get more deeply involved. With a record-number of LPHs this year (a program designed exclusively for first-year students to introduce them to Fall Fest), students are more eager than ever to help out with the event.
However, while there are currently only six competitive sports offered, there are also a handful of Unified sports for some athletes to participate in during the weekend.
“We do Unified sports, as well, during the weekend, which includes different games,” Hundley said. “I know they have done a lot of Unified pickleball, things like that, really accessible sports that people can
participate in. They’re a little more low stakes and just for fun.”
These events are great ways for athletes to participate in something other than the competition events they came for and are great first steps into seeing what more offerings around campus would look like during the weekend of Fall Fest. Fall Fest is such an incredible event that is hosted here at the University with so much hard work poured into it. It has grown so much since its conception in 1989 and now, with the opening of Cabrini’s campus, it has the possibility to grow even more and potentially reach a whole new audience.
Expanding O-Town to the Cabrini campus presents an opportunity to bring more sports to the Villanova Special Olympics Fall Festival.
Courtesy of Villanova University
CULTURE
The Room Where It Happens: Asia’s Room
Hudson Zivic Staff Writer
The phrase “history repeats itself” is widely known and often used for various reasons.
It highlights recurring patterns in human behavior, societal trends and historical or political events.
That’s where Hamilton: An American Musical comes in. The comparison for this analysis: is history really repeating itself?
By examining a quote from the musical alongside a contemporary political story, we can explore whether the ideals, conflicts and ambitions that shaped the early republic are echoing in current events or if what appears familiar is simply history’s rhyming, not its repetition.
This week’s edition looks at one of the rooms where it happens, the meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. The summit followed months of trade tension, rare-earth supply concerns and our domestic government shutdown in the United States. While we have some background into the Asia tour, one Hamilton parallel has held true, “No one really knows how the game is played / The art of the trade.”
Trump’s Asia tour included stops in Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, each designed for diplomatic engagement and strategic influence. In Kuala Lumpur, he joined the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) summit and announced new trade frameworks with Malaysia and Cambodia focused on mineral supply chains and rare-earth security. In Tokyo, he met with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, to reaffirm defense and semiconductor partnerships. The trip culminated in Busan, where Trump and Xi agreed to reduce U.S. tariffs and restore Chinese imports of key American goods, such as soybeans and natural gas.
In BBC’s live coverage of the tour, Trump described the outcome as “a 12 out of 10 meeting.”
The White House characterized it as a historic framework intended to ease trade tensions and reopen global markets. The event, marked by flashing cameras, gold-trimmed conference halls and carefully arranged photo opportunities, reflected the emphasis on projecting diplomatic success and economic momentum.
Yet the Hamilton lyric that follows, “We just assume that it happens,” captures the aspect we don’t see through the photo ops. The specifics of the trade arrangement remain vague, and analysts note that many of the underlying disputes, such as technology transfers and maritime security, remain unsettled.
Like the Compromise of 1790 dramatized in Hamilton, much of this negotiation took place behind closed doors, its details shielded from public view. The use of the “room” can obscure the complexity and potential consequences of the choices made within it.
The darkness and opacity of power described in Burr’s back and forth with the Company, “We dream of a brand new start / But we dream in the dark for the most part / Dark as a tomb where it happens,” continues to be central to the summit.
Trump’s Asia trip was to demonstrate American engagement abroad, even as domestic politics faced gridlock and furloughs due to the continuing government shutdown. The contrast between international glory and internal dysfunction raises the question Burr poses: who gets to be in the room, and who is left outside?
We see the desire for influence and recognition driving
leaders to shape history rather than simply observe it in both the summit and in Hamilton. When Burr sings, “You got more than you gave,” and Hamilton replies, “And I wanted what I got,” it underscores the tension between vision and control that defines leadership. The Asia tour was as much about diplomacy as it was about narrative, crafting an image of strength and relevance in a changing global landscape. Hamilton reminds us that being in the room is only the beginning. So, the question of what truly happened in the room and how those decisions ripple outward can only be answered as negotiations continue to evolve and shape policy.
Heart And Inclusivity In VSMT’s “The Prom”
Ira Nidamarthy Staff Writer
VSMT, Villanova’s student-run musical theatre group, presented “The Prom” from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 at the Topper Theatre in the Mullen Center.
In an attempt to repair their frayed reputations, a group of eccentric Broadway performers travel to a conservative town in Indiana to assist a lesbian student who is prohibited from bringing her girlfriend to her high school prom. “The Prom” is based on an original concept by Jack Viertel.
University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., and theatre professor Peter A. Hillard, M.M., M.F.A., organized the “Broadway in Concert” event in early October, where the cast of “The Prom” performed two of the show’s songs: “Love Thy Neighbour” and “Dance With You.”
The musical opens with the Broadway stars bemoaning their decline in popularity and receiving negative reviews from critics. They decide that the only way to preserve their reputations is to dispel the notion that they are narcissistic by helping Emma, a student they found online who is prohibited
“The
from attending prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa. “Dance With You” and other charming duets about first loves were featured in the show along with upbeat dance routines. With glitzy costumes and promposals, the entire ambiance evoked memories of preparing for a high school prom.
The story also addresses several other important topics.
