Athletics

Soccer alumna plays a role in FIFA World Cup

ckearney — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:38:06 +0000

Soccer alumna plays a role in FIFA World Cup ckearney Wed, 06/10/2026 - 11:38

Hollis Kosco, BA Speech Communication '94, has built a career that spans continents and stadiums, but her journey began on the soccer fields at 91��. A former member of George Mason's 1993 NCAA national runner-up women's soccer team, Kosco has turned her athletic experience into a global profession in sports management and operations.

Hollis Kosco (center) with the Alumna of the Year Award. Photo by Risdon Photography

Kosco is part of the team supporting FIFA World Cup 2026, adding another remarkable chapter to a journey that includes roles with the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, seven Olympic Games, two Asian Games, and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.

Kosco serves as a senior transportation manager for FIFA World Cup 2026, which is based in the Miami area. Her work requires complex operational planning across three countries, 16 stadiums, and 48 participating national teams.

Her journey began when she arrived at George Mason as a student-athlete. After watching the Patriots win the 1985 NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship, a landmark achievement that helped put the university on the national map, Kosco's interest in George Mason grew. She ultimately chose George Mason not only for its growing soccer program, but also for the opportunity to live on campus, compete at the Division I level, and be part of a diverse university community.

"Mason felt like home," Kosco said. "The soccer program, the people, and the opportunities all stood out to me."

A 2024 Alumna of the Year award-winner, Kosco has watched the university’s rapid evolution. When she enrolled, the university was a smaller regional institution, a world of difference compared to the George Mason of today—a leading public university and the largest public research university in Virginia.

"I've loved watching Mason grow," Kosco said. "The university has become nationally respected while still maintaining the sense of community that made it special."

Kosco credits her time at Mason with shaping both her professional career and her personal outlook. As a communication major, she developed skills that continue to guide her today as she works on the international stage with FIFA.

"Mason taught me how to communicate, connect with others, and understand different perspectives," Kosco said. "Those experiences prepared me for opportunities I never imagined."

Now preparing for a summer surrounded by the world's top soccer nations, Kosco still carries lessons learned as a Patriot. She points to the culture of hard work and perseverance instilled during her time at Mason as a driving force behind her success.

"You don't strive to be the smartest or the best," Kosco said. "You just keep working hard and don't give up."

Fun Fact: During Kosco’s time with the Patriots, she was a teammate of Kelley (Harlow) Pulisic, a standout defender in George Mason’s women's soccer program and the mother of current USMNT star Christian Pulisic. Christian's father, Mark, played forward at George Mason from 1986 to 1989 and is in the university’s Men's Soccer Hall of Fame.

George Mason Alumni Association

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McMeans named Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year

Katarina Benson — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:34:56 +0000

McMeans named Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year Katarina Benson Tue, 05/19/2026 - 16:34

91�� golfer Vaughn McMeans has been named the 2026 Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Player of the Year, becoming the first Patriot in the program’s history to earn the conference's top individual honor.

McMeans holds several George Mason records. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

A native of Leesburg, Virginia, McMeans anchored the Patriots throughout the 2025-26 campaign with a program-record 70.8 stroke average and a scoring average versus par of -1.04, beating the prior best of 0.31. Both are the best marks in George Mason annuls.

The sophomore sport management major led the Patriots to a historic runner-up finish at the Atlantic 10 Championship and helped position the program among the conference's elite.

Individually, McMeans delivered a strong showing with a 3-under-par score on the par-72, 7,085-yard Evermore Resort's Cypress Course, while finishing seventh overall. His finish improved on last season's 15th-place showing at the 2025 A-10 Championship.

McMeans recorded eight top-25 finishes and five top-10 outings during the season. He also earned medalist honors twice, tying the school record for most tournament victories in a single season. Among his standout performances, McMeans captured co-medalist honors at the Nemacolin Collegiate Invitational after finishing 11-under-par. He followed with another co-medalist finish at The Island at West Bay Collegiate Invitational with a 15-under-par performance.

The sophomore finished 7th at the 2025 A-10 men's golf championship. Photo provided

His fall season included back-to-back Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Week honors and multiple entries into the George Mason record book. Last season, McMeans earned Atlantic 10 All-Conference honors as a freshman after posting seven top-25 finishes and three Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week awards.

"Vaughn's season has been nothing short of remarkable," said George Mason head golf coach Greg Pieczynski. "He has elevated our entire program with his leadership. To become the first conference Golfer of the Year in school history is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work he puts in every day."

