Head Coach Joe Verbanic divulges about his readiness to enter a new realm of competition. “A big difference for us is that we're changing conferences, that shouldn't change the game in any way but it changes the dynamics,” Verbanic noted, “There are new schools and new road trips - the reality is that we have to relearn how we do some things. That's as much of an exciting thing as anything else.”

The Atlantic 10 Conference opens up a host of new opportunities for both George Mason and the softball team. A new conference means a wider audience and a diverse perspective that continues to ripen along with the university.

The A-10 is home to 10 softball programs: Saint Joseph's, St. Bonaventure, Fordham, George Washington, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Dayton, and Saint Louis. Mason faces each school, with the exception of UMass, in a double header and two games versus Dayton April 25 and 26; these are just 16 of the 52 regular season games.

Ball State University launches the Patriots' season on February 14, during the USC Upstate Classic in Spartanburg, S.C.; the tourney lasts until Feb. 16.  Immediately following are the Patriot Classic, held in Fairfax, Va., from Feb. 28 to March 2, the Mason Invitational from March 7 – 9 and the Cherry Blossom Classic (March 14-16).

“Every class came back more prepared, softball-wise and their commitment level. I see a thirst to embrace the quest of excellence,” Verbanic reveals.

Verbanic has an attested commitment to the fundamentals of the game which is what breeds unrivaled success. “That really is the quest – to become proficient at [the fundamentals], any time, any place and any-how.”

The Atlantic 10 Conference Championships take place May 7-10 at Fordham University. 

To view Mason's full schedule, please click here.