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Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia

Katarina Benson — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:05:25 +0000

Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia Katarina Benson Thu, 09/10/2026 - 11:05

The Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team can often be found in the stands at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) on the Fairfax Campus, cheering on 91��’s men's volleyball team. Recently, a group of Patriots returned the favor, joining the Area 26 athletes on their home court and volunteering at the Warhawks Team's practice at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax.

Special Olympics Virginia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities to develop skills, compete, and build connections within their communities.

Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team and the 91�� men's volleyball team. Photo provided

"We met some of the guys from the [Warhawks] team throughout the course of our season, as they showed up to a good number of our matches in full force," said Patriots' senior opposite hitter Jackson Herbert. "They were always the loudest in the stands, and we really appreciate the support. So, when they wanted help with their practice, all our guys jumped at the opportunity. It meant a lot to us because of the support they give us, so we wanted to do what we could in return."

During the practice, the George Mason student-athletes coached the Warhawks Team, shared their volleyball knowledge, and spent quality time on the court with the athletes.

"A large part of our team culture and George Mason athletics as a whole is giving back to our community," said Herbert. "This opportunity was a perfect activity for us to combine our knowledge of volleyball and our desire to help in the community. It means a lot to our team to give our experience and knowledge to those that don't have the same access to it as us, so we were grateful to spend a beautiful day outside and help teach other driven athletes."

The Area 26 team’s support has been integral to making the RAC a formidable home-court environment in recent years. George Mason has posted a 38-6 home record at the RAC dating back to 2024.

"Many of our Special Olympics athletes are graduates of the George Mason’s LIFE Program," said volunteer team coordinator Gretchen Ortega. "Having current George Mason athletes come out to support them felt like Patriot Pride in action!"

George Mason men's volleyball is still months away from returning to the court for regular-season action, but the Patriots continue to make an impact in the Northern Virginia community throughout the year.

"Although I am proud of my team for their athletic abilities, I am more proud of what they do off the court," said men’s volleyball head coach Jay Hosack. "Being a part of the Special Olympics is a unique opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourselves. I'm sure this won't be the last time they are there helping coach that team to greatness!"

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Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr.

sbrown79 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:05:19 +0000

Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr. sbrown79 Fri, 08/28/2026 - 17:05

Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr.

Year: Junior

Major: Computer science

Hometown Indian Trial, North Carolina

Growing up, Michael Marcus Jr.’s family had an important rule: All the children would take part in both a sport and some form of art. For Marcus, that meant basketball and music. A starting forward on 91��’s men’s basketball team, Marcus has spent years refining his game on the court while also teaching himself to play the piano in his free time.

Becoming a Patriot: This summer, Marcus transferred to George Mason from Appalachian State ahead of his junior year. While entering the transfer portal can be overwhelming, he says the right people helped guide him through the process. The decision came down to finding the right fit both athletically and academically. “Fortunately, I had a formative team around me that brought me to Coach Tony Skinn and George Mason,” he said.

Playing It Forward: Although Marcus has always been a forward, he understands that basketball demands flexibility. “Versatility is the third most important ability behind availability and coachability,” he said. “Your size, who you can guard, and [the] skillset you have dictates the positions that you will play on the floor.”

Student-athlete and self-taught pianist, Michael Marcus, Jr. plays the piano in George Mason's Center for the Arts. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Being a Team Player: Marcus’s basketball mindset is shaped by years of competitive experience. As a high school student, he helped lead his team to a runner-up finish at the North Carolina 4A state championship. He also won an Elite Youth Basketball League 15 and Under Championship during his Amateur Athletic Union career on the Nike Circuit. “That experience emphasized to me how important each team member’s role is, operating as one in order to win the game,” he said.

Finding His Sound: While basketball may take center stage, music has remained a meaningful outlet in Marcus’s life. “Since the fifth grade, I tried multiple instruments that just didn’t work for me before my father encouraged me to try piano.” Marcus taught himself piano by matching the notes he saw on screen with those on the keyboard. He also began studying basic music theory. “I figured out my own way of breaking the piano down and then building it back up into music,” he said.

Tuning Out and Tuning In: Whether on the court or at the piano, Marcus relies on a similar approach when the pressure builds. Every athlete feels overwhelmed at times, he said. The difference is how quickly they can reset. “I remind myself of the player that I am because of how I work, and my confidence is rooted in that.” He uses a similar approach when performing his music. “I learned to tune out the crowd playing in a game by being present and focusing on what I am doing, and now I do the same with music,” he said.

