The first time I ever heard about Villanova University was during its basketball team’s 2016 hot streak. I wasn’t an avid follower of intercollegiate sports. Nor did I particularly care about basketball. However, as an impromptu participant of my family’s March Madness competition, I blindly selected Villanova to crown my bracket.
I found myself watching game after game, becoming invested in the success of Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. They quickly became household names, topics to talk about in my middle school cafeteria. As my bracket soared, so did my enthusiasm for the school. I eventually won $75 for the sheer dumb luck of picking Villanova to follow. It was a single moment that changed the trajectory of my academic career.
When it came time to tour colleges, Villanova was naturally at the top of my list. The school’s academic selectivity, supportive alumni culture and gorgeous campus are what solidified my decision to enroll. However, I don’t pretend that its nationally-recognized basketball program didn’t play a factor.
Across the country, intercollegiate athletics have become a defining aspect of many schools’ identities. This practice can be positive, as it provides the student body with a sense of unity that extends beyond the classroom. However, there’s a downside to relying on sports for school identity. When campus morale becomes tied to a team’s performance, it leaves the student body vulnerable to the inevitable ups and downs of competition.
Was Villanova considered a “better” school during its championship-winning years? Academically, no. But socially, the answer might be different.
“If Villanova didn’t have basketball, this school wouldn’t be well-known,” Chris Buscemi, a sophomore engineering major, said. “People don’t choose schools based on academics unless they’re Ivy Leagues, and everyone wants to be part of a winning team.”
Buscemi’s comment emphasizes the reality that sports often serve as a gateway for student recruitment. For many, the prospect of joining a community with athletic esteem is just as appealing as academic opportunities. This sentiment isn’t unique to Villanova. As prestigious universities have become more equalized in their academic prowess, sports are increasingly serving as a deciding factor.
“I chose my school because I wanted to go somewhere with a prominent sports presence,” Reece Allen, a sophomore at Purdue University, said. “I like going to football games and tailgates. I honestly prioritized that sense of community when I was choosing schools, especially when I was between two schools that were close academics-wise.”
While sports certainly play a significant role in fostering school spirit, they can overshadow other aspects of campus life. For example, students who aren’t fans of athletics may feel excluded from these unifying experiences. Additionally, when schools overly prioritize athletics, it can divert resources from academic programs or development to campus infrastructure.
Villanova’s basketball program has faced its share of recent challenges, including Kyle Neptune’s departure as the head coach of the men’s basketball team. This decision has sparked uncertainty about the future of the team and the sense of pride that has long been associated with its success. As such, the next coach will inherit not only the responsibility of maintaining the program’s legacy but also the task of keeping campus morale high amidst inevitable changes.
While athletics can unite a campus, they shouldn’t overshadow other aspects of the institution. A well-rounded college identity should celebrate academics, diversity and student achievements alongside its athletic accomplishments. The University must ensure that its identity is resilient enough to withstand athletic upheaval, inviting students to embrace the countless other characteristics that make Villanova, Villanova.
