Alum Meg (Romaine) Ashley, a forward on the inaugural team and senior captain
on the National Championship team, shares her experiences of playing women's soccer
at Mason during this historic period.
Fairfax, Va. -- George Mason women's soccer will honor the inaugural team as part of the 40th anniversary of women's soccer at Mason, as well as celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, on Sunday, Sept. 25 at George Mason Stadium.
The NCAA began the Women's Soccer Championship tournament in 1982 with Mason as one of those teams as a member of the Virginia Intercollegiate League. The inaugural season was nothing short of a success for what was known as "The State University in Northern Virginia."
Coached by Hank Leung (1982-1991 and 1985 National Champion), the Patriots achieved a 14-5-1 record, going undefeated in their first 11 games; their losses all came against top-10 teams. Mason outscored their opponents 62-19 over the course of the season, averaging more than three goals per game.
The Patriots would take part in the first NCAA Soccer Tournament where only 12 teams were invited. Unfortunately, their season came to an end in the first-round against Princeton 1-0, with a disputed goal being the deciding factor.
That would not stop this first class of Patriots, however, from pursuing their dreams of a national championship. In 1983, they were the national runner-up, and in 1985 the Green & Gold were crowned NCAA Champions.
Mason defeated North Carolina 2-0 in the NCAA Championship game on November 24, 1985 before a then-NCAA record 4,500 fans in Fairfax, Va. The Tar Heels were 18-1-1, with a loss to UMass and a tie at the hands of George Mason. But UNC had championship experience. The Tar Heels entered the championship match 10-0 all-time in the NCAA Tournament while Mason was 4-3. It's fair to say that Mason's 1985 women's soccer national championship was one for the record books.
Mason women's soccer will celebrate the 40th anniversary by welcoming back alumnae and recognizing the inaugural team at the Patriots match against Fordham on Sunday. This event is also paired with celebrating the 50 years of Title IX, and the growth women in sports continue to make.