Creating a Musical Dialogue: While Marcus’s musical interests and influences are diverse, all lean toward a rich piano style. “[Jazz pianist] Art Tatum is someone whose left hand I’ve tried to mimic, as well as the walking bassline.” Marcus is also a fan of George Winston, especially his version of “Carol of the Bells,” and self-taught Japanese musician Daigo Hanada, who is also a former basketball player. As a self-taught musician, he’s had to find ways to measure his progress without formal instruction. For him, playing the piano feels less like a performance and more like an exchange. “I picture me and the piano having a conversation and as I’m playing the chord patterns, melodies, and rhythms—that’s my way of speaking to the piano. The sounds that come back as a result is the piano responding to me, and we just go back and forth.”

More than One Dimension: For Marcus, basketball and music aren’t competing passions—they sharpen one another. One teaches discipline, awareness, and adaptability. The other offers creativity and expression. Together, they reflect the balance he’s been building since childhood—and the kind of student-athlete he hopes to be at George Mason.

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Education is the key for George Mason student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports

ckearney — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:01:50 +0000

Education is the key for George Mason student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports ckearney Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:01

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing have become inescapable parts of the lexicon of today’s new college sports landscape, but 91��’s assistant vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Marvin Lewis wants to make sure that everyone knows exactly what that entails.

George Mason student-athletes met with company representatives at an NIL Expo held earlier this year. Photo by John McDonnell/George Mason Athletics

The goal is to both improve the student-athlete experience and add to the growing momentum, support, and university connection across all of Northern Virginia.

“We’re looking to build an NIL ecosystem at George Mason,” Lewis said. “We think of being Northern Virginia’s team, and the business community is an important piece of that. When NOVA’s team wins, NOVA wins.”

That commitment to Northern Virginia extends education to partnerships between local business leaders and interested university student-athletes.

“There’s an assumption that every student-athlete is getting paid, that every student-athlete is making six figures with NIL, and every student-athlete is transferring,” Lewis said. “That’s not the case at George Mason. Most of our student-athletes receive partial or no athletics scholarships, work to help afford their education, and remain committed to the academic opportunities and benefits the university provides.”

With aims of keeping George Mason competitive with further authentic engagement across Northern Virginia, the second annual NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit on August 19 will bring together local businesses, university leaders, and community partners with student-athletes to explore NIL opportunities, celebrate successful partnerships, and highlight innovative work happening on campus.

The just-completed 2025–26 academic year was a strong one for George Mason Athletics, with significant progress in athletic competition, academics, fundraising, fan engagement, NIL, leadership, and community connection.

Winning has proven just the panacea needed, with holding particularly true for George Mason’s two flagship sports of men’s and women’s basketball.

The women’s team captured the program's first-ever A10 regular-season championship as co-champions, including a program-record 16 conference wins, while the men earned back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007–09.

NIL Expo in the Center for the Arts lobby. Photo by John McDonnell/George Mason Athletics

Ticketing and sponsorships have blossomed as a result, with men's basketball averaging 4,189 fans—up 30% year over year—and 5,134 fans in A10 play, the program's best mark since 2013–14.

The momentum helped Athletics raise a record $4.4 million last year, including $2.06 million on Giving Day. Learn more about this achievement at gomason.com.

“Winning starts with people,” Lewis said. “I truly believe that people matter and that culture is the differentiator. I feel really confident in [Men’s Basketball Head Coach] Tony [Skinn] and [Women’s Basketball Head Coach] Vanessa [Blair-Lewis] as leaders on the basketball side, and the cultures that they’ve been able to develop that are about the right things.”

Success comes with its obvious benefits as NIL continues to transform college athletics, and interest in it from George Mason student-athletes remains strong. Currently, 26 student-athletes from eight different sports have NIL deals that have created opportunities for them while strengthening ties with the local business community.

Examples of the “NIL for All” model include the deal between women’s soccer player Madyson Taylor and local business Crumbl Cookies, and the wellness-focused partnership between women’s lacrosse player Peyton Farley and Yoga Commons.

Lewis stressed George Mason’s educational approach to the new age of college sports. Each agreement is tailored to the business and the student-athlete, and might involve community appearances, youth camps, educational programming, wellness initiatives, or storytelling campaigns.

“It’s all of the soft skills that students will develop through that process,” he said. “Entrepreneurship, communication, business etiquette, branding, and how to sell yourself. All of those things are going to make our student-athletes better in the marketplace when they’re looking for jobs. And I think that’s another aspect that we’re leveraging beyond just the dollars and cents tied to the NIL deals.”

The NIL Business Summit is one tool that helps bring Mason Nation closer together with local supportive communities, but hardly the only one. The popular Coaches Caravan series will be making its third and final stop of the summer at The Farm Brewery in Prince William County on August 26.

