Villanova University wins inaugural Big East Presidents' Award

Villanova has won the inaugural Big East Presidents' Award, per a press release from the conference.

The Big East Presidents' Award is an award given to the university that excelled in academics, athletics, and citizenship in the previous academic year. It is voted on by a panel of Big East athletic and academic administrators.

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman said the following about Villanova,

"The performance of Villanova student-athletes in athletic competition, the classroom and the community last year was outstanding, and we commend Father Peter Donohue, former Athletics Director Vince Nicastro and his staff, and VU faculty and administration for establishing a culture of excellence in all of these areas on campus"

Each Big East school submitted a highlight package encapsulating all three fields. Let's take a look at why Villanova was chosen.

Academics

• Villanova Athletics boasted a 3.208 GPA, and saw 132 members make the Fall Dean's List.
• Twelve Villanova athletic programs earned Academic Progress Rate (APR) commendation.
• Men's Cross Country runner Sam McEntee was the Big East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year
• Women's Cross Country runner Stephanie Schappert was the Big East Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Athletics

• Villanova Basketball went 16-2 in Big East play, 33-3 overall.
• Villanova Track & Field captured Big East crowns in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.
• Villanova Women's Swimming & Diving won their second straight Big East title with 16 members named to the All-Big East team
• Both lacrosse teams, both soccer teams, and softball made the tournament field in Big East championships.

Citizenship

• Villanova student-athletes logged 2,940 hours of community service in a variety of different projects.
• Villanova Athletics actively participates in Pennsylvania's Special Olympics Fall Festival.
• Six Villanova teams also hosted youth clinics last season.