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Jay and Carolyn Marsh honored with George Mason Medals

ckearney — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:17:00 +0000

Jay and Carolyn Marsh honored with George Mason Medals ckearney Thu, 05/14/2026 - 12:17

The George Mason Medal, the highest honorary award bestowed by the 91�� Board of Visitors, recognizes individuals whose service reflects the character and commitment of George Mason himself. A Northern Virginia native and influential voice for liberty during the Revolutionary War, Mason never held elected office, yet his leadership and dedication to the public good left a lasting mark on the nation. The medal, presented at Commencement with special distinction, honors those whose lives embody that same spirit of service.

Few exemplify that legacy more fully than Jay and Carolyn Marsh.

Jay and Carolyn Marsh in 2021 the men’s basketball film room named for her. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Office of University Branding

Together, the Marshes devoted a combined 90 years to George Mason Athletics before retiring in 2021. Their careers shaped generations of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, leaving an enduring imprint on the university community. Carolyn passed away in 2025, but her warmth and influence remain woven into the fabric of the program she helped nurture for nearly half a century.

Carolyn Marsh began her career at George Mason in December 1975 as a sports information assistant. She soon became executive assistant to the men’s basketball program, serving eight head coaches over the decades. From John Linn to Dave Paulsen, she was a steady and trusted presence. Known for her compassion and personal touch, Carolyn built lifelong relationships with student-athletes, many of whom stayed in contact long after graduation. She often described her role simply: caring for the players like a mother.

Jay Marsh’s journey began as a student-athlete. After serving in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at George Mason, earning a degree in business administration in 1973 while playing two seasons of men’s basketball. After graduation, he briefly worked in construction and coached part-time before returning full-time in 1976. Over nearly five decades, he became synonymous with athletics operations, overseeing facilities, events, and fundraising while ensuring a first-class experience for athletes and fans alike.

Mason Medal awardee Jay Marsh (right) with the student speaker Saniya Darediya before the ceremony. Photo by John Boal Photography

From leading the Patriot Club to serving as senior associate athletic director for events and facilities, Jay earned a reputation for steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge. His expertise extended beyond campus, particularly in managing the Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament for many years. He also played pivotal roles in historic moments, including the 1985 women’s soccer national championship and the Patriots’ 2006 Final Four run.

The Marshes’ generosity includes an endowed scholarship for basketball student-athletes and support for locker room renovations. The men’s basketball film room now bears Carolyn’s name, honoring her quiet but profound impact. Married since 1967, they built a life intertwined with George Mason. Their legacy—rooted in loyalty, service, and love for the university—continues to inspire the Mason community today.

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Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:50 +0000

Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting Katarina Benson Mon, 05/11/2026 - 14:52

At its final meeting of the academic year, the 91�� Board of Visitors saluted graduates from the Early Identification Program, received an update on the men’s basketball program from Coach Tony Skinn, and passed a six-year capital plan, among other actions, including approval of a tuition and fees increase for 2026-27.

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, reported that 41 proposals (16 large, 25 small) had been submitted for the Grand Challenge Initiative. The initial funding recipients were announced in The George on May 6.

Faculty from all colleges and schools, including Mason Korea, submitted applications. Marshall noted that 38 of the proposals included more than one George Mason college or school and six proposals involved five or more colleges and schools.

“This initiative strengthens George Mason's competitiveness for large interdisciplinary awards,” Marshall said. “It also reshapes how we organize our institutional research. Finally, most importantly, it positions us to lead solutions to some of our most urgent societal needs, living up to our responsibility as a top-tier research university.”

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, shared successes from his department and brought along a special guest—men’s basketball coach Tony Skinn. Women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis will be a guest at a future Athletic Committee meeting.

Lewis reported significant increases in corporate sponsorships, fundraising (including $2 million on Giving Day, doubling last year’s total), ticket sales, and men’s basketball attendance.

To improve student turnout at athletic events, the university is creating the position of assistant director of student involvement for student fan engagement. According to the job posting, the role “focuses on fostering connections between students, student organizations, and athletic programs to build a vibrant, spirited campus culture.”

“Most schools don't have that,” Lewis said. “But it shows the shared commitment in engaging our students, creating a community for our students, and our investment at the university level to make that happen.”

Under Skinn, the Patriots have posted three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in program history and amid a challenging recruiting environment. The team was co-regular season champion of the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2024-25 and has reached the NIT the past two postseasons. George Mason will enter the 2026-27 season seeking its first NCAA men’s basketball berth since 2011.

