Dear Mason Nation,
It's an exciting moment for George Mason University Athletics. Our programs continue to compete and succeed on the national stage while we make strategic investments that strengthen the future of our student-athletes and our university.
Athletic Achievements
March is always special in college athletics, and this year our programs once again showcased the momentum of Patriot Athletics.
Wrestling
The Patriots delivered a strong showing at the
NCAA Championships, sending four qualifiers to the tournament—the program's highest total in 25 years. Notably, four wrestlers advanced to the second day of competition for the first time in program history. Under head coach Frank Beasley, George Mason Wrestling continues its rise with 18 NCAA qualifiers, including five seasons with at least three during his nine seasons. This year's performance reflects the sustained excellence and leadership driving the program forward.
Men's swimming
In just his third year as head coach, Jamie Greenwood has elevated Mason men's swimming to new heights. The Patriots finished second at the
Atlantic 10 Championships, led by Tate Anderson's gold medal in the 200 IM and silver medal in the 100-yard freestyle championship final.
Women's basketball
Led by Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Mason women's basketball continues to make history. The Patriots earned a share of the 2026 Atlantic 10 regular-season championship — the first in program history — while setting a program record with a 16–2 conference mark. The team also secured a No. 3 seed in the WBIT. Coach Blair-Lewis now stands one win shy of her 100th career victory at Mason, a powerful reflection of the culture and vision she has built.
Men's basketball
Under head coach Tony Skinn, Mason men's basketball continues its steady rise. The Patriots have now made back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007–09. Coach Skinn has also become the first head coach in program history to record 20-plus wins in three consecutive seasons — a clear sign of sustained growth and stability.
None of this success happens without you — our passionate fans, alumni, donors, and supporters.
March Madness
This March was also meaningful for me personally. Serving on the
NCAA Women's Basketball Committee has been a full-circle experience — from competing as a student-athlete in the NCAA Tournament to now helping select and support teams as they pursue their championship dreams, culminating with the Final Four in Phoenix this April.
March to Greatness
The March to Greatness — and our work building for next year — begins now.
As our men's and women's basketball programs enter a critical period of student-athlete retention and recruiting with the transfer portal opening in early April, your support of the Basketball Greatness Fund makes an immediate and meaningful difference. From retaining student-athletes who proudly represent Mason to recruiting elite talent that elevates our programs, every gift helps fuel our momentum and power what comes next.
Your generosity allows our coaches and student-athletes to focus on what matters most: preparation, performance, and representing George Mason at the highest level.
Tap the link to help power the March to Greatness — and join us during Mason Giving Day, April 2–3.
Investing in our Future: Facility Enhancements
We are making steady, intentional investments to elevate the experience of our student-athletes, with several facility projects currently underway. I often say that
student-athletes shop with their eyes — and having high-quality practice and competition facilities is essential to both recruiting success and the daily experience of our student-athletes. These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing environments that support performance, development, and pride in representing George Mason.
Field House fueling station
Construction will begin in late April on a new fueling station within the Field House Team Room. This dedicated space will provide student-athletes with convenient access to healthy snacks, hydration, and recovery resources to support daily training and competition.
This initiative is supported by our new full-time sports dietitian,
Quinten Patterson, whose background in clinical care, research, and high-performance sport will play a vital role in optimizing student-athlete health, recovery, and performance.
Field House team meeting room
Construction begins in late April and will conclude by the end of May. Enhancements include improved lighting, custom acoustic paneling, upgraded A/V technology, new carpet, and refreshed furniture to better support the room's multi-use functionality.
Basketball Academic Performance Center
The project is nearing completion of the working drawings phase, with site mobilization and initial demolition scheduled to begin in June 2026. Overall project completion is targeted for December 2027. We are also planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early fall—please be on the lookout for additional details as they become available.
Baseball stadium development
Planning continues with VMDO Architects as site studies and cost estimates are refined. Additional updates will be shared as details are finalized.
EagleBank Arena
We are making strong progress on design and planning efforts to enhance the structure of EagleBank Arena. These improvements focus on expanding storage and external rental areas, upgrading administrative offices, and growing premium hospitality spaces — all designed to strengthen the arena's functionality, revenue potential, and overall experience.
In addition, we are evaluating several short-term investments to elevate the game-day experience for both fans and students beginning next season. More details will be shared in the coming months as we introduce enhancements that further elevate the energy and atmosphere of EagleBank Arena.
Upcoming Mason Events
As we close out the spring semester, there are several exciting opportunities to engage with Mason Athletics:
NIL Student-Athlete Expo
March 31 | 5–8 p.m. | Center for the Arts
An evening of networking, NIL education, partnerships, internships, and career connections, featuring keynote speaker and brand strategist Sam Green.
Mason Giving Day
April 2–3
Join the 24-hour "Race Day" celebration supporting programs across George Mason University.
Atlantic 10 Track & Field Championships
May 2-3 | George Mason Stadium
Come support our men's and women's outdoor track and field teams as they compete for a conference championship. The men's program looks to defend last year's title and "run it back."
Atlantic 10 Baseball Championship Tournament
May 20-23 | Capital One Park, Tysons Corner, VA
Cheer on the Patriots as they pursue an A-10 championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament — championship baseball right in our backyard.
Patriot Club Golf & Pickleball Outing
June 1 | Chantilly National Golf & Country Club
A day of competition and camaraderie benefiting the Patriot Club and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Register Here
In closing, thank you, Mason Nation. Your unwavering support empowers our student-athletes to compete, excel, and make history — in competition and in the classroom. Together, we will continue to fuel championship success while staying true to our mission:
to inspire and transform lives through the power of sport.
Go Patriots!
Marvin Lewis
Director of Athletics
George Mason University
