Villanova’s volleyball team sat in the Finneran Pavilion, anxiously waiting for the school’s name to be called for the NCAA Tournament. After the first 8-0 start to the season in 20 years, and a 20-win season, the ‘Cats were hopeful to finally reach post-season play.
Despite the team’s first appearance in the Big East semi-finals since 2015, the team lost, 3-0, to Xavier on Nov. 22. Eight days later, during a watch party with all staff and players in attendance, Villanova’s name was not called.
“We were all tearing up a little bit,” rising senior middle blocker Abby Harrell said. “Our goal was to sit in that room in anticipation of hearing our name called. With pain and suffering comes some sort of hope. I think that happens every year. There are so many programs out there that are in the same boat.”
During the season, Harrell reached her 1,000th career kill, while head coach Josh Steinbach achieved his 300th win. The monumental win at Providence on Oct. 17 was a milestone for the ‘Cats to signify how far the program has grown under Steinbach in his 19-year tenure.
“I just haven’t really pursued anything else,” Steinbach said. “It’s been a really good place for my family and me. My two sons grew up and came to Villanova’s events and did all those things. My older son’s a Villanova employee now, [I] love the area and I’ve been really happy here.”
Harrell completed her junior season as Catholic Challenge MVP, Villanova Classic MVP, AVCA All-East Coast Region, All-Big East Team and BE Offensive Player of the Week all in 2025. The 5-foot-10 player from Ellensburg, WA, is a six-time Big East Weekly Honor Roll player, five-time Big East Freshman of the Week, and was the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2023.
Despite her list of accomplishments, Harrell feels she still has a responsibility to further the program. Her motivation and skill set are due to the undeniable leadership of Steinbach. His love for the sport is shown through his players’ camaraderie.
“Being able to remind myself that he also is here to learn and to grow, … continuing to evolve as a person, and we’re just part of each other’s stories for the time being,” Harrell described.
Harrell emphasizes her trust in God and connection to faith to keep her grounded on and off the court. Her composure makes her an unparalleled player with a constant determination to go the extra mile.
“I came in here with the intention not only to grow as a player, but I also wanted to be part of something like this, establishing a name for Villanova within the volleyball world,” Harrell said. “I didn’t think my resume would look like that. I didn’t even think I would set foot on the court. The way I live my life is trying to submit things at the feet of Christ, which comes with a lot of uncertainty.”
As unpredictable as the sport is, Harrell’s mind is constantly at peace because of her strong connection to her faith. Harrell rarely listens to media critiques and trusts her teammates and coaching staff more than anyone else. She believes in God, and any negative comments that people can say are “temporary.”
Nearing her final season, Harrell has strong hopes for the program, with the end goal of making a tournament appearance. Achieving such a goal will require hard work and consistency.
“…To living in integrity, to walking the walk and not just talking the talk, you know,” Harrell said. “I remember Josh telling me this when I was a recruit. You come in, and you’re all part of the same team. There’s no hierarchy. I’m excited to learn from everyone.”
From now until Spring Break, the team is in a training period, focusing on lifting. As per NCAA rules, volleyball teams are only allowed eight hours of team practice a week. Villanova makes all lifts optional, as well as short, individual training practices.
Volleyball is allowed four game days in the spring season that will commence in March. Looking forward to her future in volleyball after graduation, Harrell is considering all her options. She is passionate about physical therapy and hopes to get her M.S. in PT at a school that would also allow her to play Sand Volleyball as a graduate student.
