FAIRFAX, Va. – Three standouts from the George Mason women's basketball team received Atlantic 10 postseason accolades, as the conference announced its awards on Tuesday. Senior Paula Suárez was named Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the All-Conference Second Team, while redshirt sophomore Zahirah Walton secured spots on the All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team. Sophomore Kennedy Harris was also named to the All-Conference Second Team, marking a trio of honors for the Patriots.
Paula Suárez's growth this season was undeniable, as the senior co-captain took her game to new heights while leading the Patriots in assists and minutes played. She averaged 11.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 44.5% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range. Her impact as a floor general was felt across the A-10, ranking third in the conference in assists (123 total, 2.24 Ast/TO ratio).
A steady force on both ends of the floor, Suárez reached double figures in 16 games, including a pair of 20+ point performances. She dished out 4+ assists in 19 of 28 games and showed her deep-range shooting ability with five three-pointers against Dayton. Her statistical improvement across nearly every category from last season earned her the league's Most Improved Player award while also cementing her place in George Mason's record book—ranking sixth all-time in assists and 17th in made three-pointers.
Following a stellar Rookie of the Year campaign, redshirt sophomore Zahirah Walton took another step forward, emerging as the Patriot's leading scorer (14.9 ppg) and a defensive force this season. The Seattle, Wash. native started in every game while also leading the Patriots in free throws made (102) and steals (51, 5th in A-10). Her two-way dominance earned her a spot on both the All-Conference First Team and the All-Defensive Team.
Walton's ability to score at all levels was on full display throughout the season, posting 18 double-digit performances, including eight 20+ point games and a career-high 30-point outing against Saint Louis. On defense, she recorded multiple steals in 16 games and showcased her shot-blocking ability with six multi-block performances, including a career-best four blocks against Rhode Island and UMass. Already 15th in program history in career blocks, Walton solidified herself as one of the A-10's most versatile players.
Despite missing time due to injury, sophomore Kennedy Harris remained one of George Mason's most dynamic scorers, ranking among the team's top three in total points (14.2 ppg) while shooting 40% from three-point range. A two-time A-10 Player of the Week and NCAA Starting Five honoree, Harris delivered several signature performances, including a career-high 29-point explosion against Davidson, where she scored exclusively from inside the arc.
Harris proved to be a big-game performer, dropping 26 points against No. 19 Maryland and hitting six three-pointers in a dominant showing against GW. Her scoring consistency was evident, reaching double figures in 14 games, with six 20+ point performances. Already a top-25 three-point shooter in George Mason history after just two seasons, Harris finished the year ranked 9th in the A-10 in three-point percentage (40%).
The Patriots are the two-seed heading into the Atlantic 10 conference tournament that tips off this week. A two-seed is the highest the program has ever garnered during it's time in the A-10 conference. The Green & Gold will tip-off in the quarterfinals at 5 p.m. on Friday at the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Henrico, Va. The game will be broadcast on Peacock with Cindy Brunson, Tykera Carter, and Caroline Pineda on the call. Tickets can still be purchased HERE. Information about buses and pregame pep rallies can be found HERE.
