A Positive Outlook for Villanova's Women's Basketball
Villanova’s women’s basketball squad closed out the 2025‑26 campaign with a 25‑8 record, securing second place in the Big East behind UConn and earning a #10 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats’ run ended in the first round against Texas Tech, but the performance underscored their ability to compete at the national level.
The roster will see some notable changes for the upcoming season. Veteran starter Denae Carter and rotation players Ryanne Allen and Kylee Watson are set to depart, while returning standouts such as Jasmine Bascoe, Brynn McCurry, Kennedy Henry and Kelsey Joens will provide continuity. Coach Denise Dillon, now in her seventh year, brings a 139‑59 record and a steady hand as the team integrates newcomers Alexis Eberz, Anna Foley and Simone Pelish.
Non‑conference play offered a glimpse of the Wildcats’ potential, highlighted by two Quadrant 1 road victories over West Virginia and James Madison. Within the Big East, they posted a perfect 16‑0 mark against Quadrant 4 opponents, yet the schedule also featured four sub‑200 games that complicated seeding discussions. The team finished 12‑0 in those contests, illustrating the narrow margins that separate the conference’s contenders from the rest.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats enter 2026‑27 with a favorable outlook. The blend of experienced returners, promising fresh talent and a challenging but navigable schedule positions them to again contend for an NCAA tournament berth. While UConn remains the benchmark in the Big East, Villanova’s recent trajectory suggests they are well‑placed to punch above their weight once more.