We had three excellent speakers for UVA week!
First, Rocco DiMeco, Co-Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers, shared that he was proud of every UD player. He noted the team “did not flinch” in a big win and expressed excitement for where the team is headed this season. He highlighted that the Coastal Carolina game was a “game of adjustments,” requiring the entire defensive plan to be changed at halftime. Playing younger players early helped keep the team fresh longer. Coach DiMeco was also pleased to have punter Josh Cupitt back and commended the punt team’s performance.
Joining Coach DiMeco was Ashton Navarrete, a Wide Receiver from Hawthorne NJ who was honored as the “Fightin’ Hens of the Week.
Next, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Kelly Lawrence discussed the team’s progress since her arrival in 2022, moving from two wins that year to ten last season. The team is currently 5-2-3, though Coach Lawrence noted that is “too many ties!” with several close plays almost converting those ties into wins. She praised the university’s facilities and recognized local athlete Gabby Riley from Middletown, who is on track to set new team records.
Our special guest speaker was former Wide Receiver Vinny Papale (2015–2018). Vinny spoke about his love for UD and his journey there. Coming out of high school in New Jersey, he felt “under-recruited and under-developed” after breaking his collarbone during his senior year. Despite a rough start—his first target resulted in an intercepted pass for a touchdown—his career steadily improved under the “tough coaching” of Dave Brock. Following a coaching change, he praised Coach Rocco as an “exceptional human being” and recalled playing alongside future NFL players Troy Reeder, Bilal Nichols, and Nasir Adderley.
One of his favorite memories was a Homecoming win against #5-ranked Elon at Delaware Stadium, where he caught the game-sealing touchdown pass against a team coached by Curt Cignetti. Vinny earned a finance degree from UD, met his wife Mackenzie here, played in the USFL for the Tampa Bay Bandits as a team captain, and is now a member of the Italy Flag Football team competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Thank you to Vinnie for being a Fighting Blue Hen!