“I believe the Mason model is sustainable,” Lewis said. “I believe that we’re at the right intersection of entertainment, education, and community impact, so I believe we’re in the sweet spot.”

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During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world

Katarina Benson — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:57:27 +0000

During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world Katarina Benson Mon, 07/27/2026 - 15:57

A few days after completing his last season of college basketball at 91��, Gabe Norwood, BA Communication ’07, began a hoop odyssey that would take him to nearly 30 countries and make him a national basketball hero in a country thousands of miles from Virginia.

In 2007, the Patriots guard was drafted in the first round as the first overall pick by the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) and recently concluded a 19-year pro career that included several appearances with the national team of the Philippines. He was eligible for the team through his mother, who has Filipino roots.

Norwood, who was part of George Mason’s 2006 Final Four team, credits his coaches at George Mason for helping prepare him for a pro career, especially former head coach Jim Larranaga. “The biggest lesson I learned from Coach L is just understanding who you surround yourself with. Coach L did a great job of building a staff in which each person had a different personality. We could go to a different coach for a different problem, and they would all give us honest answers.”

Norwood also credits George Mason's diversity for preparing him for a career overseas and fondly remembers connecting with the Filipino student body as a student-athlete. “The diversity here at Mason allowed me to tap into my Filipino side before I even got to the Philippines.”

Norwood was part of the 2006 Final Four team. Photo by Art Pittman/Office of University Branding

During his professional career, Norwood helped the Philippines win International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia medals in 2013 and 2015. He also won club titles in the PBA as a player. An 11-time All-Star, All-Star MVP, and Dunk Champion, he traveled to several countries in Asia to play and took part in many European training camps. Upon his retirement, his longtime team Rain or Shine Elasto Painters retired his number.

"It was an honor first and foremost," he said of playing for the national team and the PBA. "My great-grandmother was still alive when I first signed. The joy and pride she felt in me going back to represent the Filipino side of my family—that was huge. I did not think it would snowball into a jersey retirement."

Norwood said many people don’t know how big basketball is in the Philippines. “The love for the game of basketball is at an all-time high. It's a game that's played everywhere,” he said. “So to be able to achieve the things that I did for the national team alongside my teammates, the coaches, and the support of a country was unmatched.”

During his time with the PBA, Norwood also got to be part of history by helping to break a decades-long losing streak where the Philippine national basketball team failed to defeat South Korea in major international tournaments. "We were playing in a new arena, and that place was rocking," he said, reminiscing about the 2013 FIBA win. "It was one of those great moments."

Off the court, Norwood also worked as a columnist for the Philippine edition of NBA.com.

Travel and sports are part of Norwood’s DNA. "I moved around a lot as a kid," said Norwood, whose father has coached several college football teams. "My Filipino side of the family all came from Hawaii. My mom grew up there, and that is where my parents met."

His father, Brian, is now on the football coaching staff at San Jose State in California. His brother Jordan played college football at Penn State and spent several years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.

Earlier this year, Norwood and his wife, Lei, and their three sons moved to the Annapolis, Maryland, area. It’s a special part of the country for the Norwood family, as his father once served an assistant football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and Norwood lived in Maryland from fifth through ninth grade.

“I always felt a calling to come back to the area,” Norwood said. “Having three teenage sons, that was part of the timing of the decision. They are three intelligent kids that love to be exposed to what the world offers."

After years living abroad with his family, Norwood has been able to reconnect with his George Mason family in recent weeks. “I'm proud to be a George Mason alum because it's been family for me,” he said. “I always felt connected even from a distance.”

Norwood said that while his time at George Mason on the court was awesome, the off-the-court time mattered just as much. “It was the day-to-day being in the gym, the hours that we put in. Having upperclassmen like Tony [Skinn] and Lamar [Butler] set the tone. They really pushed us and led us in a way that allowed us to really shine.”

As for his future post-retirement, Norwood is keeping his options open. http://www.spin.ph/"I would love to stay around the game and tap into the George Mason network," he said. "I will cast a wide net and see where I land."

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George Mason ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll

Katarina Benson — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:12:46 +0000

George Mason ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll Katarina Benson Tue, 07/21/2026 - 14:12

91�� placed fifth among all Atlantic 10 institutions with 318 student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year. The 318 honorees mark the third-highest total in George Mason’s history, trailing only the 332 student-athletes recognized in 2020-21 and the 327 honored in 2023-24. The Patriots also improved upon last year's total of 315 honorees.

To earn a spot on the Commissioner's Honor Roll, student-athletes competing in an Atlantic 10-sponsored sport at a full member institution must achieve a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher across the fall and spring semesters. Freshmen and graduate students are eligible for the award.

