Dana O’Neil, a journalist with over 25 years of experience in covering college athletics, is joining the Villanova Athletics leadership team as the newly appointed Senior Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communication.
“We’re thrilled to have Dana on board during this pivotal time in college athletics,” said Lynn Tighe, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Administrative Officer. “Her unique skills and experiences will play a key role in guiding us through a changing landscape. Dana has effectively shared the stories of athletes nationwide and will be an outstanding leader for our student-athletes and staff.”
A member of the United States Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame since 2021, O’Neil was the beat writer for Villanova Basketball at the Philadelphia Daily News from 2001 to 2007. She left the Daily News in 2007 to work as a national correspondent for ESPN and later joined The Athletic in 2016. As a Senior Writer, she has reported on many significant stories in the sport and authored three books, including her portrayal 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’m excited about the opportunity to work with Villanova, a university and athletic program that I deeply respect,” O’Neil said. “College sports are changing quickly, but Villanova’s dedication to its core values has always distinguished it from others. I look forward to helping the university navigate these changes while preserving its unique identity.”
In her new position, O’Neil will act as the primary brand ambassador and head of strategic communications for Villanova Athletics, focusing on both Men’s and Women’s Basketball. She will strategize and execute all aspects of brand storytelling through various media channels, including traditional, social, digital, and graphic platforms. Additionally, she will work closely with university departments in Communications and Marketing and support narratives for Olympic Sports.
“Dana’s writing and work ethic have made her a standout voice in college basketball,” noted Villanova Women’s Basketball Head Coach Denise Dillon. “As a successful female figure in athletics, she brings valuable experience and innovative ideas to our program and the greater Villanova Women’s Basketball community.”
“Dana is widely respected and influential in journalism,” said Kyle Neptune, Villanova Men’s Basketball Head Coach. “Our team is eager to have her join us and we anticipate her being an invaluable asset for our program and players.”
Leave a Reply