Songs like “Love Thy Neighbour” and “Alyssa Greene” depict the identity crisis that can arise from controlling parents and the misuse of religious convictions to make unfair judgments, respectively. It is
an unpleasant fact that powerful people, such as celebrities, frequently use charity and service to improve their public image. Some of these themes persist today, and the actors do everything they can to challenge them. By the end, the Broadway stars gain self-awareness and realize that the best way to support Emma is to help her tap into her inner strength. Deep exchanges between the stars and Emma, together with a strong, feisty solo like “Zazz” performed by incredibly gifted sophomore Amelia Simons, give Emma the confi -
dence to open up and share her experience. Emma’s solo “Unruly Heart” captures the sensation of falling in love and the realization that these emotions are important, even when others may not share them. With the people who shunned Emma in high school now standing up for her and opposing injustice, this song reverses the flow of negative ideas and provides a touching conclusion to the tale.
The cast and crew members gave their all to “The Prom,” captivating the audience throughout and ensuring they left with a renewed sense of optimism. VSMT’s efforts have not gone unappreciated.
“I saw ‘The Prom’ this Saturday, and it was amazing,” sophomore Grace LaFond said. “My friend was in it, and it was so fantastic to see all the hard work she has been putting in paid off. I can’t wait to see VSMT’s next musical.”
The talented cast and crew of The Prom told an uplifting story about first love, inclusion and bravery. Those who missed “The Prom” can see VSMT’s next production, Queens, starting on Nov. 12. Tickets can be purchased on the Mullen Center’s website.
Last week, President Trump took a trip to Asia to meet with President Xi Jinping. Emma Cote/Villanovan Photography
Prom” ran this past weekend at the Topper Theatre in the Mullen Center. Lauren Armstrong/Villanovan Photography
SPORTS
Women’s XC Finishes Third At Big East Championships
Megan Dussault Staff Writer
Continued from p. 1.
Villanova’s remaining runners achieved a range of places from 24th to 47th of 96 total runners. Four of the team’s freshmen finished within 20 seconds of each other. Senior Kinsley Pogue accomplished her fastest career time at the Big East Championships, finishing in 21:43.3.
The men came in third place, 20 points behind runner-up Georgetown. Seven of Villanova’s nine runners attained individual season bests in the 8,000-meter race.
“This was a really big comeback for the guys at the Big East,” men’s head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “The whole team really stepped up… it was a combination of individuals all stepping up during the conference to create a much better performance for the team.”
Two of Villanova’s scoring runners placed in the top 10. Junior Bailey Habler came in fourth with a time of 23:16.0 and sophomore Charlie Moore (23:36.5) placed ninth.
Other runners that rounded out the scoring five included junior CJ Sullivan (23:50.1) in 13th, sophomore Jack Coomber (23:58.6) in 17th and sophomore Ben Thomas (24:04.9) in 19th for
his first Big East Championship appearance. Both Sullivan and Coomber saw improvement from last year. Last season, Sullivan ran a 24:36.22 and Coomber finished in 25:15.87.
“The whole group ran really well,” O’Sullivan said. “We’ve made some progress, and I think overall, it was a very, very good performance.”
The Wildcats saw just 48.9 seconds between their scorers’ times. Only 14 seconds separated Sophomore Jack Fenlon (24:18.3) in 24th, graduate student Devon Comber (24:19.5) in 25th and junior Nick Sullivan (24:32.0) in 29th.
“The next 10 days bode well for us in terms of the last bit of training before we go to re -
gionals,” O’Sullivan said. “I think they’re learning to find their way as a young group, and they’re managing themselves pretty well right now.”
Both teams will now prepare to compete at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Friday, Nov. 14, at Lehigh University. A bid to the national championship meet is on the line for the women’s
Volleyball Goes 1-1 Against Xavier And Butler
Katie Lewis Co-Sports Editor
Villanova volleyball headed to the Midwest last weekend to face Big East rivals Xavier and Butler, splitting the contests.
The Wildcats (17-6, 8-4 Big East) lost to Xavier, 3-0, on Friday, Oct. 31 in Cincinnati, OH. They finished the road trip with a 3-1 victory over Butler on Saturday in Indianapolis. Villanova now stands third in the conference, with just four regular-season games remaining.
“We’re happy to have gotten a good win at Butler because out of the weekend, that was the one we had to beat,” head coach Josh Steinbach said. “I’m a little disappointed with how we played on Friday [at Xavier]…It wasn’t our night. We just didn’t start very strong and never really got it together. Once we got rolling [against Butler], we took care of business out there.”
In its second loss to Xavier this season, Villanova fell in straight sets (16-25, 22-25, 20-25). The Musketeers (22-2, 11-1 Big East) currently stand in second place in the conference.
Junior outside hitter Abby Harrell had a team-high 11 kills in the match. Sophomore middle blocker Campbell McKinnon also led the Wildcats with six blocks and two aces, while sophomore defensive specialist Lola Buck-Taylor recorded nine digs.
The Musketeers gained control of the match from the opening points, racing to a 7-0 lead in the first set. While Villanova fought back to make it 11-11, Xavier ultimately stopped the Wildcats at 16 points and took care of the opening set.
The second set was much more tightly-contested, with the teams tying the score 11 times. At one point, Villanova held a 17-14 advantage, but the Musketeers went on a pair of late 4-0 runs to seal the set.
