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91���� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, securing her leadership through the 2029-30 season.

Blair-Lewis has revitalized the Patriots, leading them to historic milestones, including their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2024-25 season. This year, George Mason also set a program record with 27 wins and finished with a 14-4 conference record, solidifying its status as a top competitor in the A-10.

“In just four years, Vanessa has transformed our women’s basketball program, guiding us to our first A-10 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance,” said Lewis. “Her leadership has ignited a new level of pride and excitement across our campus community. Vanessa is not only an exceptional coach on the court but also a remarkable leader off it. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm of our program for years to come.”

Blair-Lewis has overseen remarkable improvement in her tenure. In her first season in 2021-22, she more than tripled the team’s win total from the previous year, guiding them to a 10-19 record. The following year, the Patriots recorded their first winning season since 2017-18, finishing 16-15 and advancing to the A-10 quarterfinals. In 2023-24, the program reached new heights with 23 regular season wins and 14 conference victories, earning a postseason bid to the WBIT. This past season, her vision materialized, as the Patriots achieved unprecedented success, culminating in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Gregory Washington, Athletic Director Marvin Lewis, and Senior Women’s Administrator Nena Rogers for their continued belief in me and unwavering support of our women’s basketball program,” said Blair-Lewis. “Being the head coach at George Mason is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with great pride. I’m fortunate to lead a phenomenal group of young women whose heart, resilience, and commitment made this historic season possible.”

Blair-Lewis’ impact has been recognized nationally, as she was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats two years in a row. 

“This year wasn’t just about wins—it was about changing the narrative, raising the standard, and showing what’s possible when a team fully believes in one another,” said Blair-Lewis. “The energy, unity, and pride we’ve seen from the George Mason community has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful.”

Blair-Lewis has also overseen the development of six standout student-athletes who have earned significant postseason accolades in the A-10. Three Patriots the last two seasons have been named to A-10’s All-Conference lists, including back-to-back athletes who were named the league’s Most Improved Player. 

With this contract extension, George Mason affirms its commitment to the continued growth and success of its women's basketball program under Blair-Lewis’s leadership. The university community looks forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones in the coming seasons.

“As we look ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Blair-Lewis. “We’re not done—we’re just getting started. Together, we’re building something truly special for this university, for Northern Virginia, and for every young girl who dreams of playing this game at the highest level.”