Athletics

Quinn-Irons selected by Tampa Bay in the 2025 MLB Draft

Melanie Balog — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:11:15 +0000

Quinn-Irons selected by Tampa Bay in the 2025 MLB Draft Melanie Balog Mon, 07/14/2025 - 14:11

�� junior outfielder James Quinn-Irons was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft on Monday.

Quinn-Irons, a native of Reston, Virginia, was selected with the 147th overall pick.

"James is a special talent who hits for power and average, and uses the entire field," George Mason head coach Shawn Camp said. "He has a strong arm and runs the bases very well, and he's a leader on and off the field. He has trusted the process here at George Mason from day one and we are all looking forward to watching him at the professional level."

Quinn-Irons. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Quinn-Irons was invited to participate in the 2025 MLB Draft combine, held June 17-21 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The invitation-only event featured the top collegiate and high school players with more than 300 draft prospects, including 180 collegiate players, who were selected by a committee of MLB, USA Baseball and MLB Club scouting executives with feedback from all 30 MLB clubs.

Quinn-Irons was recognized on five All-America teams in 2025, including four first-team selections at the conclusion of the 2025 season. He was selected DIBaseball First Team All-American, Baseball America First Team All-America, American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings NCAA Division I All-America First Team, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Division I All-America First Team and Perfect Game College Baseball Second Team All-American.

Quinn-Irons was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and was one of the 25 semifinalists for the 47th Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the best amateur baseball player in the nation. He is the first Golden Spikes Award semifinalist in George Mason baseball program history.

Among NCAA leaders, Quinn-Irons ranked second in the nation in hits (101) and RBI (85), fourth in total bases (177), tied for sixth in doubles (24), seventh in batting average (.419), ninth in on-base percentage (.523), tied for 17th in both runs scored (74) and stolen bases (36) and 23rd in slugging percentage (.734).

Quinn-Irons was a three-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Week, the most of any player in the league. He led the league in batting average (.419), hits (101), RBI (85), total bases (177), on-base percentage (.523), OPS (1.257) and doubles, was second in slugging percentage (.734), third in stolen bases (36), fourth in run scored (74), and was seventh in walks (36).

Quinn-Irons started all 61 games and had a batting average of .419 (101-for-241). He led the team in hits (101), doubles, (24), home runs (16) and RBI (85), was second in runs scored (74), stolen bases (36-43) and walks (39). He had 30 multi-hit games (5-2x, 4-2x, 3-10x, 2-16x), 26 multi-RBI games (5-2x, 4-5x, 3-5x, 2-14x), 24 multi-run games (4-1x, 3-5x, 2-18x) and two multi-home run games.

Quinn-Irons started 146 of his 148 games played over his three years with the Green and Gold with a .371 batting average with 208 hits, 33 home runs, 41 doubles, three triples, 160 RBI, 151 runs scored and 58 stolen bases.

Among George Mason all-time leaders, Quinn-Irons ranks second in both batting average (.371) and on-base percentage (.459), fourth in slugging percentage (.632), sixth in RBI (160), tied for sixth in home runs (33), tied for 11th in hit by pitch (28), 13th in runs scored (151), tied for 19th in doubles (41), tied for 20th in hits (208), 39th in at-bats (560), tied for 40th in total bases (262), 42nd in starts (146) and 50th in games played (148).

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George Mason Athletics embraces a new era of excellence

Katarina Benson — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:47:04 +0000

George Mason Athletics embraces a new era of excellence Katarina Benson Mon, 06/23/2025 - 15:47

��’s Intercollegiate Athletics is now entering one of the most significant transformations in its history. With the House v. NCAA settlement officially approved, a new era has begun—one in which institutions can directly provide Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) benefits to student-athletes.

This isn't just a shift in policy—it's a shift in possibility. It's a call to action.

George Mason's men's basketball team in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

At George Mason, we are prepared and energized to lead in this next chapter. Our commitment to building championship-caliber programs remains unwavering, as proudly demonstrated by the success of our men's and women's basketball teams this past season. But our vision is even greater—one that reaches beyond the Atlantic 10 Conference and seeks national prominence, while serving as a vital source of pride for Mason Nation and Northern Virginia.

