Dear Mason Nation,
 
The 2025–26 academic year was a strong step forward for George Mason Athletics. Across the department, we saw meaningful progress in competition, academics, fundraising, fan engagement, NIL, leadership, and community connection. That progress reflects the work of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, donors, partners, and fans—and it gives us great energy as we look ahead.
 
Why This Matters: Mason Athletics is building momentum through the people who believe in our mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Together, we are improving the student-athlete experience, growing support, and strengthening our connection across Northern Virginia.
 
This moment also marks the one-year anniversary of the release of Patriots United. Together We Thrive, our strategic plan for Mason Athletics. The progress we are celebrating reflects that shared vision in action and reminds us that we are building something stronger together.
 

Progress Across the Department

• Academic Success: A 3.45 spring GPA set a new departmental record, with 221 student-athletes earning Dean's List recognition and all 22 varsity programs achieving at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Revenue and Fan Engagement: Ticketing and sponsorships grew, while men's basketball averaged 4,189 fans—up 30% year over year—and 5,134 fans in A-10 play, the program's best mark since 2013–14.
• Fundraising Momentum: Athletics raised a record $2.06M on Giving Day—the highest 24-hour fundraising total in program history—and is on pace for another historic fundraising year.

Competitive Momentum

• Women's Basketball: Captured the program's first-ever A-10 Regular Season Championship as co-champions, including a program-record 16 conference wins.
• Men's Basketball: Earned back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007–09.
• Golf: Delivered a historic second-place conference finish, highlighted by Vaughn McMeans earning Player of the Year honors.
• Across Programs: Mason saw historic results in men's volleyball, women's volleyball, and tennis, along with NCAA qualifiers in wrestling and track & field and major individual honors across multiple sports.

NIL — Doing It Differently: "NIL for All"

Name, Image, and Likeness continues to change college athletics. At Mason, we are approaching NIL with purpose, education, and opportunity at the center. Our "NIL for All" model is designed to:

• Create meaningful opportunities for all student-athletes, not just a select few.
• Strengthen partnerships with the local business community.
• Drive authentic engagement across Northern Virginia. 

This approach makes NIL more than a transaction. It creates real opportunities for student-athletes and meaningful connections with the region we proudly represent. Two examples include:

• Madyson Taylor (Women's Soccer) partnered with Crumbl Cookies (watch video)
• Peyton Farley (Women's Lacrosse) built an authentic NIL partnership with Yoga Commons.

Gratitude & Recognition    

• Jeanne Medford: We celebrate Jeanne's 44+ years of dedicated service to George Mason and are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she has made on our department.
• Northwest Federal Credit Union: Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in our vision. As the first member of the new "Starting 5" corporate partner program, your support helps move Mason Athletics forward. (Photo from event)

Leadership & Personnel Updates

• Duraunte Cutts: Duraunte will oversee the Patriot Club and bring strong relationship-building, energy, and focus to our fundraising efforts.
• Nena Rogers: Nena's promotion to Senior Deputy AD recognizes her steady leadership, sound judgment, and deep commitment to our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Keith Morrisroe: Keith's expanded leadership in capital projects will help advance important facility priorities and support the continued growth of Mason Athletics.

What's Next

There is a lot to be excited about as we look ahead, and we will keep building this momentum together.
 
We look forward to sharing more soon about new premium hospitality and fan experience enhancements for the upcoming basketball season. These improvements will help elevate EagleBank Arena and create memorable game-day experiences for Mason fans.
 
This summer's Coaches Caravan has helped us connect with Patriots across the region, and two stops remain. We look forward to visiting Loudoun County at Honor Brewing Company on July 22 and Prince William County at The Farm Brewery on August 26 as we continue bringing Mason Nation together across Northern Virginia.
 
We are also excited to host our second annual TeamNOVA NIL Business Summit on Wednesday, August 19. The event will bring together local businesses, university leaders, and community partners to explore NIL opportunities, celebrate successful partnerships, and highlight the innovative work happening at Mason.
 
Closing:
 The momentum across Mason Athletics is real, and it is possible because of this incredible community. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and even more excited about where we are headed.
 
Thank you for your continued support of George Mason Athletics and for helping us build a stronger future together.
 
Go Patriots!
Marvin Lewis