Skinn said the Basketball and Academic Performance Center for the men’s and women’s teams set to open in 2027 will be “transformational” for the program because it combines the team’s athletic and academic resources. The BAPC is a 27,870 square-foot addition and 14,341 square-foot renovation to the existing Recreation and Athletic Complex and will include a modern academic advising center for all George Mason student-athletes.

“Through men's basketball, I believe a return on investment reaches far beyond the game itself, driving enrollment, strengthening alumni engagement, fueling fundraising, elevating national relevance and deepening George Mason pride,” Skinn told the board. “That is what a successful basketball program can do for this university.”

Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 91�� Foundation, reported that the university has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion Mason Now: Power the Possible goal. That includes $2.95 million raised from Giving Day on April 2, topping the $1.5 million collected last year for Giving Day.

Athletics, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Costello College of Business each had a record number of donors this year.

Bowden said that 237 faculty and staff made donations on Giving Day, and the day included 500 first-time donors.

The board congratulated 19 members of the Early Identification Program (EIP) who are graduating this month. Among them was Monica Amaya, an Honors College student and University Scholar who is earning a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management information systems.

EIP provides academic preparation, leadership training, and college process guidance for first-generation students starting in the eighth grade. EIP is marking its 40th anniversary this year. More than 200 EIP alumni are currently enrolled at the university.

“When I arrived here at George Mason, I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch,” said Amaya, who is from Manassas Park, Virginia. “It felt like I was continuing a journey. One I had already been prepared for. I felt supported, and most importantly, I felt like I belonged.

“I carry with me everything that EIP and George Mason have given me: Resilience, a drive to learn, and a strong sense of community. My success didn't happen by chance. It started with access, it started with support. It started with EIP.”

Amaya, an EIP peer mentor, has a job lined up at CACI as a software developer.

Leaders from three of the university’s schools and colleges made pitches to the board for new or upgraded facilities.

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, presented a plan to turn Point of View into a retreat and conflict center that could accommodate overnight visitors. Özerdem envisions a “civilian Camp David.”

Point of View, located in Lorton, Virginia, about 18 miles from the Fairfax Campus, is a retreat and research center guided by Carter School faculty. The facility, on 120 wooded acres on Belmont Bay, provides space and support for groups to resolve conflict, heal, and reconcile, and is also a community event space.

Özerdem said that the most effective conflict resolution programs enable participants to spend extended time together in common living and gathering spaces.

“When people share the dinner table, if they sleep under the same roof, they start to think about peace in a different way,” Özerdem said. “Live, think, negotiate together is what we want to achieve.”

Ozerdem said the university has secured $4 million from the state and needs another $10 million to upgrade the facility. He said a public–private partnership is one option.

Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, made a presentation to the board about CVPA fundraising activities and a proposed $104 million project for a new Center for the Arts. The current center opened in 1990.

“When the arts programs of 1990 are all counted up, we had 250 students and we now have 1,800 students majoring in all of our arts disciplines,” Davis said. "The building that we designed in the 1980s was designed for a whole different universe.”

Davis mentioned other potential projects, including a planning study for a new facility for the film and video studies program and game design program to share. Those programs currently are based in the Art and Design Building. Davis also discussed an “arts district vision” that would include a sculpture garden and campus museum.

Patrick Soleymani, associate dean of the Costello College of Business, presented a plan for a new business school building, an initiative that began in 2018. The proposed $165 million project is part of the university’s six-year capital plan (see below).

Soleymani said that Northern Virginia has more than 130,000 open jobs, including 80% in tech-related field, many of which are affiliated with business school graduates.

“Our reputation has outgrown our infrastructure,” Soleymani said. “A new home for Costello directly enhances student success and strengthens the university's position as being in charge of the economic engine of this community and region.”

The six-year capital plan includes several proposed projects. It establishes the university’s capital requests to be submitted to the commonwealth for consideration. The plan is updated on an annual basis and approved by the Board of Visitors.