Now is the moment to rally. To invest. To elevate.

"We are standing at the edge of a new era—one that redefines what it means to support and empower student-athletes," said Marvin Lewis, director of Athletics. "The House settlement isn't just about policy change; it's about opportunity. At George Mason, we're embracing this moment to elevate our programs, deepen our impact, and rally our community like never before. Now is the time to dream bigger, invest boldly, and show the nation what Basketball Greatness—and Mason Nation—is truly made of."

Modernizing Our Approach to Ticketing and Fan Experience

To meet the demands of this new era and build the championship-level resources required to compete, George Mason Athletics—together with our partners at PlayFly Aspire—has conducted its first comprehensive review of basketball season ticket pricing and seating structure in over a decade. This long-overdue evaluation reflects our commitment to fairness, enhancing the fan experience, and positioning the Patriots to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.

Using fan feedback, peer benchmarking, and data-driven insights, this review marks a critical step toward aligning with conference standards while creating more access, flexibility, and value for Mason Nation.

As a result of this review, George Mason Athletics will implement key enhancements beginning with the 2025–26 basketball season, as outlined below.

Nonpremium season tickets will increase by an average of 10%, an increase of less than $1 per game.
The new "all-in" cost (ticket + Patriot Club seat requirement) for nonpremium tickets will average $30 per game, aligned with the A-10 Conference average.
Premium seating (VIP Rows A, B, C) will increase by 25%, reflecting increased demand and value. The new "all-in" cost is $136 per game, still below the A-10 average of $188.
ValueBall options remain available in select sections for fans seeking affordability with no donation required.
New seat map and expanded Patriot Club donation levels (from 5 to 8) will provide greater flexibility and more paths for fans to support George Mason Athletics.
Additionally, loyalty-based discounts will be phased out to ensure consistency and equity in pricing.

Enhancing the Gold Room Experience

As part of our commitment to delivering a first-class game day, we are reimagining the Gold Room—our premier hospitality space inside EagleBank Arena. Updates include:

A new Gold Room Pass priced at $750, with eligible seat requirements applied toward the cost.
Enhanced food and beverage offerings, including curated finger foods, high-quality snacks, and exclusive local selections like the Brave & Bold Commonwealth IPA.
Upgrades to the atmosphere and layout to create a more engaging and elevated experience for our most dedicated supporters.

What to Expect Next

Direct communication will be provided in the coming weeks to all season ticketholders impacted by pricing or seat map changes.

Deposits of $50/seat have been applied to all accounts. Full season ticket invoices will be released in July, with interest-free payment plans available.

Seat upgrade and/or change requests from current ticket holders will be accepted through the end of June and honored before new buyer seat selection begins in mid-July.

Join Us

This is more than a ticket—it's a statement. An investment in the future of our student-athletes, our community, and a university on the rise. With your continued support, we will rise together.

For questions or to upgrade your season tickets, please contact your George Mason Athletics Ticket Representative or call 703-993-3270. You can also email the ticket department at icatix@gmu.edu.

Let's shape the future of college basketball—the George Mason way.

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“Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” is Athletics’ vision to strengthen George Mason’s competitive future

Katarina Benson — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:31:48 +0000

“Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” is Athletics’ vision to strengthen George Mason’s competitive future Katarina Benson Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:31

It’s less about wins and losses for Marvin Lewis, and more about building enduring bridges for the long term.

The �� assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics recently unveiled his vision with an ambitious five-year strategic plan called “Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” The plan aims to enhance student-athlete experiences, strengthen resources, raise competitiveness, curate storytelling and engagement opportunities, and cultivate a championship culture.

The plan is designed to keep George Mason competitive in the fast-changing college sports landscape with improved facilities, expanded resources, and robust support for student-athletes.

“I believe athletics is the front porch of this university, but our job is to unite the community,” Lewis said. “In this evolving landscape, our university needs athletics at the forefront, with our basketball programs gaining strong visibility—locally, regionally, and nationally. These pillars will guide our efforts as we continue to elevate George Mason Athletics and deliver on our mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports.”

Marvin Lewis. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Lewis presented his plan, as well as the fundraising priorities, to the university’s Board of Visitors (BOV) in February, where his call for support in building a winning program to unite the Northern Virginia community resonated.

