Providence College Athletics
A Message Of Thanks From Athletic Director Steve Napolillo
11/25/2025 10:00:00 AM | General
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude.
Dear Friartown,
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and I'm grateful for the incredible supporters and fanbase that we have in Friartown. The holiday is a reminder of the significance of giving thanks and appreciating all the good we have. It's a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate our successes. We have just come off a great weekend of wins and we don't take these moments for granted. And while in recent years we have witnessed significant changes in the college landscape, our focus on competing at the highest level will always be at the forefront in all that we do.
As I have shared with you in the past, there are several bills are under consideration in Congress that could have a significant impact on college athletics. Given the climate in Washington, DC with the recent government shutdown and other competing Congressional priorities, it is unclear when, or if, the SCORE Act or any other legislation will be approved before next year's election. Nevertheless, I continue to monitor all developments and I am in constant discussions with the BIG EAST and Hockey East conferences and my fellow athletic directors to ensure we are prepared for any impact this may have on our institution or the conferences. We remain committed to adapting and thriving regardless of the outcomes.
On the positive side, I am pleased that over two-thirds of Division I schools voted last week to rescind the NCAA recent rule change allowing student-athletes to gamble on professional sports. Providence College and the BIG EAST Conference were opposed to this rule change, as these regulations have been in place for years to preserve the integrity of competition and protect athletes from undue influence or conflicts of interest. Given the current climate of gambling transgressions both in professional and collegiate sports, I believe this would have sent the wrong message to our student-athletes at a critical time in college sports.
Earlier this month, we were excited to announce that the Calabria Revenue Share Challenge brought in over $500,000 for Men's Basketball revenue share thanks to the incredible support of the Friar Family. On the heels of that milestone, we are grateful to Bill Concannon '77, '08P and Claudia Concannon '08P for stepping forward to match the next $250,000 in men's basketball revenue share. This challenge runs to December 31, 2025. I ask that you please join the Calabrias and the Concannons to support this critical initiative to ensure that our men's basketball program - and all of our revenue share programs - are supported at an elite level.
In closing, Thanksgiving is a special occasion to acknowledge the importance of appreciation, not just on this day, but as a daily practice. As we come together to celebrate, let's remember to extend our gratitude to those who have supported us, to those who have made a difference in our lives, and to the simple joys that make each day special. Let us reflect on all the blessings and positive moments that have enriched our lives. Thank you for your support and passion for Providence College Athletics. I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, blessed, and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and I'm grateful for the incredible supporters and fanbase that we have in Friartown. The holiday is a reminder of the significance of giving thanks and appreciating all the good we have. It's a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate our successes. We have just come off a great weekend of wins and we don't take these moments for granted. And while in recent years we have witnessed significant changes in the college landscape, our focus on competing at the highest level will always be at the forefront in all that we do.
As I have shared with you in the past, there are several bills are under consideration in Congress that could have a significant impact on college athletics. Given the climate in Washington, DC with the recent government shutdown and other competing Congressional priorities, it is unclear when, or if, the SCORE Act or any other legislation will be approved before next year's election. Nevertheless, I continue to monitor all developments and I am in constant discussions with the BIG EAST and Hockey East conferences and my fellow athletic directors to ensure we are prepared for any impact this may have on our institution or the conferences. We remain committed to adapting and thriving regardless of the outcomes.
On the positive side, I am pleased that over two-thirds of Division I schools voted last week to rescind the NCAA recent rule change allowing student-athletes to gamble on professional sports. Providence College and the BIG EAST Conference were opposed to this rule change, as these regulations have been in place for years to preserve the integrity of competition and protect athletes from undue influence or conflicts of interest. Given the current climate of gambling transgressions both in professional and collegiate sports, I believe this would have sent the wrong message to our student-athletes at a critical time in college sports.
Earlier this month, we were excited to announce that the Calabria Revenue Share Challenge brought in over $500,000 for Men's Basketball revenue share thanks to the incredible support of the Friar Family. On the heels of that milestone, we are grateful to Bill Concannon '77, '08P and Claudia Concannon '08P for stepping forward to match the next $250,000 in men's basketball revenue share. This challenge runs to December 31, 2025. I ask that you please join the Calabrias and the Concannons to support this critical initiative to ensure that our men's basketball program - and all of our revenue share programs - are supported at an elite level.
- To support the Men's Basketball revenue share challenge or to donate directly to the revenue share accounts established for Women's Basketball, Men's Ice Hockey, or Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track, please click here. Your contribution is fully tax deductible and provides immediate support.
- Additionally, student-athletes in all of our varsity Olympic sports can benefit from your support. Contributions can be given directly to support a program of your choice by clicking here or you can visit the Opendorse Marketplace to support a student-athlete or sport of your choice.
- With the holiday season in full swing, tickets to watch the Friars makes a great gift for yourself and your loved ones. We have a variety of ticket packages that will be available until Christmas to come support our Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, and Men's Ice Hockey programs. Visit Friars.com/tickets today to see what we have available. Additionally make sure you are subscribed to our email list, so you don't miss our latest ticket drops.
In closing, Thanksgiving is a special occasion to acknowledge the importance of appreciation, not just on this day, but as a daily practice. As we come together to celebrate, let's remember to extend our gratitude to those who have supported us, to those who have made a difference in our lives, and to the simple joys that make each day special. Let us reflect on all the blessings and positive moments that have enriched our lives. Thank you for your support and passion for Providence College Athletics. I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, blessed, and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Providence vs. Butler
Saturday, November 08
Men's Swimming & Diving vs. Villanova
Saturday, November 08
Men's Soccer vs Georgetown
Friday, November 07
Providence vs. Xavier
Friday, November 07
