NCR and Rugbee.co proudly highlight Joel Casingal as the recipient of February’s Student Leader of the Month award. Casingal, a senior chemistry major and a premedical student, has been playing rugby for the past decade since he started in 7th grade. Currently, he plays scrumhalf for the Villanova University Men’s Rugby team.
During his time at Villanova, Casingal has exhibited strong leadership qualities, holding positions such as match secretary in 2022, president in 2023, and captain for the 2022-2023 season. Additionally, he is actively involved in Villanova’s Service Learning Community, where he has served as co-chair for the past two years.
Casingal dedicates his time to volunteering with organizations such as “Back on My Feet,” which focuses on combating homelessness through fitness and community support. He also organized volunteer opportunities for the Villanova team at the university’s Special Olympics competition. Apart from his volunteer work, Casingal is heavily involved in helping to coach and run practices for the team.
A teammate who nominated Casingal said, “He is the most inclusive leader of any organization I’ve ever been a part of. The culture of Villanova rugby welcomes anybody and everybody no matter who you are, and this is mainly thanks to Joel.”