“If we look around the country at the elite universities, I think you’ll find the combination of great athletics and great academics,” BOV board member Jon M. Peterson said at the meeting. “I think we’ve got the academics; I just think we need to bring the other side up to match.”

Key Highlights of the Plan

There is a $35 million fundraising goal within the Mason Now: Power the Possible comprehensive campaign, to elevate George Mason Athletics, enhance student-athlete experiences, and strengthen the university’s competitive position.

Basketball Greatness:

The university’s signature men’s and women’s basketball programs are central to the plan, with $22.5 million allocated to position George Mason as the unofficial college team of Northern Virginia.
Focused on attracting, recruiting, and retaining top-tier talent, providing championship-level support, and developing student-athletes to their full potential.
A significant portion will fund the construction of a new Basketball and Academic Performance Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility with practice courts, coaches’ offices, locker rooms, a weight room, and an academic support center for all student-athletes.

Sports Performance Ecosystem:

$8 million will be allocated to enhance mental health and wellness services, as well as nutrition and fueling programs, based on student-athlete feedback identifying these as the top requested resources.

Patriot Pathways: Champion to Career:

$3 million will go toward this program, which provides holistic development opportunities for student-athletes beyond sports, including financial education, career readiness, leadership development, and civic engagement.

Athletic Director Opportunity Fund:

Aimed at supporting emerging opportunities, this $1.5 million fund will invest in innovative technology pilots, one-time campus and local business collaborations, and special projects to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.

Lewis predicts the addition of the Basketball and Academic Performance Center would be a “game-changer” for George Mason. This plan also highlights the need to upgrade the 40-year-old, 10,000-seat EagleBank Arena, which will require spending up to $10 million.

“Men’s and women’s basketball are our flagship programs,” said Lewis, a former four-year starting shooting guard and team captain at Georgia Tech, who led the Yellow Jackets to the 2004 national championship game. “They’re the most visible programs for our university, so making sure they have the resources they need is imperative.”

Lewis emphasized the broader benefits of a successful, high-profile comprehensive athletics program, noting the increased visibility can lead to increased student enrollment and attract more academically talented students who might not have otherwise considered George Mason.

While most current George Mason students weren’t around for the Patriots’ Cinderella run to the 2006 Final Four, Lewis believes winning can revive that same spirit. Signs of renewed excitement are already evident after both the men’s and women’s basketball teams had successful seasons this winter.

This season marked a historic year for George Mason Athletics, as the Patriots added to their proud legacy by capturing a combined five regular season titles and conference championships—marking the most successful year in the university’s Atlantic 10 era and the highest single-season total since 1994–95.

“Everybody loves winners,” Peterson said. “We need more winners, and we’ll attract more students.”

The magic starting to take hold at George Mason hasn’t gone unnoticed in the sports world, as Lewis was named to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee in May.

But building a championship culture doesn’t come easily, and it will require an all-hands-on-deck approach from the entire campus and local community.

The university’s BOV recognized its role in this effort, using the May meeting to formally approve a name, image, likeness (NIL) policy that compensates student-athletes through personal branding opportunities. Lewis said the policy aligns George Mason with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s legal framework, pending NCAA legislation, and peer institutions.

Visit the Patriots United. Together We Thrive page for more information.

Visit the Patriots United website

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A historic year for George Mason Athletics

Katarina Benson — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:28:07 +0000

A historic year for George Mason Athletics Katarina Benson Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:28

The 2024-25 school year was one for the record books for �� Athletics, delivering five Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) titles and the most successful run since joining the league 11 years ago.

The Patriots captured A-10 titles or championships in:

Men’s soccer—first regular season title in program history marking the team’s first title since winning the 2013 tournament championship
Men’s basketball—first regular season title in program history
Women’s basketball—first tournament championship in program history
Women’s indoor track and field—first championship since 2014
Men’s outdoor track and field—first championship since 2019

Women's basketball A-10 champions. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

“This year’s success is a reflection of the passion, resilience, and drive our coaches and student-athletes bring every day,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of athletics. “We’re proud to make history together and a strong sign of what’s possible for George Mason Athletics moving forward.”