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB): Proposed as 150,000-square-foot building that will modernize and replicate the spaces within David King Hall and Planetary Hall to allow George Mason to repurpose or demolish the two antiquated facilities in accordance with the Master Plan.
Costello College of Business Building: The approximately 150,000-square-foot building is anticipated to collocate the Costello College of Business operations. A new building would allow for technology-rich, experiential business education while significantly improving visibility and competitiveness.
Baseball Stadium: Would address long-standing facility shortcomings and support the student-athlete experience and recruitment. The current facility has metal bleachers and no restrooms, lights, or concessions.
High-Performance Training Center: Envisioned in partnership with a potential private partner to leverage shared investment and expertise.
Field House: The current facility has exceeded its useful life and no longer meets current programmatic or building system standards.

The April 30 meeting documents can be accessed here. A video recording and transcript of the meeting is here.

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91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish

Katarina Benson — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:36:42 +0000

91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish Katarina Benson Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:36

The 91�� community came together in a powerful show of support on April 2, raising a record $2.95 million during the university’s 24-hour Giving Day. More than 1,900 donors made 3,229 gifts to 293 funds across the university, helping expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, and support initiatives that advance George Mason’s mission.

Throughout the day, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends rallied behind the university with enthusiasm and generosity. Among the donors were 864 alumni and 337 faculty and staff members, and 500 donors made their first gift to the university, representing about 25% of all Giving Day participants.

“It was especially meaningful to see so many people choose to support George Mason for the first time,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 91�� Foundation. “Every new donor strengthens this community and expands what we can make possible for our students. When people invest in George Mason, they are investing in opportunity—in the students whose lives are changed here and in the impact they will go on to make in the world.”

That spirit of generosity was reflected across the university, with donors supporting scholarships, athletics, academic programs, and other priorities that directly shape the student experience. The General Scholarship Fund attracted the largest number of faculty and staff donors, followed by the Costello College of Business’ Spirit of ’77 Fund and Basketball Greatness.

George Mason Athletics generated the highest totals for both dollars and donors on Giving Day.

“Giving Day captures the very heart of our athletics community—from our athletes and coaches to the fans who fuel our mission,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Athletics. “The extraordinary growth we see year after year is a testament to the trust our supporters place in us and the deep pride they take in investing in the lives of our student-athletes. We are gratified and humbled by this community’s commitment to our championship culture, ensuring every George Mason athlete has the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.”

Along with Athletics’ standout results, the Costello College of Business and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) also received notable support, in both dollars raised and donor participation. CVPA Dean Rick Davis reflected on the lasting impact of the day. “One of our mottoes, that we return to again and again, is that the arts create community. A gift to Mason Arts is one that develops student talent, enhances creative capabilities, and in turn, enriches our community's experience,” he said.

The momentum of Giving Day adds to George Mason’s historic fundraising campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible, which has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion goal.

“Each gift, no matter the size, helps expand student success, support academic excellence, and create opportunities for George Mason students to learn, lead, and thrive,” said Bowden. “Through Mason Now, that generosity is helping George Mason move forward in ways that will shape the university for years to come.”

Power the Possible. Learn more.

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Alumni athletic trainers give back to George Mason

Katarina Benson — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:12:09 +0000

Alumni athletic trainers give back to George Mason Katarina Benson Fri, 03/20/2026 - 15:12

For athletic trainers, every day begins with a simple mission: protect the health and safety of the athletes in their care. It is a role that demands clinical expertise, trust, communication, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being.

At 91��, two alumni of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) are living that mission every day. Cheryl Hairston, BS Athletic Training ’15, and Jaylen Simmons, BS Kinesiology ’21, MS Athletic Training ’23, now serve George Mason student-athletes as athletic trainers. Their journeys into the profession began with personal curiosity, mentorship, and formative experiences that ultimately shaped their careers.

Cheryl Hairston. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Hairston’s path to athletic training began while she was exploring health care careers in high school. “I thought I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon,” she said. “But I didn’t want to be in school until I was 30. In my search for related professions, I found athletic training, and I thought it was really cool to be able to work directly with sports teams on the sidelines as a health care provider.”

Simmons’s inspiration came from firsthand experience with injury during his own athletic career. “What first drew me to athletic training was an injury I sustained while playing high school football,” he said. “During that time, I worked closely with my high school athletic trainer, which sparked my interest in the profession.”

Those early experiences eventually led both of them to George Mason’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program within CEHD, where they developed the skills and mindset required to thrive in high-pressure athletic environments.

Hairston credits the program’s rigorous clinical experiences for preparing her to work in the high-pressure Division I athletics environment. “The experience in a variety of clinical settings prepared me well for the realities of working in DI athletics,” she said.

