October 20, 2025 – Hendrix College welcomed hundreds of alumni, families, and friends back to campus for Homecoming 2025, marking one of the College’s most spirited and well-attended weekends in recent years.
This year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend drew 42.5% more participants over last year. From campus tours and alumni gatherings to student performances, research presentations, and athletic events, the weekend showcased the energy and engagement that define the Hendrix community.
The excitement carried into Saturday’s football game where more than 1,800 fans filled Young-Wise Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Warriors in their 60–21 victory over Austin College. The win capped off a weekend of connection, celebration, and community pride.
It was not only a victorious weekend at Hendrix but also a historic one. Amid the Homecoming excitement, Hendrix freshman Emily Vaiasicca made history by becoming the first female athlete in Hendrix College and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) history to play and score in a football game. Vaiasicca successfully made an extra point during the Warriors’ dominant win, etching her name into the record books.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Vaiasicca grew up playing soccer and joined her high school football team after being inspired by her older brother. Her journey to Hendrix began when Coach Chris Philips reached out during recruitment.
“Coach Philips actually was the one who reached out to me,” Vaiasicca said. “It didn’t matter to him that I was a girl; he just saw me as everyone else.”
Head Coach Buck Buchanan recalled the moment she was called to the field. “It was like, ‘Oh, Emily is about to go do this,’ and then after the fact, it was like, ‘Oh, this just happened,’” Buchanan said.
Reflecting on her historic kick, Vaiasicca shared, “It hit me after, that was my first play on varsity: ‘I don’t think a girl has kicked in the SCAC before.’ I hope it shows other girls that they can do anything they set their mind to.”
“The success of this weekend was made possible by the collaborative efforts of our entire campus community,” said Vice President for Advancement Quincy Davidson. “From Facilities and Public Safety to Athletics, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, everyone came together for a show of commitment, flexibility, and teamwork ensuring everything ran smoothly. This enthusiasm helped create a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.”
From record-breaking attendance to barrier-breaking moments, Homecoming 2025 captured the enduring Hendrix spirit, one of courage, community, and celebration.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose