Dana O'Neil, who has covered college athletics as a journalist for more than a quarter century, joined Villanova Athletics leadership team in September of 2024 in the newly created role of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communication.
"We're excited to welcome Dana to Villanova in this important new role," stated Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Administrative Officer Lynn Tighe. "At this critical time in College Athletics, Dana brings a unique portfolio of skills and experiences that will help guide us through an evolving landscape. Dana's words have brought to life the stories of athletes across the nation and now she'll be an incredible leader for our student-athletes and staff."
A 2021 inductee in the United States Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame, O'Neil served as the beat writer covering Villanova Basketball for the Philadelphia Daily News from 2001-07. She departed the Daily News in 2007 to join ESPN as a national correspondent before moving to The Athletic in 2016. In her time as a Senior Writer at The Athletic she has covered many of the sport's top stories and has authored three books, including her account of the 2016 Villanova NCAA national championship, "Long Shots: Jay Wright, Villanova and College Basketball's Most Unlikely Champion" and "The Big East: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential Conference in College Basketball History."
"I am excited for the opportunity to work with Villanova, a university and athletics program I know well and have always respected," said O'Neil. "College sports are evolving rapidly but Villanova's commitment to its core values has long set it apart from the rest. I look forward to helping the University navigate the changes while maintaining its identity, and what makes it a truly special place.''
In this new role, O'Neil will serve as overall brand ambassador and lead strategic communications executive for Villanova Athletics with an emphasis on Men's and Women's Basketball, and will develop, direct and execute all elements of brand and strategic storytelling through traditional media, social, digital and graphic verticals. She will also collaborate with university partners in Communications and Marketing and support Olympic Sports narratives.
"Over the course of her career, Dana's writing and work ethic have established her as one of college basketball's most prominent voices," said Villanova Head Women's Basketball Head Coach Denise Dillon. ""As a successful woman in Athletics, Dana brings a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to our program and all those affiliated with Villanova Women's Basketball."
"Dana is one of the most respected and influential journalists in our business," stated Villanova Head Men's Basketball Coach Kyle Neptune. "Our staff is excited to welcome Dana to Villanova and look forward to working with her. She will be an invaluable resource for our program and our players."
