Signing day has brought some new and promising talent to Villanova’s basketball program, both on the men’s and women’s teams.
On Nov. 13, the women signed three new athletes, one being a four-star recruit.
Kennedy Henry, hailing from Hockessin, Delaware, joined head coach Denise Dillon’s al- ready guard-heavy roster. Standing at 6’0, Henry plays for Westtown School, where she honed her skills against elite competition. As a four-star recruit, Henry was named to the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) first team for three years in a row and was on the Prep State First Team for three consecutive years.
Henry, ranked 78th in ESPN’s Women’s 2025 Top 100 and a four-star recruit, has already demonstrated her scoring abilities, by recording 1,000 career points as a junior. Henry, who is known for her tough ball handling and strong shooting abilities, her presence on the court will provide the Wildcats with another scoring option.
The next two women’s basketball signees have a unique bond like no other. Next season, fans will have double the excitement as Dillon-recruited twins Elise and Brooke Bender. From Whitehouse, Ohio, the Bender twins’ ability to play the guard and forward positions will help the team where the Wildcats need them most.
Elise Bender has an executive list of accolades, and is looking to continue building that list. She was first-team all-Ohio, Prep Girls Hoops Player of the Year, and first-team all-District 7. Elise’s excellent scoring talent has shown, as she has scored 1,427 career points, which has earned her a nomination for Ohio Ms. Basketball. Her ability to score from any position on the court, along with her great defensive instincts, will make her a great fit for the women’s roster.
Brooke Bender has a unique skill set that will enhance the Wildcats’ roster. The 6’1” guard/forward has established herself as an extraordinary shooter. Brooke owns the school record of 123 three-point field goals, which shows her ability to spread the floor. Her accolades continue with earning Special Mention allState, First Team Northwest Ohio, First Team all-District 7 and Toledo Blade top 25. Brooke’s shooting range and consistency from beyond the arc make her a valuable weapon to Villanova basketball.
“We are excited to have Kennedy, Elise and Brooke join our program,” Dillon said. “They are a talented group that will help move our program forward. All three possess the talent, mindset and skill level to be high level performers. Our program got better today by adding these three to our future roster.”
On the men’s side, the Wildcats signed a dynamic guard who will carry on his father’s legacy at Villanova.
Dante Allen, a 6’4” guard and four-star recruit, has a multifaceted skill set in which he can produce on offense and play strong defense. Allen initially gained attention in high school at Riviera Prep in Miami, where he averaged 21.0 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game last season. This season, he will attend Montverde Academy, the same program that produced former Villanova legend James Bell, to hone his abilities in elite competitions.
Allen demonstrated his abilities on the AAU circuit with Nightrydas Elite. He was instrumental in winning three straight championships at the renowned Nike Peach Jam Festival, demonstrating that he thrives under pressure on some of the largest platforms in high school basketball.
Dante Allen’s journey to Villanova is more than simply a new chapter. It is the continuation of a family lineage ingrained in Wildcat history. His father, Malik Allen, was once a Wildcat, cementing a strong collegiate career. Malik played four seasons for the Wildcats from 1996 to 2000, where he scored 1,131 points and collected 708 rebounds. He concluded his college career earning third-team all-Big East as a senior before entering his NBA career. In 2021, he was inducted into Villanova’s Varsity Club Hall of Fame.
“We are so excited to formally welcome Dante to the Villanova family,” Villanova men’s head coach Kyle Neptune said. “Dante is a tough, intelligent guard who drives winning. He is extremely versatile in getting to the rim, shooting and making plays for others. And of course, he brings a great pedigree as the son of two Villanova alumni, one of whom is a Hall of Famer for what he accomplished in his playing career here.”
With four new athletes added to a future Villanova basketball roster, the women’s and men’s basketball programs both look to have a promising start to the 2025-2026 season.
