Dear Seniors,

When most of us were seniors in high school, Villanova’s men’s basketball team made it to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. 

Now, I am not known for being the biggest sports fan in the world, but that was a really amazing experience. Coming into Villanova, all I was ready for the team to go all the way again.

Spoiler: we did not. In fact, Villanova has not made the tournament since. So I stopped having hope. At least I was committed to Villanova when we made it last time, right?

When this season started, I was a bit pessimistic. I mean, do you blame me? Yet, Villanova proved me wrong, and the team has found its way back into the tournament.

Not only the men’s team, but the women’s team as well. The entire Villanova basketball community is back in the biggest tournament of the year.

Something I have noticed is how this is bringing school spirit back to campus, which has been decreasing since my first year. I love Villanova, but as a Connecticut native, I have avoided wearing my hats and sweatshirts in public in March when at home.

This year, I was proud to wear my merchandise, and I am proud to tell everyone that I go to Villanova. We are smart, we have fun and yes, we are good at basketball.

While this is an exciting time for all Villanovans, I cannot help but feel that it is special for us seniors. Villanova basketball is a way so many people first heard about this university. It is one of the reasons many people chose Nova over other schools, and it is one of the parts of the school that brings students from every corner of campus together to cheer on one team and one university.

This past weekend, while in New York City, I was running wearing a Villanova hat. I kept getting V’s Ups, “Go Cats” and many people pointing to their own Villanova merchandise. It felt like that moment when they tell you on tours that the Villanova fans and alumni networks are some of the strongest out there.

Villanova making the tournament also has me thinking about the last time the women’s team made it during my freshman year. This campus hosted a game, and it was one of the most electric feelings I have had as a student. 

Spirit and love for the University were my top requirements in a college. As I said earlier, I am not the biggest sports fan in the world, but I appreciate the people who love their universities. That is one of Villanova’s biggest strengths.

From walking around campus and seeing all the hats and sweatshirts, to looking through Instagram stories and seeing everyone reposting graphics from Villanova athletics, this is a school that takes pride in itself.

I cannot wait to be cheering on both teams throughout the tournament. Let’s remind the nation that we are three-time NCAA champions. It’s time to dance, Nova. Are you ready?

With love always,

Lauren