Entering the third set, the Wildcats came up with a narrow, 10-7 lead. Xavier managed to come back and complete the sweep with a 4-0 stretch at the end of the match.
“Anytime you get close, sometimes it’s how the ball falls,” Steinbach said. “But I don’t think we were ever super comfortable [against Xavier]. We went on little runs, but couldn’t keep our rhythm that night.”
The Wildcats bounced back on Saturday night in Indiana with a
four-set win over Butler (19-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-23). The Bulldogs (12-13, 5-7 Big East) are tied with DePaul for sixth place in the conference.
Harrell once again led the Wildcats with a double-double performance of 10 kills and 16 digs. McKinnon and sophomore outside hitter Cat Young added eight kills apiece.
The Wildcats had an unsteady start and faced a strong opening performance from the Bulldogs, falling, 25-19 in the first frame.
Villanova flipped the score in an intense second set. The teams reached an 18-18 tie before the Wildcats claimed seven of the next eight points. A clutch block from graduate opposite hitter Ava Mehrten secured the set for Villanova.
The Wildcats held onto the energy, winning the next two sets. Villanova led the third from start to finish, with the Bulldogs not closing the deficit any further than four points.
The teams battled back-and-
forth toward the end of the final set, with ties at 19, 20, 22 and 23. Harrell struck with two of her four aces on the night late in the fourth set, giving Villanova the momentum to take the match.
“[Harrell] plays the whole game, and, arguably, she had the two biggest plays of the night in set four,” Steinbach said. “She hit two great serves and dialed up two aces to give us the lead in the fourth set where we were behind. We closed it out from there…She’s always going to do things to help us win.”
The teams eventually reached a 23-23 deadlock. Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Lewis, an Indianapolis native, smacked the final kill to seal the Villanova victory.
The Wildcats have a crucial match coming up this week on their home court. Villanova will host Georgetown (13-12, 6-6 Big East) on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. The Wildcats last defeated the Hoyas, 3-1, on the road on Oct. 9.
The team will then head to Omaha for a matchup with the conference’s undefeated powerhouse, No. 12 Creighton (19-5, 12-0 Big East).
“If we want to stay in third [in the Big East], the one we have to have is Georgetown,” Steinbach said. “ Creighton is one of the elite teams of the country, and playing out there on their home court is going to be a huge challenge. Right now, we’re going to dial in on Georgetown…We’re going to have to play well at our place.”
Villanova men’s cross country finished on the podium for the ninth consecutive time. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Villanova is third in theBig East standings with a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Genna Cottingham Sports Columnist
Luke Colella celebrated his second touchdown against Albany on Oct. 25 with a backflip. Villanova graduate quarterback Pat McQuaide flew down the field to dance with him. It looked like Colella had been around Villanova for years.
Yet, Colella, a graduate wide receiver, transferred to Villanova this offseason from Princeton University.
Colella decided to take his receiving talents to the Main Line because Princeton’s graduate programs did not match his interest in pursuing business.
In just a few months at Villanova, Colella said that he has formed a close relationship with his teammates.
“Villanova creates a culture filled with bonds and brotherhood,” Colella said. “I think the coaches here have done a really good job of facilitating that culture.”
The 5’10” Colella scored two touchdowns in Villanova’s Homecoming game on Oct. 25, which the Wildcats won, 29-16, against Albany. Colella led his team to victory with key maneuvers in the second half.
Colella has since become a breakout star in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). He leads the Wildcats in receiving yards this
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
Wildcat Watch: Luke Colella
season, averaging 92.13 over eight games.
Going into halftime against Albany, the Wildcats had a 12-7 lead. Five minutes into the third quarter, McQuaide and Colella connected on a 34-yard pass for the receiver’s first touchdown of the game. Colella celebrated with a backflip.
McQuaide later connected with Colella for a 36-yard touchdown, his second of the game.
The last time Colella scored two touchdowns was in the 29-21 win over Elon on Oct. 21. They were his first touchdowns as a Wildcat.
The following Saturday, Oct. 19, Colella contributed one touchdown to Villanova’s 56-14 blowout victory over Hampton University.
Colella has now scored five touchdowns for Villanova, tying his total from last season.
“Luke Colella is our leading receiver,”head coach Mark Ferrante said. “He’s one of the top receivers in the conference, right now. Him and Pat seem to have a good chemistry and they’ve built that over time, starting in the summer and the rest of the season.”
Colella grew up in Wexford, PA, and played football at North Allegheny High School. He was a multi-sport athlete his first two years of high school, also playing basketball and baseball.
In his junior year of high school, Colella got serious about
his football career. He realized that it would take both academics and athletics to gain recognition and earn a scholarship at a top university.
“During high school, I knew I wanted to try to play football as long as I could,” Colella said. “I started getting offers, and Princeton was definitely in my top choices. It all boiled down to the academics and team culture in making my decision to play for the Ivy League.”
Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, Colella and his family always respected Villanova’s athletic reputation. Once his dreams came true to play for his favorite school growing up, Colella wanted to express his strengths during his last year of eligibility.
Thanks in part to the efforts of Colella, Villanova is currently ranked No. 11 in the country and third overall in the CAA standings with a record of 6-2.
