By Jake Diblasio/ Full360 Sports Editor

Game on for Delaware Valley University’s Athletics: Here are Some Things to Look out for in this Year’s Spring Sports

When people think of Delaware Valley University, people often think about the farm animals or the agricultural programs. However, Delaware Valley University offers nine different sports during the spring semester. 

They include Baseball, Softball, Men’s Lacrosse, Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Track and Field, Women’s Track and Field, Golf, Dressage Equestrian, and Hunting Equestrian. Often overlooked due to the campus small student population, athletics has a big impact on Delaware Valley University.  

 With the number of sports under way, it could be confusing to keep up with everything going on. Here are some dates to write down:

• Mar. 13: Women’s Lacrosse plays Immaculata University and Men’s Lacrosse plays Gwynedd Mercy University
• Mar 16: Baseball and Softball both play Desales University at home
• May 4: Track and Field have a meet, concluding regular season athletics for all Aggies Sports
• April/May: Teams that qualify will be competing in the playoffs, official dates for games are still to be determined. 

In an interview with Delaware Valley Athletic Director David Duda, emphasized the importance of these games for Student-Athletes.

“The thing I like is there’s been more student-athletes supporting student-athletes, and that’s where I think it needs to start,” Duda said. “I always speak to this on campus when I’m talking to whether it be a faculty member or a group on campus, I’m just trying to give them an understanding of the dedication for a student-athlete.”

Student-athletes are not the only ones giving up their time because of their love for sports. Each team has many different coaches who care about the sport they coach, and each one of their student athletes. 

Take Softball Head Coach Jamie Stefani. Stefani was named the Head Coach of her Alma Matter in 2021, two years after graduating from Delaware Valley University. In a recent interview with the DVUAggies social media, Stefani talked about what it meant to be a woman in sports.

“Being a female in sports has provided the opportunity to motivate and inspire athletes of all ages. It also means giving back to the sport that I love and that has helped me grow while offering opportunities I never would have had otherwise. I’m thankful to be able to continue this journey, while mentoring and guiding girls of all ages. Hopefully, these traits will not only apply to softball, but will carry over to life outside of sports.”

In the world of sports, change is constant and that has been no different in Doylestown. A change that happens every year is older players leaving, and younger players are joining the program. One change that is not a constant occurrence is new coaches. Delaware Valley had a couple of coaching changes this year. When asked about it, Duda said:

“We have a new women’s lacrosse coach Kate Iorfino, who came from Widener…. very, very successful. (I’m) excited for her first year.” Duda said “Track will continue, indoor is going on right now and that will go right into the spring outdoor with our new coach Dylan Bennet.”

The Spring season on campus at DelVal is one to look forward to for many reasons, and the new sports season is one of them. While it may seem like only a game, this means everything to Delaware Valley’s coaches and student-athletes. It may also seem overwhelming to keep up with every sport, but social media is making it easier.DVUaggies on X and Instagram provides final scores, reminders for game day, and so much more. For a more detailed recount of what happened, check out https://athletics.delval.edu. The athletic department’s website has full game recaps and highlights available shortly after each event.