She recalls learning early on that the work of athletic trainers often requires creativity and adaptability. “I feel like the perception of DI athletics is that we have unlimited resources,” Hairston said. “Though we are fortunate to have many resources, we still have to be innovative and resourceful, especially when we’re on the road.”

Jaylen Simmons. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Simmons agrees that the program demanded resilience and adaptability. “My experience in CEHD’s MSAT program taught me how to be more selfless than I had previously been,” said Simmons, who competed on George Mason’s men’s track and field team while a student. “The faculty mentored and guided me through a challenging program while I was still competing as a Division I athlete myself. That experience prepared me to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to adjust to whatever environment I entered professionally.”

Today, their work supporting George Mason athletes is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Athletic trainers provide care that spans injury evaluation, rehabilitation, prevention programs, emergency response, and coordination with physicians and specialists.

Hairston describes her days as a constant balance of responsibilities. “I spend the majority of my weekdays on patient care,” she said, “assessing injuries, treating and rehabbing injuries, creating preventative programs, responding to urgent situations, sitting in on doctor’s appointments, and documenting patient interactions. When we’re traveling, we might be at the track for 12 hours or more.”

But the profession is about far more than physical care.

“I try to get to know student-athletes as people, not just athletes,” Hairston said. “I see these athletes more than they see their family when they’re on campus, and I become part of that support system away from home.”

Simmons shares a similar philosophy.

“Honesty and showing athletes that you genuinely care goes a long way,” he said. “When athletes know you are honest with them and truly invested in their well-being, it helps build strong trust and lasting relationships.”

The role of athletic trainers is especially visible during the competitive season. Simmons works with the men’s soccer and wrestling teams. He begins his day preparing George Mason’s men’s soccer team for practice, including “treatment, rehabilitation exercises, taping, stretching, and hydration,” he said. In the afternoon, he transitions to working with George Mason’s men’s wrestling team, where he often manages more intensive post-operative care and wound management.

“Athletic trainers are truly the frontline of collegiate athletics,” Simmons said. “Our training allows us to recognize, evaluate, and treat injuries and guide athletes safely through the return-to-play process.”

For Hairston, the impact of athletic trainers extends across nearly every aspect of student-athlete health.

“We serve so many roles in the collegiate athletic space because of our varied skillset and proximity to our patients,” she said. “On any given day, we’re evaluating injuries, creating prevention programs, and responding to urgent situations.”

Despite the demanding schedule, both alumni say the relationships they build with student-athletes make the profession incredibly meaningful.

Working at George Mason has added another layer of meaning to their careers. “Working at George Mason was always my dream as an athletic trainer,” Hairston said. “My first clinical experience as a student was with George Mason track and field, and now I’m the athletic trainer for that program. It’s really full circle for me.”

Simmons describes a similar sense of gratitude for his long affiliation with George Mason. “This is my ninth year at 91��, from being a student-athlete, to an MSAT student, and now a full-time professional.”

As National Athletic Training Month highlights the profession’s critical role in athlete health and safety, both alumni encourage students interested in the field to embrace the learning process.

“Learn the foundational stuff really well before you try to add glitter to what you’re doing,” Hairston said. “A great foundation will set you up for success and confidence.”

Together, their stories illustrate the powerful impact of CEHD’s Athletic Training Education Program, and the dedication required to support the health, safety, and success of student-athletes.

As Hairston reflects on her journey, one thing remains clear. “To be part of the student-athlete experience at George Mason,” she said, “is everything.”

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Patriot Performance Lab helps athletes stay in the game

sholla4 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:52:28 +0000

Patriot Performance Lab helps athletes stay in the game sholla4 Tue, 03/03/2026 - 12:52

To be an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete, you need a village. From dieticians to strength trainers to physical therapists, developing and maintaining fitness for elite competition is a collaborative effort. One way that 91�� Intercollegiate Athletics and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) keep our athletes in top form is through evidence-based practices and science. That's where the Patriot Performance Lab comes in.

Erica King, right, works with a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

The Patriot Performance Lab’s role is twofold: They monitor and measure athletes’ health as well as conduct research studies on athlete performance. Over the years, they’ve conducted numerous studies with various D1 teams—such as testing vitamin D levels in basketball players and knee joint adaptations in volleyball players—while providing athletes with critical data on their health metrics like body composition, VO2 Max, strength measurements, and more.

Margaret Jones. Photo by John Boal Photography.