“It doesn’t mean much to me, to be honest,” Ferrante said of the high ranking. “We have a certain commitment to this team, and we have the opportunity to go as far as we can. We still have a lot left to play. It’s always nice to be in a good position going into the end of the season.”
Colella and the rest of the Villanova Wildcats are scheduled to return to the field to play Towson on Saturday, Nov. 8. The Wildcats are riding a five-game win streak and will close out the season with two games at Villanova Stadium.
CUWTC: Chris Whitney (‘11)
Back in 2009, Villanova football made it all the way to the 2009 FCS National Championship game to face the undefeated Montana in Chattanooga, TN.
Under center for the Wildcats was junior quarterback Chris Whitney (‘11). He totaled 102 rushing yards, 142 passing yards and a touchdown in the game on 10-of-13 completions.
It was enough to lift Villanova to its first and only FCS National Championship in program history, defeating Montana, 23-21.
Whitney, now a partner at Sterling Benefits, took over as quarterback for Villanova as a freshman after starting quarterback Antwyon Young suffered a season-ending knee injury. He finished his career at Villanova fourth on the program’s all-time passing yards (6,241) and rushing yards (2,450) lists. In 2011, he graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration and a minor in international business.
Whitney is married to Kellianne Whitney, whom he started dating while at Villanova. Together, they have three kids: a son, Christopher Jr., and two daughters, Riley and Kelly.
Sterling Benefits is an insurance broker and employee benefits firm. Whitney works in the sales area of the firm, as well as in the operations it takes to grow the firm over the next five to 10 years.
“We work for companies with two employees to 5000 employees,” Whitney said. “We do medical, dental, vision and then life and disability. So, pretty much the entire employee benefits package. Basically, we are the middleman between the client, which is the company, and the insurance carriers. So we act on behalf of our clients to secure the best pricing and product.”
Whitney previously worked for Unum out of college as a sales coordinator and consultant. He worked at Villanova Health Agency until it was acquired by Sterling Benefits in June of 2024.
WEEKLY SCOREBOARD
Oct. 29 - Nov. 4
Wednesday, October 29
Men’s & Women’s Dive No Team Results
Thursday, October 30
Women’s Basketball @ FDU 57-37 W (Exhib.)
Friday, October 31
Men’s Cross Country @ Big East Championship 3rd of 9
Women’s Cross Country @ Big East Championship 2nd of 11
Field Hockey @ No. 7 Liberty 0-5 L Volleyball @ Xavier 0-3 L
Saturday, November 1
Men’s Swim vs. La Salle 168-132 W
Women’s Swim vs. La Salle 181-114 W
Men’s Soccer vs. St. John’s 1-3 L
Women’s Soccer vs. Butler 0-0 T Volleyball @ Butler 3-1 W
Sunday, November 2
Women’s Rowing @ Princeton Chase No Team Results
Monday, November 3
Women’s Basketball vs. Lafayette 70-38 W
Men’s Basketball @ No. 8 BYU 66-71 L
Tuesday, November 4
Men’s Soccer vs. Holy Family 6-0 W
tionships at the carrier level. But you’re also still getting that handson service model that may have gone away when some of these larger firms, private equity firms, buy these smaller brokerages.”
During his time at Villanova, Whitney played for former head coach Andy Talley as well as current head coach Mark Ferrante, who was an assistant at the time. Whitney still carries the idea of the culture and family that the Villanova football program instilled in him.
He works with companies all over the East Coast, as far down as Florida, as well as out west in Arizona. Sterling Benefits currently serves between 700 and 800 clients. It works with the four main insurance companies: Blue Cross, United, Cigna and Aetna. With a small list of clients compared to other firms, it allows the firm to use a client-centric approach.
“It’s a high-touch, high-fuel service model,” Whitney said. “A big part of our pitch is that you’re dealing with the leadership at Sterling to have that has your best interest in mind, that has the rela -
“I think Coach Talley started it,” Whitney said. “Coach Ferrante is continuing it, leading by example and putting the time in. And I think anybody, from the football field to the professional world, we all respect people who walk the walk, not only talk about it, but walk. I mean putting in the hours.”
As a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep, Whitney decided to play locally despite having offers from Rutgers as well as other schools that offered him a preferred walkon opportunity.
“I think culture, a lot of times and discipline can beat talent,” Whitney said. “And I think you have seen that year over year, and I think that’s what really helps keep Villanova on the map every year. It also helps that the school is one of the top 25 schools in the country academically.”
Christ Whitney (second from right) with his wife and kids at a Villanova football game. Courtesy of Chris Whitney
Men’s & Women’s Swim Defeat La Salle
Caroline Etter Staff Writer
The Villanova men’s and women’s swim teams both earned wins over La Salle on Saturday, Nov. 1. In their first home meet of the season, the undefeated women won, 181-114, and the men got their first win of the season, 168-132.
“I think we have a great home pool advantage,” head coach Rick Simpson said. “There’s a high level of excitement.”
Senior Arabella Lee set a pool record in the women’s 100-yard butterfly with a time of 54.99, breaking the previous record of 55.08 set by the University of Pennsylvania’s Vanessa Chong. Sophomore Alana Leen swam the 10th all-time fastest women’s 200-yard backstroke time in program history to win the 200-yard backstroke in 2:00.11.
