Dear Mason Nation, 

As the holiday season fills the air with warmth and cheer, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good spirits. This special time of year offers us a chance to reflect on our incredible journey together and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our George Mason student-athletes. Together, we've accomplished so much, and the future of Mason Nation has never been brighter. 

Fall & Winter Highlights 

The past few months have been extraordinary, marked by milestones, unforgettable moments, and a collective sense of pride. Here are just a few of the highlights that showcase the resilience, excellence, and unity of Mason Nation: 

George Mason Men's Soccer: A Season of Firsts  

Under the leadership of Head Coach Rich Costanzo, our men's soccer team delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history, earning: 

• Atlantic 10 Regular Season Title (a program first); 

• Six All-Conference Team selections; 

• Coach Costanzo's A-10 Coach of the Year honors; and 

• A record-breaking 13 wins and a peak ranking of #13 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. 

With nearly 10,000 fans attending home matches, your support made this season unforgettable. Thank you for creating a vibrant, unified spirit across our campus! 

Winter Sports Momentum 

Our winter sports programs are off to a strong start: 

• Men's Basketball: Under Coach Tony Skinn, the team is 8-4 and preparing to make an impact in conference play following a strong non-conference schedule. 

• Women's Basketball: Led by Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, the women's basketball program is 11-1, earning the best start in program history. The Patriots received a vote in the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll for the first time in program history! 

• Wrestling: The Patriots are the only undefeated NCAA Division I team with eight wins and lead the MAC standings with a 5-0 record—their first-ever five-win season in MAC competition. The Patriots received a vote in the NWCA Top 25 Coach poll for the first time in program history. 

• Men's & Women's Swimming: The Patriots had eight swimmers compete at the U.S. Open Championships, the prestigious event that attracts Olympians, elite swimmers, and emerging talents.  

Academic Excellence & Campus Partnerships 

Our student-athletes continue to shine in the classroom with a record-high 92% single year Graduation Success Rate (GSR) reported by the NCAA this fall, with nine teams achieving a perfect 100% GSR. 

Additionally, our partnership with the Costello College of Business has opened new doors for hands-on learning for students and student-athletes through initiatives like the Student Run the Show program. This collaboration strengthens the bond between academics and athletics, preparing our students for success on and off the field. 

Showdown at the Johnson Center 

For the first time in school history, the George Mason wrestling team competed in an NCAA match in the NCAA match in the Johnson Center on campus on Friday, Dec. 6. Athletics gave a free t-shirt commemorating the historic occasion to fans. The Patriots earned a 29-9 win against the MAC's Buffalo Bulls to remain unbeaten in the MAC (5-0). It's George Mason's best start since 2022-23, when the team won eight straight to open the season. 

Looking Ahead: Strategic Plan & New Facilities 

In 2025, we will launch our Athletics Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap to elevate George Mason Athletics as well as our fundraising case for support outlining our fundraising priorities within the MasonNow: Power the Possible campaign.   

The case for support will include securing financial support for the Basketball and Academic Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support all 500 of our student-athletes academically, athletically, and as leaders. This transformative project reflects our commitment to fostering champions on and off the field. 

Opportunities & Challenges in College Athletics 

As college athletics undergoes rapid change, challenges like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), the transfer portal, and Alston educational funds bring both complexity and opportunity. With no football program, we are uniquely positioned to invest in our current programs at competitive levels regionally and nationally. 

However, to sustain this momentum, we must generate additional annual funding to invest in our student-athletes and secure our championship legacy.   

Your support is critical to our success. Here are a few ways you can make a difference: 

• Purchase Season Tickets: Fill our athletic venues with energy and passion for our ticketed sports (men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, baseball, and men's volleyball). 

• Attend Games: Bring friends and family to experience the excitement of Mason Athletics. 

• Invest in our Programs: Contributions to the Patriot Scholarship Fund or a sports program directly empower our student-athletes' academic and athletic journeys. 

Thank You, Mason Nation 

Your generosity and unwavering support fuel our success. Everything we achieve—in competition, in the classroom, and in the community — is made possible by you. 

As we celebrate this holiday season, I invite you to join us at upcoming events and share in the camaraderie that makes Mason Athletics so special. 

To explore more ways to contribute, please contact Senior Associate AD Katie Pate and the Patriot Club Development Team. Our 2024-25 Donor Guidebook is included with this message to showcase the impactful ways you can support our programs. 

Thank you for being an essential part of Mason Nation. Together, we are building something truly extraordinary. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season. And as always, Go Patriots! 

Warm regards, 

Marvin Lewis 

Director of Athletics 
George Mason University