Villanova in the Final Four

April 3, 2022

Dear Villanovans,

As you read this, I hope your heads are held high. Our Wildcats played their hearts out last night against a very talented team. And while the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I could not be prouder of this team and its coaches and staff. It was a terrific season and an incredible run that Villanovans, and countless others, won’t soon forget. 

As I reflect on what this team means to our community, I am struck by how fortunate we are. Few programs in the country can boast three Final Four appearances in six years. It’s an incredibly rare and remarkable feat, and one I hope we, as a community, never take for granted. A late run in the tournament always involves a bit of luck, but that luck only comes into play with a solid foundation built on hard work, resilience in the face of obstacles and mental toughness.

For the past two seasons, this team has overcome adversity with perseverance. Whether it was challenges created by COVID-19, losses or injuries, they always found a way to focus on the things they could control and let go of everything else—turning obstacles into opportunities to become better, tougher and STRONGER TOGETHER. Thank you for always being wonderful ambassadors for our University by demonstrating, on and off the court, what it means to be a Villanovan.

To all the members of the Nova Nation who supported this team all season, THANK YOU. Your unfailing support and enthusiasm played a significant role in getting the team to this point. 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.

Finally, we’ve been blessed in 2016, 2018 and again this year to come together to play and pray. Today, all Villanovans in New Orleans are invited to gather to celebrate Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. at the Morial Convention Center - Hall G, 900 Convention Center Blvd.

For those of you not in New Orleans, I hope to see you soon, and God bless you and your families during this Lenten season.

Sincerely,

Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA
President