Freshman Hugh Boris grabbed a win in the men’s 200-yard breaststroke, swimming a 2:02.27 and placing him eighth on Villanova’s all-time performers list.
“This year and the next three years after that with [Boris] are just going to be super exciting,” Simpson said.
Boris also claimed first in the men’s 100-yard breaststroke (56.86).
The scores were combined with the diving-only meet that took place in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
The Wildcats totaled 18 firstplace finishes across 32 swimming
and diving events.
In the 200-yard freestyle, the women were also able to take first through third, with junior Riley Kudlac claiming first (1:50.26).
Junior Marlene Blanke (25.94) and freshman Annie Mee (26.60) finished second and third, respectivley. The men came in first and second in the men’s 200-yard freestyle, with senior Sam Randall finishing first (1:40.06).
Senior Gavin Jones finished second in 50.63.
Kudlac finished the women’s 50-yard freestyle in 23.68 to finish first, less than a 10th of a second off second place.
The women raced two teams in the 200-yard medley relay. A team of Leen, senior Winnie Jalet, fresh-
man Anna Kilponen and Kudlac finished second (1:41.97). Lee, freshman Emily Herr, junior Anna Farley and junior Carlota Colomer Guasch finished behind them in third (1:43.43).
The men earned a similar result in the 200-yard medley relay.
Sophomore Cole Gorsuch, Boris, sophomore Zach Sutter and freshman Max Kunisaki finished second (1:31.49), while junior Max Christensen, freshman Carter Gray, senior Henry Gingrich and senior Gavin Jones took third (1:33.07).
One of the men’s 400-yard freestyle relay teams took second in their race (3:06.84).
In the freestyle, junior Peri Gaguzis was able to secure first in the women’s 1000-yard freestyle
(10:14.90) and sophomore Riley Hull followed in second (10:23.69).
In the men’s 1000-yard freestyle, Villanova dominated, taking the top three spots, with sophomore Owen Nye leading the pack (9:30.69).
Junior Martina Lonati took first in the women’s 100-yard freestyle (51.89), followed by her teammates, Alyssa McHale (52.12) and Colomer Guasch (52.25), who took second and third, respectively.
In the women’s 500-yard freestyle, junior Marlene Blanke claimed the top spot (5:05.74). The Wildcats were also able to secure second and third place. In the men’s 500-yard freestyle, the Wildcats finished first through fourth places, with Nye finishing in front (4:38.52).
Lee also came in first place in the women’s 100-yard backstroke (55.78). Sophomore Alana Leen claimed first in the women’s 200-yard backstroke (2:00.11) and junior Anna Farley claimed second (2:06.05).
Randall came in second in the men’s 100-yard butterfly (49.90), while Farley dominated the women’s 200-yard butterfly (2:00.63). Junior Justin Nowicki came in second in the men’s 200-yard butterfly (1:50.41).
“Every weekend that we race, we’re getting a little bit better,” Simpson said. “We’re going to have to have another jump in improvement.”
Women’s swim now heads to Penn (1-0) on Nov. 5, and the men have a Big East matchup at Providence (0-3) on Nov. 8.
FH Falls To Liberty, But Clinches BE Tournament
Eliza O’Neil Staff Writer
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
This weekend, Villanova field hockey suffered a 5-0 loss to Liberty University (15-2, 7-0 Big East) in its last game of the regular season.
However, Villanova (5-12, 3-4 Big East) clinched the No. 4 seed in the Big East Tournament and will rematch Liberty in the semifinals. No. 7 Liberty, which is undefeated through conference play, enters the conference playoffs as the top seed.
“It wasn’t how I was expecting the game to go,” Villanova head coach Joanie Milhous said. “I do think that we have a lot more to show than what we did this past Friday. I thought there were some really good things we did, but we just didn’t have an attacking game, and Liberty played exceptionally well. I think we learned so much to be able to, and really excited to be able to have them again in the semi-final games of the Big East Tournament.”
In the first quarter, the Flames maintained possession, with two shots on goal and four shots total.
Four minutes into the game, Liberty got a penalty corner, but took a wide shot.
At 9:19, the Flames scored the first goal of the game. Continuing its control over the ball, Liberty took another shot on goal, but it was blocked by freshman goalie Sophie Volkel.
This was followed by another Liberty shot that was blocked by Villa-
nova’s defense.
Volkel collected a career-high 12 saves and allowed five goals.
“She had some major saves,” Milhous said. “I think there were a couple of goals that she would like to have back, but she kept us somewhat in the game. It could have been a much different game if she weren’t in goal.”
The Flames entered the second quarter with a 1-0 advantage.
Throughout the second quarter, the Wildcats kept up offensively, balancing the possession time between both teams.
However, the Wildcats still struggleddefensively. At 25:25, the Flames scored another goal.
Even with another penalty corner and another shot, blocked by Volkel, Villanova locked in on defense for the rest of the half.
The second quarter ended with Liberty ahead, 2-0.
One minute into the third quarter, Liberty took another shot on goal that Villanova’s defense blocked. Barely two minutes later, Liberty went for the goal again, but Volkel recorded her third save of the game. The Flames got access to another penalty corner, but fumbled with no result.
On offense, freshman midfielder Erin Mitchell had the opportunity to shoot, but her attempt was blocked by Liberty’s defense.