“We’re not just a research lab,” emphasized Margaret Jones, professor in CEHD’s Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management Division and director of the Patriot Performance Lab. “Providing health services to athletes is also critical. It’s what makes the partnership work.”

Strong science communication skills are essential in this field. Researchers need to be able to translate data and results to coaches and student-athletes so they can adjust and improve. Chris Green, professor of sport management and director of the Center for Sport Management, works with the lab to help staff develop research communication skills.

“It’s relatively new to consider sports management in sports science,” she said. “The field as a whole is starting to ask how we can make good management decisions around athlete health and performance data. But the Patriot Performance Lab is already doing this work. It’s one of the things that makes us unique, and it’s what makes our work impactful.”

Green has been essential, Jones said, in helping lab members develop their communication skills and better understand how information is being shared from researchers to coaches to athletes.

“When they understand why I’m asking them to wear or do something and understand how this will benefit them, they’re more likely to perform at the level required in order for us to get good data,” said Noelle Saine, BS Kinesiology ’22, MS Kinesiology ’23, and a third-year PhD student. Saine, who was herself a student-athlete in track and field, understands the importance of strong communication between sport scientists and athletes.

“It’s establishing trust that what we’re doing will improve their health and performance,” said Jones.

Noelle Saine, right, runs a strength test with a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Collaboration with the coaches and athletic trainers is also critical. “We couldn’t do what we do without them,” said Saine. “They see the benefits and importance of what we do.”

Postdoctoral research fellow Erica King, BS in Bioengineering ’21, PhD Bioengineering ’25 and a former student athlete in swim and dive, has been leading the work on knee joint adaptations since she was a graduate student. She led a recent 9-month study using wearable sensors for tracking load during practice, counter-movement jump testing, wearable and clinical ultrasound, MRIs, and surveys to assess the load demands on volleyball players’ knees.

“At the end of the season, we were able to show the coaching staff the average number of jumps athletes complete in a 15-16 week period and the direct effects of that from a joint adaptation standpoint,” she said. “They found that data really helpful, and now they can tailor practice sessions to better support the players and help alleviate strain that could lead to injury.”

Athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers often come to the lab with questions for study and ideas. A blood lactate study with the swim team last spring was requested by the swimmers, who applied for and received an Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) grant to fund the study. The team collected data from blood draws, heart-rate monitors, DEXA scans, and jump testing. Early review suggests athlete stroke specialization and maximal power generation capabilities significantly impact accumulation in blood lactate levels during all-out swim bouts.

Noelle Saine leads a VO2 Max test on a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

And as Saine and King can attest, the Patriot Performance Lab offers George Mason students the opportunity to do hands-on research in a wide range of fields. There are opportunities for all levels of research, from postdocs like King to high school students interested in exploring this world of research for the first time.

“Having that R1 designation really gives us the extra push to be able to dive deep into research,” said Saine. “Faculty have always encouraged me to find what I’m passionate about and pursue it. And my experience has been that instead of being competitive, everyone wants to work together to push forward and improve.”

Green noted that Jones’ experience as both researcher and practitioner is also an important piece of the puzzle that makes the Patriot Performance Lab work. “[Jones’] capacity to connect all these parts and have both credibility and an understanding of what the needs are sets us apart,” she said.

Jones said she appreciates the openness and willingness of people at George Mason to work together.“We’re supported on both sides by CEHD and Athletics.”

“The Patriot Performance Lab reflects what George Mason does best, bringing research and practice together in service of people,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “Our student-athletes are performing at the highest levels, and they deserve evidence-based support that protects their health and enhances their performance. This partnership between CEHD and Athletics ensures that science goes beyond the lab, to directly improve lives.”

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Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:20:51 +0000

Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament Katarina Benson Mon, 03/02/2026 - 13:20

The George Mason women's basketball team has captured a share of the 2026 Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship—the first regular season conference title in program history. The Patriots closed league play with a program-best 16-2 conference record, marking their strongest Atlantic 10 ever.

George Mason shares the title with Rhode Island after both teams finished atop the A-10 standings. The 16 conference victories set a new school record and cap one of the most successful seasons in program history. The championship also marks another major milestone, as the Patriots secure their first-ever stretch of three consecutive 20-win seasons—a testament to the sustained excellence being built at George Mason.

The Mason women's team finished with their best record. Photo by Matt Durisko/Magnolia Media PA

By virtue of their regular season finish and conference tie-breaker protocol, the Patriots have earned the No. 2 seed and a double-bye in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Championship. George Mason will open tournament play in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. on USA Network, facing either No. 7 Dayton or No. 10 George Washington.

