Hello Mason Nation: 

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and a restful Labor Day weekend!   

Fall is here and it is one of my favorite seasons as it marks the beginning of a brand new academic and athletic year.  Our sports teams have already started off strong and had a great weekend with women's soccer defeating the University of Maryland 3-2. In addition, the women's volleyball team earned its first win of the season with its home opener against University of California, Riverside, and men's soccer is off to a hot start at 3-0. 

As I start my second year leading George Mason Athletics, I am very proud of the academic and athletic achievements of our more than 500 student-athletes and 22 sports teams.  Below are a few of our notable accomplishments from this past year. 

• Earned a 3.35 cumulative GPA with almost 50% of our student-athletes and 21 of 22 programs achieved a 3.0 GPA or better.  

• Six (6) teams earned top 3 conference finishes – men's volleyball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling. 

• Men's and women's basketball each won over 20 games and the women's program competed in a postseason tournament for the first time since 2019. 

• 18 student-athletes earned all-conference awards or an individual championship and 75 earned weekly conference championship awards. 

• Community service remained a top priority with over 2,000 hours completed during the academic year. 

Our student-athletes are truly special – they are outstanding ambassadors for George Mason University and role models for the greater community (SAAC story).  They remain focused on earning an outstanding education, competing for championships in their respective sport, and positioning themselves for success beyond graduation through internships, externships, leadership development, etc.  All of Mason Nation should be proud!  

Welcome Back BBQ 

Changing Landscape  

This past July, the NCAA and the Autonomy 5 conferences agreed on a proposed settlement of the House, Hubbard, and Carter antitrust lawsuits, which may profoundly change Division I college athletics.  If approved in Federal Court, the proposed settlement will divert billions of dollars from the NCAA and member institutions directly to student-athletes as back pay damages for lost NIL opportunities in the past.   

In addition, the proposed settlement outlines a new revenue sharing-model that permits direct benefit payments to student-athletes.  Institutions may share a portion of their annual revenues with student-athletes, primarily in the revenue generating sports of football, men's basketball, and women's basketball.  In addition, team scholarship limits will be replaced with team roster limits. 

This will significantly shift the financial model in collegiate athletics over the coming years and the precise impact on George Mason Athletics is still unknown.  As we await further guidance from the courts, the Atlantic 10 Conference, the NCAA, and working groups at the university and conference levels are modeling scenarios to ensure we are well positioned for the future.  Regardless of potential changes, George Mason Athletics will remain student-athlete centered and focused on creating transformational experiences, cultivating a championship culture, and amplifying the George Mason University story.   

NIL Update 

In addition to planning for the changing landscape, we must continue to maximize name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for our student-athletes.  We are excited about the progress made by the Patriot Nation Collective, the official collective of George Mason Athletics, and appreciate the generosity and support from Mason Nation.

With that said, we have another critical year of NIL support needs in 2024-25.  Please consider giving to the Patriot Nation Collective as we leverage our location and strive to make George Mason a destination for student-athletes seeking to maximize their NIL opportunities.   

Men's Basketball Foreign Tour 

We are still very disappointed in the last-minute cancellation of the men's basketball program's foreign tour scheduled for last month in the Bahamas.  It was heartbreaking for our student-athletes, coaches and supporters planning to attend. 

The travel company, which has engaged with many different universities on foreign tours, has taken full responsibility and the university continues to work with The VII Group to resolve this matter and secure a full refund for those directly impacted.  We appreciate everyone's continued support and patience. 

Looking Ahead 

As we look to the year ahead, here are few exciting updates and potential items of interest. 

• Athletics Strategic Plan – Launched in January, we are developing a long-term strategic plan or "playbook" to not only unify our department, but clearly outline our strategic direction and priorities.  The timing of the strategic plan is imperative to ensure we are grounded and well positioned to face the changing landscape of college athletics.  We will be putting the finishing touches on the plan this month and anticipate a release later this fall.   

• Patriot Club – We added two (2) new faces to the athletics development office over the past year and the team is developing a comprehensive case of support, a revised benefits structure, and new giving opportunities for members of the Patriot Club.  More information to come, but know that our team is working hard and can't wait to meet members of Mason Nation.   

• Basketball and Academic Performance Center – The estimated $30 million project was launched in the spring. We recently identified an architect to develop the scope and program for the new 30,000 square foot basketball operations and academic support facility.  The facility will be adjacent to the Recreation and Athletics Complex (RAC) and include offices, locker rooms, a weight room, training space, wellness center, and gym for the basketball programs.  In addition, it will include academic space (i.e., tutoring rooms, study hall space, support staff office, etc.) for use by all 500+ student-athletes across all sports.  Project updates will be provided as we gain clarity on the fundraising and construction timelines for the facility.   

In closing, we need Mason Nation's continued engagement and investment now more than ever as we bolster our department and ensure we can create transformational experiences for our student-athletes in this new era of intercollegiate athletics.  Here is how you can help:

• Join us for athletic competitions and events – our athletic programs feed off your energy and passion and thrive on your support. George Mason Athletics Schedules

• Contribute to the Patriot Club Scholarship Fund, your favorite team's Friends of Account, and/or the Patriot Nation Collective.

• Continue to be an ambassador and share our impactful and unique stories with your family, friends, neighbors, and community members. 

• Introduce members of the athletics development office to current and potential supporters that may be interested in getting more involved. 

Again, thank you Mason Nation, for your continued support and partnership.  I am energized by the foundation we are laying in athletics and look forward to partnering to position George Mason Athletics to not only compete, but to win in this evolving landscape.   

We look forward to seeing you this fall at our competitions and events. 

Go Patriots! 

Marvin