Off an additional penalty corner, Liberty was able to take two shots, both of which were saved by Volkel.
Shortly after, the Flames got another penalty corner. Volkel was able to pick up her sixth save to deny
Liberty another goal.
Under two minutes later, at 39:42, Liberty received a streak of four penalty corners in a row. The Flames managed three shots off the penalty corner that were all unsuccessful, with two saved by Volkel and one going wide of the goal.
At 43:27, the Flames got their tenth penalty corner of the game, where they managed to score.
Liberty held a 3-0 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started with a shot at 48:32 by the Flames that hit the post. A few minutes later, at 51:15, Liberty’s Caroline Richard was flagged with a green card and suspended from the game for two minutes.
At 52:22, the Flames managed another penalty corner, on which they scored their fourth goal of the game.
Just 24 seconds later, Villanova junior forward Colleen Finnan responded with a shot on goal that
was blocked.
The Flames went on another run at 55:22, with four more penalty corners, bringing them to fifteen throughout the game. Off of these corners, Liberty was able to take six shots, with four blocked and two saved by Volkel.
Volkel made her 12th and final save of the game at 59:22.
However, the Flames were able to score their fifth and final goal at 59:27.
“We’ve got some kind of fun history [with Liberty],” Milhous said. “In 2023, it beat us in the regular season, 6-0. And then we played them in the semi-final game of the Big East tournament, and only lost by one. So it’s kind of the same thing all over again. And I think we’ve learned some valuable lessons, seeing them play live and on film.”
Villanova will now take on No. 1 seed Liberty again in the Big East Tournament at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Lynchburg, VA. (ESPN+).
Villanova men’s and women’s swim swept La Salle in its home opener. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Villanova field hockey secured the No. 4 seed in the Big East Tournament. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Women’s Soccer Ends Season With Butler Draw
Sammie McKee Staff Writer
On Saturday, Nov. 1, Villanova women’s soccer (9-8-1, 4-5-1 Big East) closed its 2025 season with a 0-0 draw to Butler (5-4-8, 2-3-5 Big East).
Villanova finished the season in fifth place in the Big East conference standings, narrowly missing the cutoff for playoffs.
Although the draw awarded the Wildcats one point in conference standings, giving them a total of 13, a tie was not enough to secure an appearance in the Big East Tournament. Creighton earned the fourth and final playoff spot with 15 points.
This offseason, the Big East Soccer Tournament was shrunk from six teams to four.
Senior goalkeeper Hannah Dickinson finished her last game as a Wildcat with a shutout, recording five saves.
The shutout marks Dickinson’s eighth of the season, a testament to her contributions to the team since transferring from the University of Southern California last season. Her accomplishment comes shortly after being named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll on Oct. 27.
The tie with Butler was a back-and-forth battle, although Butler outshot Villanova, 22-11, throughout the game.
While the Bulldogs led the game in shots, the Wildcats outshot the Bulldogs on frame. Villanova had six total shots on goal, while Butler
had five.
Villanova opened the first half looking to get an opportunity in front of the goal.
The first threatening Wildcat chance came in the 26th minute from freshman forward Avrie Nelson. Butler goalkeeper Addison Ash came in with a clutch save to keep the first half scoreless.
The Wildcats entered the second half hungry for a game-winner, applying pressure to the Butler defense.
Unable to capitalize, Villanova saw its last chances in the final minute of the game.
“It was a pretty intense last few minutes, almost like a ping-pong game,” head coach Samar Azem said. “Both teams were like, ‘Let’s try to
win this.’ Our players were exhausted, but they kept on fighting as if they weren’t.”
After a Wildcat cross from the right side of the 18-yard box was driven into the box, both Villanova and Butler scrambled for the ball. A Villanova attempt on goal was saved by Ash. Only moments after, the Wildcats looked towards the goal again. Junior forward Alex Little drove towards the goal, one-on-one with Butler’s goalkeeper. In a critical moment for both teams, Ash saved the ball before the whistle blew.
In previous years, the top six teams in the conference were in contention for Big East Tournament play. However, this year, only the top four teams will qualify, making the journey
for qualification more demanding than ever before.
The Wildcats were neck-andneck with Creighton for the fourthplace spot in the conference.
Villanova needed Creighton to lose or tie in its last conference game. However, on Saturday, Creighton earned three points in conference standings and secured a fourth place finish in a 3-0 victory over St. John’s. Creighton will join Xavier, the University of Connecticut and Georgetown in the Big East Tournament.
“Last year we were one win away from finishing in 6th to qualify for the tournament, and we felt crushed by that,” Azem said. “And this year we were two points away from finishing 4th, and we felt crushed by that again.”
Despite falling short of postseason hopes, the 2025 campaign marks a promising trajectory in the success of Villanova women’s soccer. Built on a foundation of younger players, graduates and transfers new to the team, the Wildcats finished conference play with their best regular season record since 2019.
“For us, this season is a building block. We don’t want to be a onehit wonder,” Azem said. “You look at last year and its statistics, almost everything was the same. We were solid defensively and solid offensively, only we just got better. And with that core group and a significant number of returners coming back in the 2026 season we are going to take a step forward again next year.”