Join the Patriots at the Henrico Sports & Events Center as they look to repeat as Atlantic 10 Champions during the 2026 Atlantic 10 Tournament. Tickets are available through the George Mason Ticket Office; visit Ticketmaster or call the Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270.

Need a ride? Hop on the fan bus and join the pregame pep rally inside the arena one hour before each game. To save your seat on the fan bus, email Jeff Danaher. Register for the pregame pep rally through the George Mason Alumni Association.

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Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on George Mason

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:44:25 +0000

Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on George Mason Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 07:44

Kathleen (Kathy) McKay has deep ties to Fairfax, Virginia, her hometown. Her parents, James "Smilin’ Jim" and Ruth Averill McKay, were pioneers in the Fairfax business community; her father opened Jim McKay Chevrolet in 1956, becoming one of the first car dealers in the area.

As student athlete at Woodson High School, she grew up near 91��'s burgeoning Fairfax Campus. “I played field hockey, I played softball, and I was a swimmer,” she said.

McKay with Mason basketball players on the K. McKay Court. Photo provided by Mason Athletics

Much of that swim experience took place at a neighborhood club, where her own daughters still hold records from the 1990s. After graduating from James Madison University, she returned to Fairfax.

McKay is now the president of Jim McKay Chevrolet, a sponsor for many student activities and sports at George Mason, and Intercollegiate Athletics has been at the heart of her personal connection with the university. Since the mid-1990s, she’s been an avid Patriots fan, attending many men's and women's basketball games, including the ones out of town, often with her daughters and now her grandchildren.

“I’ve always been a sports person,” McKay said. “I love college athletics; it’s the excitement. This is something that the athletes really, really want to do, and so few make it [to this level].”

She also appreciates the role college sports plays in bringing a community together. “It’s everything. No matter what your preference is, we offer every sport to allow a fan to be involved.”

McKay's support extends far beyond the sidelines. She has been a generous donor to George Mason for nearly 20 years, serving as a member of the Patriot Club Advisory Board and in the Green Coat Society, which recognizes generous, multi-year donors.

In 2017, she made a leadership gift to the university's basketball fundraising campaign, resulting in the naming of the K. McKay Court at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC). Her philanthropy has included substantial gifts—in conjunction with the family-linked Richard W. Averill Foundation and Jim McKay Chevrolet—to a variety of George Mason’s teams, including a pledge that touched all 22 sports teams during an annual Mason Vision Day.

She has also made gifts to the College of Visual and Performing Arts' scholarship benefit ARTS by George! and to the Green Machine ensembles.

“Kathy McKay embodies the spirit of George Mason and the Northern Virginia community,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Her loyalty and generosity have touched every corner of our program—from cheering courtside to investing in opportunities that enrich the student-athlete experience. Kathy’s passion, rooted in family and community, reflects the very best of what it means to be a Patriot, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her in our corner.”

McKay and President Washington. Photo provided by Mason Athletics

McKay carries on a family tradition of philanthropy and community service—George Mason’s Jim McKay Natatorium in the Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Fairfax Campus, a regional resource that includes a 50-meter Olympic-sized competition pool, bears the name of her father. She is continuing that tradition and is encouraging a culture of connected philanthropy through her own children: her daughter, April, and son-in-law, Matt, are also active supporters of George Mason Athletics.

McKay has been there for some of basketball’s biggest moments.

She remembers being warmly welcomed by the men’s basketball team, including then-coach Jim Larrañaga and his wife, Liz, when she traveled with the team to the ESPN Events Invitational Thanksgiving tournament in Orlando, Florida, in 2007. She also attended Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) Tournaments at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, including “during COVID, in March 2020, [when] we got sent home after winning our first game.”

McKay was also in the front rows at the Robins Center in Richmond when the men’s basketball team defeated the University of Richmond to claim the 2025 A-10 regular season title, the team’s first. That same season saw Patriots Head Coach Tony Skinn, whom McKay had known since his undergraduate days, named A1-0 Coach of the Year.

“Tony was my pick from day one when we were searching for a coach,” she said.

With a grandson in tow, McKay traveled in March 2025 with the women’s basketball team to Richmond for the A-10 Women's Basketball Championship, where George Mason defeated St. Joseph’s to claim the title for the first time.

“I couldn’t not go, and they win this thing—because I really thought they could,” she said.

