FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason University women's basketball and George Mason athletics is recognizing and celebrating 50 years of women's basketball during the 2023-24 season, beginning with George Mason great Keri Chacones ('96).
 
Keri Chaconas ('96) finished her George Mason career as one of the most decorated players in program history. As a Patriot, she finished with 1,747 points, 439 assists, 376 rebounds, 218 3-pointers made and 169 steals. She was a First Team All-CAA honoree in 1995 and 1996 and a Second Team All-CAA in honoree in 1994. Chaconas is the program record holder in several categories, including points in a game, field goals made, free throws made, free throw percentage and 3-pointers made. She was the team leader in total points and points per game during the 1995-96 campaign and 3-pointers made and free throw percentage during the 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. 

Throughout the year, the program and department will be highlighting major milestones, events and athletes over the past 50 years. One of the first women's varsity sports offered at the university, women's basketball saw the signing of Title IX and the transition into a Division I program less than 10 years after its inception.
 
Q&A: KERI CHACONAS
 
Q: What were some funny moments during your career?
A: There was a road trip somewhere and we were in a hotel after a loss. I think we were supposed to be reflecting on our performance in our rooms but a bunch of us were wrestling and ended up in a dog pile right outside of the elevators on our floor. The elevator door opened and Coach Lewis stepped out. We all ran without looking back.

My very first road trip during freshman year, I roomed with Susan (a senior) and she was running late. I was trying to be nice and wait for her but we were leaving in minivans instead of a bus. All the minivans thought we were in somebody else's van so they left for shoot around without Susan and I. Lindy had to come back and get us. I was so sick to my stomach all the way to shoot around, I couldn't believe it! I had visions of getting benched and/or getting yelled at and had so many thoughts about doing lots of extra running. When we got there, everyone just laughed and it was fine but it took me a lot of time to recover anyway.

Q: Have you stayed involved in the game of basketball in any way? 
A: My husband and I founded Dream Big Basketball Academy and started our for-profit company, Dream Big Development. He runs them, but I help out when I can. We have a small training facility in the Charlotte area. Last season, we had 10 girls AAU teams that played for us at Charlotte Dream Elite under our Academy umbrella. I've coached the U16 and U17 levels the last couple of seasons.
Instagram: @dreambigbasketball
 
Q: After graduation, what did you do?
A: I went to Sweden to play, which is where I met my husband. I stayed for 11 years. My playing career consisted of playing in Sweden, a short 10-day stint in Greece and a season for the Mystics. Then I got married, had two boys and moved to Charlotte in 2007.
 
Q: What are you currently doing? 
A: I work for an impact-driven social enterprise that I really love. My husband and I love to travel, and we get back to Sweden as often as possible. Our boys are both in college and doing well. My mom and stepdad live in our neighborhood, so we hang out a lot. Life is good!
 
Q: Who was your role model when you were younger? Is there an athlete now that you admire? Why?
A: My mom, for sure. An athlete that I admire? I probably have a long list here but rather than list names, I'll list what I look at to decide if I admire an athlete. I appreciate talent, but I admire humility and hard work. When an athlete has all three, they're fun to follow and fun to be around.
 
Q: What was your experience playing basketball professionally? How did it feel to play in the WNBA as a member of the Washington Mystics expansion team in 1998? Thoughts on how WBB has grown professionally in the US? WNBA recently celebrated 25 years!!
A: I loved playing, so being able to continue playing after college and extend my career was really great. I continued to improve my game, got to travel and met a lot of people, as well as some amazing experiences in general. Best of all, I met my husband. (In May 2024, we'll celebrate 25 years married!) It was really cool to play in my home city for the Mystics, as there was so much excitement around it. The crowds were amazing and it was a great atmosphere! Women's basketball has grown tremendously! I'm in awe of the talent and skill level at the collegiate and professional levels today. I love to see it! This last year, I think women's college basketball grew exponentially on the backs of some great programs and players garnering a lot of good media exposure, something I am looking forward to seeing continue.