Men’s Soccer Falls To St. John’s Ending Home Big East Slate
Sophia Cratty Staff Writer
This past Saturday, Nov. 1, Villanova men’s soccer fell, 3-1, to St. John’s at home.
Villanova (5-6-5, 1-3-3 Big East) remains in sixth and last place in conference East Division standings after Saturday’s loss. The Red Storm (8-5-3, 3-3-1 Big East) stands fifth in the East Division.
The conference’s 12 teams are divided evenly into the East and Midwest Divisions, with the six top-scoring teams in the conference making the Big East Tournament.
The game did not start off in Villanova’s favor, as the Wildcats surrendered an own-goal just five minutes and 50 seconds into play. An attempt to clear a St. John’s shot passed Villanova goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev to give the Red Storm an early advantage.
“We gave up some soft goals throughout the game,” head coach Mark Fetrow said. “[St. John’s] goals, we all felt, were some individual mistakes and just not clean enough. But I was proud of how the guys battled and how they fought back.”
In the first half, Villanova maintained offensive intensity as it sought to make up for the own-goal error.
Across the first 45 minutes, Villanova held an 8-3 edge in shots. The Wildcats outshot the Red Storm, 20-10, for the game.
“It’s not many games where you see us outshoot our opponents, and we did that against St. John’s,”
Fetrow said. “We just needed a little extra with our execution to connect on some of those scoring chances.”
Early in the second half, at 46:44, St. John’s Antonio Biggs scored another goal for the Red Storm.
Then, at 55:36, Gabe Smyth extended the Red Storm’s margin to 3-0.
Following the third goal, the Villanova bench received a red card. Fetrow was ejected from the game.
A minute later, Luca Fargnoli from St. John’s received a red card.
At 78:20, sophomore forward Fynn Lahrsen hit a top-right goal for Villanova, assisted by graduate mid-
Sophomore forward Fynn Lahrsen scored Villanova’s only goal of the game.
fielder Michael teDuits.
According to Fetrow, although Saturday’s match was a Big East competition, a winning result would not have advanced the Wildcats to the Big East Tournament.
“That was a game we needed to win because it had playoff implications,” Fetrow said. “But the way it turns out, if we had come away with three points, we still would have fallen short of making the playoffs.”
With only two games ahead of the Wildcats after Saturday’s defeat, Fetrow hopes to end the season on a high note with the playoffs out of sight.
“We have the opportunity to finish the season with a winning record,” Fetrow said. “We got an opportunity to get seven wins in the season, which would be a big improvement from last year and the year before that. We’ve got two games left, two games that we want to go out and have a good performance.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Villanova defeated Holy Family, 6-0, at Higgins Soccer Complex for its final home game of the season. Villanova will now travel to Marquette (7-2-6, 1-0-6) on Friday, Nov. 7 (7 p.m., ESPN+), for a Big East matchup, marking the last game of the Wildcats’ 2025 season.
The women’s soccer team finished fifth in Big East standings, just missing the playoffs. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Women’s Basketball Routs Lafayette In Home Opener
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
In its home opener on Monday, Nov. 3, Villanova women’s basketball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a dominant 70-38 win over Lafayette.
The Wildcats (1-0) conveyed their depth in the 32-point win, with 10 different Wildcat scorers against the Leopards, including several freshmen. Freshman guard Kennedy Henry led the Wildcats with 13 points on the night.
It was the teams’ first meeting since 2013. Villanova collected its fifth consecutive win over Lafayette (0-1), dating back to 1978.
Villanova’s defense contained Lafayette, forcing it to shoot 25% (1248) from the field and 40% (4-10) on three-pointers. The Wildcats scored 20 points off of 22 forced turnovers.
“That has to be our focus and the mentality,” Villanova head coach Denise Dillon said. “We’ve got to be good on [defense], because you don’t know how your scoring is going to go. I felt our guards were definitely more aggressive in the rebounding area today, and I need to continue that.”
In total, Villanova shot 39.4% (28-71) and 36.4% (12-33) from beyond the arc.
The Villanova freshman showed a promising start to their collegiate career.
Henry joined the starting lineup and shot 4-7 on three-pointers. Henry, ranked No. 78 on ESPN’s top
100 recruits, also picked up two blocks and led Villanova in minutes.
Off the bench, freshman guard Brooke Bender made use of her time on the court, totaling 12 points and 5-7 from the field and 2-4 on three-pointers. She was one of four double-digit scorers and the only one off the bench.
“I think that’s definitely a key for us,” Dillon said when asked about the depth of the team. “The versatility that we offer and just understanding that the time you get out on the floor, you want to make the most of it. So, really pleased with the amount of time early in their careers that these freshmen are getting.”
Villanova’s bench accounted for 27 points.
In the first half, Villanova climbed out to a 22-5 lead as the first quarter came to an end. The Wildcats shot 50% (9-18) from the field in the first quarter and 44% (4-9) from beyond the arc with seven different scorers.
Villanova senior forward Denae Carter dropped in a layup for the first points of the contest. Carter shot 3-5, totaling six points and a teamhigh seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe had a quiet 10 points and six rebounds.
Last season, Carter averaged a team-high 6.5 rebounds and totaled
228.
Villanova crashed the boards, collecting 13 offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points.
