Dear Villanovans,Villanova is the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Champion!If you had told me two years ago that we would be celebrating another national championship today, I honestly don’t know that I would have believed you. In 2016, it had been 31 years since our last national championship for basketball, and now, just two years later, Villanova is once again the national champion! What a remarkable accomplishment for the players and for Coach Wright and his staff, and what a wonderful time to be a Villanovan!
In the days leading up to the Final Four, I was frequently asked about how this team embodies who we are as a University community. It’s a question that is easy for me to answer, and one that I am fairly certain is not asked of other college and university presidents. This team and these coaches are truly unique. They are such wonderful ambassadors for our University because, both on and off the court, they demonstrate what it means to be a Villanovan.
We often talk about the connection between heart and mind, and with each win they proved how powerful a combination that can be. They also acknowledged their success humbly, giving credit to the quality of their opponent and to their teammates and coaches—always placing the team before the individual. And most importantly, they are true STUDENT-athletes—with a commitment to academics, a 100 percent graduation rate and numerous academic awards. I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve handled themselves and represented the University throughout this season. It was an incredible run that Villanovans, and countless others, won’t soon forget. They have made all of us in the Nova Nation very proud.
To all the Villanovans who supported this team all season, THANK YOU. Your unfailing support and enthusiasm played a significant role in getting the team to this point in San Antonio. Thousands of you from around the country came out to cheer on the team. Villanova is fortunate to have some of, if not the most loyal fans in the country, and it was wonderful to witness you coming together to cheer on the team.
To keep the celebration going, I invite you to join me in welcoming Coach Wright and the team home to Villanova this evening at Jake Nevin Field House. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the team will arrive around 6:15 p.m. All are welcome.
There will also be a parade to celebrate the team and the national championship, Thursday, April 5, in Philadelphia. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at 20th and Market streets and will end at Dilworth Park. The University will be closed on Thursday for the parade festivities. Additional details will be posted on the
Let’s March Nova site this week.
Congratulations again to the team and, of course, go 'Cats!
Sincerely,
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