Across the Atlantic 10, 3,944 student-athletes earned Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition, marking the seventh consecutive year the conference has recognized more than 3,500 student-athletes for their academic achievements.

A total of 380 Atlantic 10 student-athletes recorded perfect 4.0 GPAs during the 2025-26 academic year, while 2,677 honorees (67.8 percent) finished with GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

Fordham University led the conference with 351 Commissioner's Honor Roll selections, followed by Davidson College, Saint Joseph's University, University of Rhode Island, George Mason, St. Bonaventure University, and La Salle University.

Women's cross country and track and field led all sports with 488 honorees, followed by men's cross country and track and field and baseball.

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Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:55:05 +0000

Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos Katarina Benson Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:55

Like many 91�� students, business major Camryn Weldon is spending her summer doing an internship. Unlike many other students, Weldon is also a Division I athlete and is balancing her work at government contractor Leidos with the demands of collegiate volleyball. The George Mason setter is spending her summer preparing for the upcoming season while gaining valuable experience in business development.

Weldon, junior and business major, is also a setter on the George Mason volleyball team. Photo provided

"I spent last summer here as a business development intern, helping the business secure their current contracts and allowing them to grow and expand into other areas," Weldon said. "I'm back this year supporting federal financials—basically the pursuit of business in federal financial agencies, so like the FTC, the Treasury."

Weldon has found that her coursework directly supports her professional ambitions.

"I'm a business major and my concentration is finance," she said. "[This internship has] been really good exposure, and it's allowed me to understand what it actually looks like. It's easy to get your degree and think that you're going to be interested in something, and then it's a whole another thing to be doing it every day and know what you want in a career."

Her academic background has enhanced her understanding of the technical side of the business. "Last summer I didn't really understand what all of the different aspects of IT services meant," she said. "[But this past year] one of my operations courses talked a lot about IT infrastructure and how all that stuff works, and so that really prepared me to understand the types of services Leidos provides."

Weldon credits her experience as a student-athlete for helping her excel in the professional world. The confidence she's built on the court translates seamlessly into the workplace.

"I think being comfortable speaking to people in positions of power is a really valuable skill. Interns are usually pretty scared to talk to people, but I've had to talk to adults on the phone since I was getting recruited in high school," she said.

"I've gotten great feedback from my manager. He told me that he can tell I'm a natural leader. Being put in positions of leadership because of my past experience as a student-athlete and previous summer internship allowed me to feel comfortable enough to let my leadership skills show."

Her competitive drive also finds a home in business development. "Business development is a competitive environment—which is nothing new to me," Weldon said.

Even while interning, Weldon remains committed to volleyball—though this summer has come with its own set of challenges. "I would say that's the most difficult part of having an internship is figuring out how to do it all," she said. "I'm definitely working to stay in shape, going to physical therapy when I can and staying mobile.”

As she heads into another year balancing athletics and work, Weldon is optimistic about her future in both arenas. "I'm looking to get a job here after graduation," she said. Whether she's leading on the court or in the conference room, Weldon continues to prove that the skills she's developed as a student-athlete are preparing her for whatever comes next.

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Patriot Profile: Mia Arevalo-Delcid

Katarina Benson — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:06:50 +0000

Patriot Profile: Mia Arevalo-Delcid Katarina Benson Tue, 06/30/2026 - 14:06

When the call-up to El Salvador's Senior National Team finally came through, Mia Arevalo-Delcid didn't need a moment to let it sink in. She already knew exactly what it meant. "That's the big leagues right there," said the George Mason women's soccer standout. "It's all eyes in the country on you. It's going to be amazing.”

Mia Arevalo-Delcid. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics.

Home and Away: Arevalo-Delcid, a Manassas, Virginia, native and dual citizen of the United States and El Salvador, has been representing El Salvador on the pitch since earning her first call-up to the Salvadorian U20 National Team in 2022. That experience gave her a taste of something she hadn’t expected: the electricity of playing in front of family. "Family means everything to me," she said. "Everyone was so excited for me. We were in the newspaper, and my family bought like 50 papers. Representing my country was one of the best moments of my life."

Ready for the Big League: This summer, she did it again—only on a much bigger stage. She traveled south in early June to train with El Salvador’s top players for several weeks before a series of friendly competitions against neighboring countries. "I love playing for my family's home country," she said. "It's a way to honor my heritage."

“It's really pretty amazing,” said Aaron Brunner, George Mason women’s soccer head coach. "It's such a tremendous honor to represent your country. But I'm not surprised because Mia is so amazing."