This marked the highest single-school year total in program history, surpassing the previous record of four titles set during George Mason’s inaugural A-10 campaign in 2013–14. It also marked the first time since 1994–95, during the university’s tenure in the Colonial Athletic Association, that the Patriots won five combined regular season and conference championships in one academic year.

Men's outdoor track and field. Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

Additional highlights from a banner year:

Men’s soccer Head Coach Rich Costanzo was named A-10 Coach of the Year after guiding the Patriots to their first regular season title, finishing 13-4-1 overall and 6-1-1 in A-10 play—their best conference finish—and earning them a top seed in the A-10 Championship.

Men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn was named A-10 Coach of the Year after leading the team to a share of its first-ever regular season A-10 conference title, a program-tying 27 wins, and its first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) appearance since 2009.
The women’s basketball team recorded a program-best 27 victories, won its first A-10 Tournament title, and secured its first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament appearance.
Student-athletes earned a collective 3.32 grade point average (GPA), with a record 78 named Provost Scholars earning a 3.75 GPA or higher, and nearly half securing Dean's List honors. In total, 18 student-athletes earned all-conference honors or individual titles, and 75 earned weekly conference awards.

With historic wins, academic excellence, and rising national visibility, George Mason is building momentum, positioning the university as a competitive force in the A-10 and across the collegiate athletics landscape.

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Lewis appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee

Katarina Benson — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:38:57 +0000

Lewis appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee Katarina Benson Wed, 05/28/2025 - 15:38

Marvin Lewis, ��'s assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has been appointed by the Atlantic 10 to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, marking a historic moment for George Mason Athletics. Lewis is the program's inaugural representative on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee.

He succeeds Saint Joseph's vice president and director of Athletics, Jill Bodensteiner, who is stepping down after three years of service on the committee.

Marvin Lewis. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Marvin is the perfect choice to serve on the committee moving forward," said Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "His support, passion, and knowledge of women's basketball will be of great service to the Division I membership."

"It is an honor to serve on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee and to represent �� and the Atlantic 10," said Lewis. "This is an exciting and transformative time for women's basketball, marked by unprecedented growth in attendance, media reach, and national interest. I experienced this momentum firsthand while supporting George Mason's women's basketball during its historic first NCAA Tournament appearance this past season—and it deepened my passion and commitment to advancing the women's game. I'm eager to work alongside my fellow committee members to help shape a competitive and compelling NCAA Tournament that continues to elevate the sport on a national stage."

Previously, former George Mason Athletic Director Tom O'Connor made history when he joined the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee in 2004—the first representative from the Colonial Athletic Association to the committee. O'Connor served a five-year term and was named chair for the 2007–08 season.

Lewis will be part of the 12-member committee that will be chaired by Amanda Braun, director of athletics at Milwaukee. Other committee members include Vicky Chun of Yale; Liz Darger of Brigham Young; Amy Folan of Central Michigan; Josh Heird of Louisville; Jeff Konya of San Jose State; Jill Redmond of the Missouri Valley Conference; Colleen Sorem of Maryland; Candice Storey Lee of Vanderbilt; Lynn Tighe of Villanova; and newly appointed committee member Ashleigh Simmons of Western Carolina.

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Patriot Pressure Results in Record-breaking Men’s Basketball Season

Katarina Benson — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:53:51 +0000

Patriot Pressure Results in Record-breaking Men’s Basketball Season Katarina Benson Wed, 05/21/2025 - 16:53

George Mason’s men’s basketball had its best season in the program's Atlantic 10 history, with accolades that cement this season’s team in university history.

With 15 A-10 league victories the Patriots set a new university record and started league play 12-1 for the first time in the program's 59-year history. The Patriots also locked up a double bye in the A-10 Tournament for the first time and reached a conference title game for the first time since 2009. Additionally, they won their first-ever A-10 regular season title (shared with Virginia Commonwealth University), achieved the program’s first National Invitation Tournament victory since 2004, and earned a university record-tying 27 overall victories this season.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The Patriots also swept their A-10 home schedule (9-0) for the first time and won five straight A-10 road games for the first time in program annals. The team's 11-game win streak from January 8 to February 18 was the second longest in the nation at the time.

