It's been an exciting start to the fall semester, and I'm thrilled to share some of the incredible highlights happening across Mason Nation. The energy, support, and momentum we're building together reflect the pride we all feel in being part of this community.
 
Patriot Pride on Full Display
 
Our fall teams have given us plenty to cheer about!
 

• Men's Soccer has stormed onto the national scene, earning a spot in the Top 25 rankings. The Patriots captured a statement win over #11-ranked UVA—their highest-ranked victory in 14 years—and did so in front of the largest home crowd in 25 years. The 1,385 students in attendance set a new program record and turned George Mason Stadium into one of the most electric venues in the country. Your passion in the stands truly made a difference!
• Women's Volleyball is off to its best start since 2009 with a 7–4 non-conference record, highlighted by a commanding 3–0 win over Rutgers. The team opened Atlantic 10 play strong and currently sits in second on the league standings (6–1)—a testament to their focus, chemistry, and grit.
• Women's Soccer celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1985 National Championship, welcoming back 15 members of the title team, some traveling from as far as Minnesota. The reunion was capped by a 2–1 victory over George Washington in the A-10 opener, a fitting tribute to the program's proud legacy.

 
Honoring Alumni Excellence
 
Last month, we were honored to welcome back Dr. Janis Tupesis ('96), a men's volleyball alum, and his wife Niki, a former Patriots women's volleyball standout. Dr. Tupesis was awarded the George Mason Alumni Service Award for his global leadership in emergency healthcare and education. His homecoming reminds us of the lifelong bonds forged through Mason Athletics—and the impact our alumni continue to make around the world.
 
Campus Integration & Student Impact
 
Athletics continues to collaborate across campus to enhance the student-athlete experience and align with Mason's broader mission.

• Through our partnership with the Costello College of Business, we've expanded Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education, preparing student-athletes for life beyond competition.
• The "Students Run the Show" initiative—now in its second year—empowers George Mason students to play key roles in game-day operations, giving them hands-on experience in sports management and event production.
• We've also launched a comprehensive medical review to strengthen the support we provide to student-athletes. By bringing together campus experts and regional partners, our goal is to build the best integrated medical model in the country—one that will serve our student-athletes for generations to come.

Owning Our Identity: Northern Virginia's Team
 
Over the past several months, George Mason Athletics partnered with The Pinkston Group to evaluate our brand presence and community positioning. The study analyzed social media impressions, audience engagement, and regional reach — and revealed a clear opportunity: George Mason is Northern Virginia's Team.
 
With campuses in Fairfax, Arlington (Mason Square), and Manassas (Sci-Tech), we are uniquely embedded in a region that represents 37% of Virginia's population—a market larger than 24 individual U.S. states. Northern Virginia brings tremendous energy, influence, and economic strength. And George Mason Athletics is poised to serve as its athletic and cultural hub.
 
Instead of competing with other large universities in the DMV, we're embracing and owning the vibrant Northern Virginia community as our home base — planting our flag as NOVA's Team. That commitment is already taking shape. This summer, we kicked off our Coaches Caravan at Farm Brewery at Broad Run, connecting directly with fans, alumni, and community partners who are helping us grow the Mason spirit throughout the region.
 
What's Ahead: Basketball Season and Beyond
 
Building on that momentum, the George Mason Basketball Coaches Show returns for its third season with six stops at local venues across Northern Virginia. These in-person events bring fans closer to our Head Coaches Tony Skinn and Vanessa Blair-Lewis, along with basketball student-athletes as they prepare for another exciting season—taking the energy of Mason Athletics straight into the community.
 
In addition, fans will notice exciting new game-day amenities, hospitality upgrades, and refreshed partnerships enhancing the in-arena experience—all debuting this season as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mason's historic Final Four run.
 
We're especially excited to welcome back members of the 2006 Final Four team and Coach Jim Larrañaga for a special 20-year anniversary celebration this December.  Their remarkable run captured the nation's attention and forever changed the trajectory of George Mason University.  This anniversary is not only a moment to honor that legacy, but also to celebrate how their story continues to inspire today's student-athletes and fans across Mason Nation.
 
Together We Thrive
 
The progress we're making—on the field, in the classroom, and across the community—is only possible because of the passion and support of Mason Nation. Together, we're building something special, and the best is yet to come.
 
Let's keep the momentum going.
 
Go Patriots!
 
Marvin Lewis