Mason Nation,
 
In just under 30 days, more than 500 student-athletes will return to campus, proudly representing 22 sports across the thriving George Mason Athletics ecosystem. While summer offers a moment to rest and reflect, it's also a time of action—and we are charging ahead, building on a historic year to shape an even brighter future.
 
A Year to Remember
 
The 2024–25 season was nothing short of extraordinary:
 

• On the Field: We secured five Atlantic 10 titles—in men's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's indoor track, and men's outdoor track. It's our most conference championships in a single year since 1994–95.
• To the Pros: Congratulations to James Quinn Irons (5th Round, Tampa Bay Rays) and Connor Knox (18th Round, Chicago Cubs)—the latest Patriots to go pro. Once again proving: Pros are made here.
• In the Classroom: Our student-athletes posted a 3.37 cumulative GPA, outperforming the general student body for the 10th year in a row, and achieving a record 95% Graduation Success Rate.
• In the Community: Thanks to more than 1,500 donors, we set a single-year fundraising record, raising over $3 million—an astounding 109% increase from last year.

 
To everyone who supports George Mason Athletics—thank you. Your generosity, energy, and belief in our mission – to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports – fuels our progress. Relive the highlights in our 2024–25 Year-End Celebration Recap.
 
Summer in Motion
 
Even in the off-season, George Mason Athletics hasn't slowed down.
 
In June, we launched Patriots United. Together We Thrive —our bold, five-year strategic plan designed to elevate George Mason Athletics to new heights. This is more than a roadmap; it's a movement to solidify our place as Northern Virginia's Team, driving competitive success, academic excellence, and deeper community connection.
 
We've also hit exciting milestones:

• Facilities Progress: We've entered the design phase of the new Basketball and Academic Performance Center, with groundbreaking anticipated in late 2025.
• Strategic Partnerships: We've welcomed world-class teams and organizations—including the Washington Mystics, Washington Spirit, Old Glory DC, Arsenal Women's FC, and Auckland City FC—to our facilities. These high-profile partnerships bring elite sports experiences to Fairfax and amplify George Mason's local and global impact.
• NIL and Student-Athlete Empowerment: Preparing for the House v. NCAA settlement, we've enhanced our focus on student-athlete and holistic development. Janard Estell as our first-ever Director of Player Management & NIL, and with key campus partners (i.e., Costello College of Business, Communications, etc.), launched an NIL/Revenue Sharing Education Series for our basketball programs. We will host our first-ever Business Summit this August, bringing local businesses leaders and our student-athletes, offering NIL partnership opportunities and career development. We're committed to helping Patriots maximize their NIL opportunities—while staying grounded in education and character.

 
Looking Ahead
 
As we turn the page on a remarkable year, we do so with resolve and vision. College athletics is evolving rapidly—but our core remains unchanged: a relentless commitment to our student-athletes, their academic journeys, their athletic dreams, and their personal growth.
 
Sustained success in this new era will require continued support, innovation, and unity. Together, we can keep building, keep winning, and keep inspiring.
 
We can't wait to welcome you back this fall as we create more unforgettable #MasonMemories—together.
 
Thank you for being part of the journey.
 
Go Patriots!
Marvin Lewis