Denise Dillon isn’t just coaching the Wildcats. She’s crafting a basketball dynasty.
Since returning to her alma mater in 2020, Dillon has reignited Villanova’s women’s basketball program, transforming it into a national contender. In just four seasons, Dillon led the Wildcats to a 93-36 overall record (.720) and a 52-19 mark in the BIG EAST, highlighted by two NCAA Tournament appearances, a WNIT berth, and a trip to the inaugural WBIT championship game.
Known for her intense, no-nonsense approach, Dillon has developed all-Americans and delivered record-breaking wins, cementing her reputation as one of college basketball’s elite coaches. Entering her fifth season, she faces a tough challenge after the departure of key players like Lucy Olsen and Christina Dalce.
“‘You never anticipate players exiting… especially that far into their time here at Villanova, academically standing and athletically,” Dillon said. “The truth of it is you focus on the present. I think that’s the one lesson we learned. Don’t project too far out.”
Dillon’s track record shows she thrives under pressure, and this season promises to be no exception. Her overall coaching record stands at 422-247 as she prepares to lead Villanova into a new era.
Dillon’s impact at Villanova was immediate. In her third season, the Wildcats went 30-7, reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament and setting a school record for wins. That same year, forward Maddy Siegrist led the nation in scoring with 29.2 points per game and earned BIG EAST Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Siegrist was named a consensus first-team all-American and was selected third overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, showcasing Dillon’s ability to bring out the best in her players.
Last season, Dillon guided the Wildcats to a 22-13 overall record and an 11-7 BIG EAST mark. Although they didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, they had a strong run in the inaugural WBIT, with wins over Virginia Commonwealth, Saint Joseph’s, and Penn State before falling short to Illinois in the championship game. Olsen emerged as a breakout star, finishing third in the nation in scoring with 23.3 points per game, earning first-team All-BIG EAST honors and an Honorable Mention all-American nod.
But Villanova faces significant challenges in the 2024-25 season. The team lost its two biggest stars: Olsen transferred to Iowa, and Dalce transferred to Maryland. These departures leave Villanova in a rebuilding phase, forcing Dillon to reevaluate her roster and strategies. Nonetheless, Dillon has responded by adding key transfers, including Southeast Missouri State’s Jaliyah Green, a versatile player expected to make an immediate impact.
Green, who averaged 12.9 points and 4.5 rebounds last season, is already feeling the positive effects of Dillon’s leadership.
“Coach Dillon truly cares about her players and keeps their confidence high, which is something I really like,” Green said. “She expects me to affect the game in more than just one way.” This level of care has resonated with Dillon’s players throughout her career. She fosters a team-first mentality while helping her athletes develop both on and off the court.
“She gave me the freedom to grow as a player while holding me accountable,” Siegrist said. “Coach Dillon doesn’t just coach basketball. She invests in you as a person.”
Heading into her fifth season, Dillon aims to address the Wildcats’ struggles from beyond the arc, as the team shot only 29.4% from three-point range last season. With the addition of Green and other incoming players, Dillon will look to retool the offense and get Villanova back to the top of the BIG EAST standings.
“Pivot is a great term,” Dillon said. “We certainly did that in the spring and brought in some high caliber players and greater people.”
Whether it’s returning to the NCAA Tournament or making another deep postseason run, one thing is clear: under Denise Dillon’s leadership, Villanova women’s basketball is in good hands. Her blend of competitive fire, basketball intelligence, and genuine care for her players ensures that the Wildcats will remain a force in women’s college basketball for years to come.