Homegrown: The road to San Salvador ran through some familiar Northern Virginia zip codes first. Arevalo-Delcid was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Colgan Senior High School in Manassas, earning All-District First Team, All-Region, and Honorable Mention for the Washington Post’s All-Met honors. She also starred in club soccer with the Virginia Development Academy (VDA), one of the top programs in the region, earning ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference First Team honors in her junior year and a ranking of No. 16 prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region by Top Drawer Soccer. She went on to James Madison University before transferring to George Mason in spring 2025. The decision was personal. "I wanted to be closer to home," Arevalo Delcid said, "and I believed in what Coach Brunner was building here."

A Team Player: Arevalo-Delcid quickly established herself as not only one of the team’s best players, but as one of its leaders. A natural attacking midfielder, she willingly shifted to a more defensive role to fill a need for the Patriots—and still managed to contribute a goal and two assists in her first season. “She had a great year for us and was always willing to do whatever the team needed of her,” said Brunner. “She’s grown a lot, she's learned a lot, and her confidence is high.”

This spring, Arevalo-Delcid signed with Loudoun United's semi-pro league. Photo by George Mason Athletics.

Turning Pro: The national team call-up is just one line on a resume that's been filling up fast. This spring, Arevalo-Delcid signed with Loudoun United in the USL W semi-pro league and landed an NIL deal with Tinycup Coffee, a George Mason alumni-owned company.

"A dynamic and tireless presence in the midfield," Loudoun United Head Coach Christian Cziommer said at signing. "Known for her relentless work rate and creative flair, she brings significant high-level experience to our roster."

Beyond the Pitch: When she's not training or playing, Arevalo-Delcid—a civil engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computing—works as a substitute teacher at Woodbridge High School, tutoring Latino students and helping them prepare for AP exams, and holds down a part-time job at a Starbucks near campus. "Yes, it's a lot," she said. "But you have to work for anything worth having."

Eyes on the Future: Arevalo-Delcid turned 21 in June, right around the time she boarded a plane for El Salvador. She's already thinking about what comes next and a professional soccer career is squarely in her sights. "I want to try," she said. "I want to see whatever opportunity I can get. Going to El Salvador has definitely been a game changer for me."

Brunner likes her chances. "She's going to be ready," he said, "and I think she's going to do awesome."

Northwest Federal Credit Union and George Mason Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

Katarina Benson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:07:58 +0000

Northwest Federal Credit Union and George Mason Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court Katarina Benson Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:07

91�� Athletics and Northwest Federal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership that connects student-athletes with financial education, simple banking tools, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities designed to support their success on campus, in the community, and after they graduate.

This collaboration was formally introduced at George Mason's inaugural Basketball Signing Day event. More than 200 fans, supporters, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the introduction of the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball teams.

Student-athletes at Basketball Signing Day. Photo by George Mason Athletics

As the Official Credit Union and Financial Wellness Partner for George Mason Athletics, Northwest is expanding its support beyond traditional sponsorship by helping student-athletes build financial confidence at a time when NIL earnings, personal branding, and early career decisions are becoming a big part of the college athletics experience. Participating student-athletes will open Northwest accounts, receive financial education and training, and serve as ambassadors promoting financial literacy across campus and throughout the Northern Virginia community.

"This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward in how we support student-athletes during a pivotal moment in their journey," said Jeff Bentley, president and CEO at Northwest Federal Credit Union. "By combining these new NIL opportunities with financial education, we are helping equip them with the tools to make informed decisions today and build lasting success beyond the game. These student-athletes are inspiring the next generation, and Northwest is grateful to be part of making an impact in the community."

"Opportunities like this give our players experience in pursuing their sports career while also learning the practical skills to balance life," said Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, men's basketball head coach at George Mason. "Having access to financial education, professional development, and community connections helps maximize their time here at George Mason and set them up for the next chapter. Northwest has been an excellent partner to make that a reality for our teams."

Women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis added, "This is about developing the whole person. Even the term “student-athlete” represents our hope for each of these young people. We want their time with us to have been a season of life where they were fully supported to learn the most they can and be the best they can be. Financial education and life management resources are a critical part of that vision of helping our student-athletes build strong futures."

Basketball Signing Day is expected to become an annual tradition and serves as the first of several collaborative initiatives planned between George Mason Athletics and Northwest throughout the upcoming year.

Through this partnership, the credit union also became the first member of the "Starting 5" sponsors of George Mason Athletics' broader corporate partnership initiative, NOVA's Team. The platform connects organizations committed to building a stronger connection between student-athletes, businesses, and communities across Northern Virginia.

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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.

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