On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Eric Roedl was introduced as Villanova’s new Vice President and Director of Athletics by University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Roedl, who graduated from Villanova with an accounting degree in 1997, was confirmed to be the University’s choice for its vacant athletic director job on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The press conference was Roedl’s first official introduction as Villanova’s new AD.
Rev. Donahue opened the press conference by discussing the search for a new director of athletics and why Roedl stood out among possible candidates. Roedl then took the podium and spoke about what Villanova means to him and his family. Rev. Donahue and Roedl also fielded questions from reporters. As Roedl wrapped up his prepared remarks, he shaped both his index and middle fingers into Vs and proclaimed, “Go ‘Cats.”
“It was a surreal moment when Father Peter called me to offer me the job, and my wife, [Nicole], was right there, and she was incredibly excited,” Roedl said. “When you think about moving into this role, the athletic director role, from a deputy role, you want it to be a great fit. Coming back to Villanova checks every box, personally and professionally. The opportunity to take on this new challenge in a place that we love so much. It’s just an amazing opportunity.”
Roedl spent the last 12 years as Oregon’s deputy athletic director and chief operating officer. At Villanova, he is replacing former athletic director Mark Jackson after Jackson left for the same role at Northwestern in August.
After graduating with a master of sports administration from North Carolina and a master of business administration from William & Mary, Roedl spent three years as an associate director of athletic business affairs at William & Mary. From there, he became the associate athletic director and chief financial officer for Temple in 2003. He was eventually promoted to deputy AD at Temple in 2011 shortly before departing for Oregon in January 2012.
“We wanted someone who buys into our mission and our values and has a strong commitment to our Augustinian ideals,” Rev. Donahue said. “We found all of that and more in Eric Roedl.”
Rev. Donahue noted that part of the search for a new AD was to find someone who fit with Villanova’s Augustinian values. Roedl has carried much of what he experienced as a student at Villanova with him throughout his career.
“I think the most special part to me about the Villanova experience is the community,” Roedl said. “When you’re a student here at Villanova, it’s big enough that there’s always somebody new to meet, but it’s also small enough that you know that you have close people around you and a sense of connection and connectivity. The values piece is really important, the Augustinian values, truth, unity and love. I absolutely feel like going through the Villanova experience is a big part of creating a platform for me as I move forward in life.”
Roedl will officially assume his new role in January 2025.