The Wildcats entered the half with a 36-14 lead over Lafayette. Bender led the team with eight points off the bench, shooting 2-3 (66%) from beyond the arc.
Bascoe picked up eight points late in the game with the help of two three-pointers.
Junior Iowa State transfer Kelsey Joens tallied 11 points (three points shy of a career high) and four rebounds in the starting lineup.
Villanova was able to hold its double-digit lead without having to apply too much pressure on the offensive end, closing the game on a two-minute scoring drought.
The Leopards only had five scorers make up all 38 of their points.
Villanova now has a quick turnaround for its next game on Wednesday, Nov. 5, when it hosts Fairfield (7:00 p.m., ESPN+).
“I think the big piece is just the buy-in of us learning from tonight,” Dillon said. “And how you have to turn it up a notch against a very talented and disciplined Fairfield team. So our transition [defense] will be key. You don’t have a lot of time to work on it tomorrow, so it’s going to be through conversation and just wrapping some things out.”
The Wildcats are undefeated against the Stags, holding a 12-0 advantage in the all-time series. In their last meeting on Dec. 6, 2017, Villanova defeated Fairfield, 73-44.
Men’s Basketball Falls Short in BYU Season Opener
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
A 14-point second-half comeback by Villanova men’s basketball was not enough as the team fell to No. 8 Brigham Young University, 71-66, at the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas.
Villanova (0-1) took on one of the top-ranked teams in the country in BYU with its five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa. The Wildcats struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc in the first half, shooting 26% (5-19). In total, the Wildcats shot 40% (24-67) on field goals and 29% (10-35) from beyond the arc.
BYU (1-0) grabbed 49 rebounds to Villanova’s 43 and averaged 39.4% (26-66) from the field.
“That was a road game,” Villanova head coach Kevin Willard said. “To have your first game with 13 new guys and for them to show the fight to find a way to get some stops, yeah, definitely [it was positive].”
Villanova sophomore guard Bryce Lindsay came off the bench to pour in a team-high 22 points, shooting 7-14 from the field and 5-9 on three-pointers. It was his third-best career scoring game. Lindsay scored 19 of Villanova’s 34 second-half points.
“My teammates were fine with me,” Lindsay said when asked about his second-half shooting. “I don’t really like the forced shots, so I just gave my shots up within the flow of the game.”
Lindsay was one of two double-digit scorers for the Wildcats, the other being freshman guard Chris
Jeffrey with 11 points.
In the first half, Villanova started cold from beyond the arc. The Wildcats began 1-10 on three-pointers despite finding multiple open looks.
Villanova junior guard opened up the game, scoring Villanova’s first four points. He quickly jumped out to a team-high five points, but managed only three points for the remainder of the game.
Three Wildcats played their first-ever collegiate minutes in the season opener. Freshman guard Acaden Lewis and freshman forward Matt Hodge started, while Jeffrey came in off the bench.
With the help of Dybansta, the Cougars were comfortably in control of the game as the half approached. Dybansta totaled 21 points in his collegiate debut. He shot 9-18 (50%) from the field along with six rebounds and three assists.
“I had one of those last year, they’re fun,” Willard said, when asked about the star freshman. “When you got a talented freshman like that, that’s a first, second pick in the draft, which he is. He’s one of the best high school players I’ve seen come out in a long time. He’s got great size, great length, and he’s much tougher for a kid his age, so he’s the real deal.”
With a minute left in the half, a pair of three-pointers from Hodge and Jeffrey shrank Villanova’s deficit to six points. However, BYU made four free throws and junior guard Kennard Davis Jr. knocked in a three-pointer with two seconds left on the clock.
Villanova trailed BYU, 4232, at halftime. The Wildcats had
10 offensive rebounds and 16 second-chance points.
In the second half, the Wildcats intermittently found spurts of offense that allowed them to slowly cut down the 10-point deficit. Senior forward Duke Brennan slammed down a dunk to cap off a 6-0 Villanova run.
However, BYU maintained its offensive dominance, allowing the Cougars to climb to a 14-point lead two minutes into the second half.
Sophomore guard Robert Wright III totaled eight points in the second half to finish the game with 14.
BYU only had four scorers in the second half, compared to seven in the first.
Lindsay scored 12 consecutive Villanova points over roughly 10 minutes to erase the 14-point deficit.
A three-pointer from Lindsay with seven minutes left in the game gave
Villanova a 56-55 lead over BYU.
Multiple miscues from the Wildcats to end the game took away any chance of a comeback upset. Senior forward Tafara Gapare traveled after the final media timeout. It was followed by Jeffrey missing a drive to the basket and Lindsay missing the first shot of a 1-and-1.
“We did some really good things in the second half defensively,” Willard said. “It happened at Virginia, too. Offensively, we’re taking some bad shots, some early shots that are causing bad defense.”
Villanova now returns home for the Villanova Challenge, a threeteam multi-team tournament.
The Wildcats will first host Queens University (North Carolina) on Saturday, Nov. 8 (7:00 p.m., ESPN+).
Villanova will not leave the Philadelphia Tri-State Area again until Dec. 9.
Graduate forward Denae Carter led the Wildcats with seven rebounds on the night. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Redshirt sophomore guard Bryce Lindsay had a team-high 21 points off the bench. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
THE CROSSWORD
Don't Look Back in Anger