She also joined the women’s team for the España 2025 cultural and athletic expedition, where the Patriots played international opponents in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. With her on the trip was her eldest granddaughter, who has been attending games with McKay since she was six months old.

“Riley and I had a time together that neither one of us will ever forget!” she said.

She plans to enjoy as many games and team activities as she can fit on her calendar. “I love it!” she said. “I’m always looking at the schedule to see who’s playing what.”

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The run that changed a program: George Mason marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:47:55 +0000

The run that changed a program: George Mason marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 15:47

The 2006 Final Four run by the 91�� men’s basketball team was an achievement so improbable, so unprecedented, that it transformed how the college basketball world viewed possibility itself.

Photo by George Mason Athletics

Now, 20 years later, the Patriots will honor that magical postseason journey on Saturday, December 13, when they host Old Dominion University at EagleBank Arena. That run endures as one of the most defining moments in the university’s history and one of the NCAA Tournament’s most memorable Cinderella stories. What began as a hopeful March ended with a mid-major program standing on college basketball’s biggest stage.

They captured the hearts of the nation along the way.

“That definitely opened the door for mid-majors,” said George Mason men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn, who was the starting point guard on that Final Four team. “It showed that if you have belief, the right players, and the right coaches, anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament.”

That belief was tested again and again throughout that 2006 run.

Competing out of the relatively unknown Colonial Athletic Association, the Patriots became the league’s first Final Four representative, toppling one powerhouse after another.

They opened tournament play with a 75-65 win over a Michigan State, a team that had returned four starters from the previous season’s Final Four squad. The sixth-seeded Spartans had outlasted George Mason by six points in an early regular-season meeting a year earlier.

Lamar Butler signing copies of Sports Illustrated at the Bookstore. Photo by Office of University Branding

Next came the North Carolina Tar Heels, the No. 3 seed and the reigning NCAA champions, who fell 65-60 in the Patriots’ second and final game in Dayton, Ohio. From there, George Mason returned to the nearby Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., where a heavily partisan crowd watched four Patriots score in double figures in a 63-55 Sweet 16 win over fellow mid-major and No. 7 overall seed Wichita State University. That victory advanced the Patriots to the Elite Eight against overall No. 1 seed University of Connecticut.

Loaded with talent, the Huskies featured four players who would soon be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, and five who would be among the league’s top 40 picks. They were also led by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun.

Fueled by a massive and vocal Mason Nation presence, the Patriots embraced the underdog role against UConn. After trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half and nine in the second, George Mason rallied to shock the sports world with an 86-84 overtime win—one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history —punctuating the victory with a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

“It was great for college basketball,” said Lamar Butler, a former standout senior guard on that Final Four team who now serves as George Mason’s director of player development. “That’s what people watch the tournament for.”

Final Four watch party in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In the years since, Virginia Commonwealth University (2011), Loyola Chicago (2018), UCLA (2021), and North Carolina State (2024) have also reached the Final Four as 11th seeds. LSU was the first to accomplish the feat in 1986.

“We believed in ourselves,” said Jim Larrañaga who serves as head coach at George Mason from 1997 to 2011. “We weren’t hoping to win. We believed we would win.”

More than 10,000 fans packed what was then the Patriot Center when the team returned home following its dramatic win over UConn.

Before the tournament, George Mason was largely unknown beyond the Mid-Atlantic region. That changed almost overnight. The team’s improbable run generated an estimated $677.5 million in free publicity from print and broadcast exposure, according to a study conducted by Robert Baker, former interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development and Professor Emeritus of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

The university also reported an 800% increase in traffic to its official website, while the university bookstore in the Johnson Center—typically averaging $11,000 in weekly sales—made shy of $1 million in the 10 days leading up to the Final Four. University admission inquiries increased by 350%, with out-of-state applications rising by 40%.

Butler still recalls when he playing overseas several months later, walking through a town in Croatia wearing a George Mason shirt, and a local boy approached him.

“George Mason–Final Four!” the boy exclaimed, much to Butler’s astonishment.

This weekend’s remembrance festivities will include the return of most members of the 2006 team, and the raising of a banner in EagleBank Arena in honor of the now-retired Larrañaga.

“It was one of those moments that, when you experience it, it never really leaves your mindset,” Skinn said. “To think that it was 20 years ago is unbelievable, but having a day to celebrate it is definitely exciting.”

This weekend, that memory returns to life as a new generation of Patriots gathers to celebrate the run that changed everything.

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