Villa Maria College has begun construction to expand its existing athletic facilities.

The college reintroduced its athletic program during the 2015-16 academic year, with men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's soccer. Men's and women's cross country, men's and women's bowling, and men's golf were added last year.

The reintroduction of athletics has been successful, with both the men's women's basketball programs advancing to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament this past season. Together, the two programs amassed 70 wins over the past two seasons. Men's and women's soccer, along with men's and women's cross country, will enter their second seasons of competition and the remaining programs will begin competing in the 2017-18 season.
The college plans to add men's and women's volleyball in the near future.

In order to accommodate the athletics program's rapid growth, the college will convert its existing pool into a practice gym that will house a regulation-size basketball court and a practice volleyball court.

"These upgrades will allow our facilities to better support our growing programs," said Don Silveri, Villa Maria College's director of athletics.

"We've had two very impressive years athletically, and we look forward to recruiting more student-athletes who want to study on our student-centered campus and can help lead the Vikings to success."

Because of this expansion, the college will extend its partnership with Nardin Academy for five years. This partnership has been ongoing since the 2014-15 academic year. Per the partnership, Nardin uses Villa's athletic facilities for home competitions in basketball and volleyball, and uses the space to hold practices for other sports.

"Nardin Academy is pleased to continue its partnership with Villa Maria College," said Joe Baudo, Nardin's director of athletics. "The expansion of their athletic facilities allows our volleyball and basketball programs to have a place to call home while we make advances to our athletic facilities and program."

Kirst Construction has taken on the project; they expect it to be complete for the start of the basketball season.

For more information on Villa Maria College, visit villa.edu.