The George Mason University athletics department mourns the loss of long-time men's basketball administrator Carolyn Marsh, who passed away on Thursday.
 
The matriarch of the George Mason men's basketball program and one of the foundational titans of George Mason's rise to national prominence, Marsh proudly served the department for 46 years, primarily as the executive assistant for the program and its head coaches.
 
Alongside husband Jay – a 45-year administrator in the department – Marsh left an indelible mark on hundreds of George Mason student-athletes over her decades of service.
 
"The players," Marsh said upon retirement in 2021 when asked what gave her the most satisfaction from the job. "I just feel like I'm a mom."
 
Marsh began working for the athletics department in 1975 as a sports information assistant, before assuming her role as executive assistant soon after.
 
In addition to the Marshes' years of service to the department, the first couple of George Mason Athletics also provided significant support to the department through the Patriot Club.
 
As well as funding an endowed scholarship in their name, the Marshes also provided a signature gift of $50,000 to renovate the George Mason men's and women's basketball locker rooms. The gift also was used to fund the creation of the men's basketball film room, known as the Carolyn Marsh Film Room.
 
Funeral Information
Funeral Services: Thursday, May 22 at 12 PM
Woodward Funeral Home
200 Fredericksburg Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093
*Burial services are being held Friday, May 23, and are private.
 
Reception: 1:30-3:30 PM
Callie Opie's Orchard
4533 Zachary Taylor Highway
Mineral, VA 23117
  
In honor of Carolyn's passion and pride for Patriot basketball, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to George Mason Basketball instead of flowers. Donations can be made online at https://advancement.gmu.edu/25ATFMB. Please check the box for additional comments and include "Memorial Donation/Carolyn Marsh."
 
Contributions may also be mailed to:
 
GMU Foundation, Inc.
4400 University Drive, MSN 1A3
Fairfax, VA 22030
 
Please make checks payable to GMU Foundation, Inc. and write "Memorial Donation/Carolyn Marsh" in the memo line.
 
Remembering Carolyn Marsh
"Carolyn Marsh was the Godmother of George Mason Basketball. She was truly one of the sweetest and kindest souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. During my three years as a student-athlete at Mason, I looked forward to seeing her every single day. I can still picture her smile lighting up the office. Her constant support and presence at our games over the years was such a gift. While her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, I know Mason now has a special angel watching over us. Jay, thank you for sharing her with us." – Tony Skinn, Guard (2003-06), Head Coach (2023-present)
 
"Carolyn Marsh was simply wonderful. She touched so many lives with her amazing personality. She made everyone she met and spoke to feel like they were the most important person on earth. She had a gift and she shared it with the students, coaches, staff and friends. She and Jay represented everything good about George Mason University. Her dedication, the giving of her time and giving of herself was something to be admired. Her heart was always in the right place because she loved GMU.  Although she worked for me for 14 years, she was the one who was always in charge. I valued her opinions and welcomed her advice. Carolyn Marsh was a special human being. She will be missed greatly." - Jim Larrañaga, Head Coach (1997-2011)
 
"Carolyn was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. She had an incredible spirit and made everyone who came in contact with her a better person. Carolyn did not only impact coaches and student-athletes, but rather all whom she interacted with. She loved people, she loved the lord and she loved George Mason University. Every time I saw her, she would say, 'God loves you and so do I.' I'll never forget that. Carolyn was a special human being and you could not spend one second around her without feeling the genuine love she had for others. I love her and I'll miss her, and I know so many others feel the exact same way." – Rick Barnes, Head Coach (1987-88), Assistant Coach (1980-85)
 
"My wife and I knew Carolyn even before we arrived at George Mason. We met her and Jay at NACDA athletic administrators' meetings in 1980. Anyone who had the great pleasure to have met Carolyn at Mason or anywhere knew that she was special. She was quiet, loving, loyal and the Coaches and Student Athletes who she came into contact with and I always felt at ease knowing she would help them in any way she could. All of us who knew her will never forget her kindness. The George Mason Family has lost a cherished wonderful person and she will be deeply missed. All Mason Patriots will remember her forever." – Tom O'Connor, Athletic Director (1994-2014)
 
"For decades, Carolyn was the First Lady of Mason Basketball respected and loved by all. To understand her impact, listen to the former players who credit her commitment, love and compassion for guiding them through their college years on so many levels. She will be greatly missed." – Tom Yeager, CAA Commissioner (1985-2016)
 
"Mrs. Carolyn was as welcoming and loving as a second mom to me from the time I stepped on campus. After I graduated, she would always call to check in and see how I was doing. She loved seeing pictures of my daughters. Her big smile and warm spirit will be greatly missed." Lamar Butler, Guard (2001-02, 2003-06), Director of Player Development (2023-present)
 
"Carolyn Marsh was 'my mom away from mom.' I would have never graduated from George Mason in four years without her. Carolyn was far more than the basketball administrator to me. She advised me, guided me, nurtured me and loved me. I was not alone. There are countless former Mason basketball players who would tell you the same. We all loved her as well. During tough times as a student, I always went to her first. I was closer to her than every coach I ever had at Mason. She was everything for me at Mason. Not surprisingly, she has always been a part of my life. For almost 43 years I have remained in touch with both her and Jay. They are family to me and I've now lost one of the true God given angels in my life. I love you Carolyn and thank you for being great!" – Ricky Wilson, Guard (1982-86)
 
"Mrs. Marsh was a wonderful person who I always enjoyed spending time with. Her desk was in the coaches offices in EagleBank Arena and I would always stop by to talk with her. We had many conversations about basketball and life. She always put a smile on my face and I considered her a friend. Her kindness and gentleness is something I will never forget. She encouraged me to strive for greatness on and off the court. She believed in my teammates and I wholeheartedly. I will truly miss her and our friendship. I want to offer my deepest condolences to Jay Marsh. I saw firsthand the connection, love, and relationship they had between each other." – Otis Livingston II, Guard (2015-19)
 
"Carolyn was a constant influence in mine and Patty's lives for almost 50 years! She touched the lives of many student-athletes at George Mason and will be sorely missed. We have countless memories with her and Jay, spending quality time with student-athletes throughout the decades. Those that had the privilege to know her should feel blessed."- Dan Wotring, George Mason Wrestling Hall of Famer, Patriot Club Advisory Board