Head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, has quickly established himself as one of the top young head coaches in the nation. In addition to being named the 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Skinn is a national finalist for the Ben Jobe Award and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a Division I head coach who wins with integrity both on and off the court.

“I’m proud of what we’re built over these two years, most importantly because of where we’ve built it,” Skinn says. “George Mason gave me an opportunity 20 years ago, and without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It means the world to have reestablished the championship culture we took so much pride in as players here. I appreciate the continued support of [President] Washington and Marvin Lewis as we navigate this new college basketball landscape and position ourselves on the national stage.”

In March the university extended Skinn’s contract through the 2029-30 season.

George Mason’s elite Patriot Pressure defense ranked in the Top 25 nationally this season, and the Patriots led the nation in field goal defense. Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life.

Senior Jared Billups became George Mason’s first conference Defensive Player of the Year since 2001 and is a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Jalen Haynes earned NABC All-District First Team honors and was just the second All-A-10 First Team pick in university history. Additionally, Darius Maddox earned NABC All-District Second Team accolades and a position on the All-A-10 Third Team. Both Haynes and Maddox garnered A-10 All-Tournament accolades after shining on the national stage.

Quinn-Irons led George Mason’s charge into the baseball postseason

Katarina Benson — Mon, 19 May 2025 19:12:06 +0000

Quinn-Irons led George Mason’s charge into the baseball postseason Katarina Benson Mon, 05/19/2025 - 15:12

A subtle shift in mindset turned James Quinn-Irons into a force at the plate—and it made all the difference in George Mason’s baseball postseason run.

Quinn-Irons at bat. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Rather than fixating on results, the junior first baseman embraced a process-driven approach, focusing on what he can control at each at-bat. This mindset allowed him to explode offensively, leading the Patriots in nearly every major offensive category, propelling the team into the Atlantic 10 Conference Baseball Tournament at Capital One Park in Tysons, Virginia. George Mason made it to the championship game but lost 4-1 to Rhode Island.

“I don’t care as much about the results of the at-bat,” Quinn-Irons said. “I used to get wrapped up in stats, but now it’s more about the process—whether I’ve been patient, worked the count, and done the little things. You can’t always control getting a hit or driving someone in, but you can control your approach. It’s just a mindset.”

It worked.

The computer science major in the College of Engineering and Computing played and started in all 55 regular-season games this spring, leading the Patriots with a .419 batting average, 16 home runs, 85 runs batted in (RBIs), 101 hits, 24 doubles, a .734 slugging percentage, and a 0.523 on base percentage. He also ranks second on the team with 36 stolen bases in 43 attempts. In the A-10 standings, he ranks third in stolen bases, second in slugging percentage, and leads the conference in batting average, on base percentage, hits, RBIs, doubles, and OPS (on base + slugging percentage) with 1.257.

At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Quinn-Irons has played his way into professional prospect, with his name expected to be called during next month’s Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. He recently participated in the 2025 MLB Draft Combine, held June 17-21 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The invitation-only event features top collegiate and high school players selected by a committee of MLB and scouting executives, giving prospects the opportunity to showcase their abilities in advance of the draft.

Quinn-Irons was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Accolades are piling up. He was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, bestowed annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. He is the first player in George Mason baseball history to earn the honor and just the third from the A-10 conference to be named a semifinalist. Previous winners include former MLB stars Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Buster Posey. In addition, Quinn-Irons received numerous conference and national honors, including:

A-10 Player of the Year
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Player of the Year
Three All-America honors:
- American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings NCAA Division I All-America First Team
- National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Division I All-America First Team
- Perfect Game College Baseball Second Team All-American
Three-time A-10 Player of the Week, the most of any player in the league

Not too bad for a player out of South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia whose lone scholarship offer came from George Mason.

Patriots Head Coach and former MLB pitcher Shawn Camp lauded Quinn-Irons for the leadership he brings on and off the field, and for his ability to inspire others around him.

“His leadership is contagious,” Camp said. “He shows up every day with the same attitude. He is one of the most coachable players I’ve ever had, and is always working to improve.”

Last season, Quinn-Irons batted .302 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. His tireless dedication to his craft has elevated every part of his game this spring.

A highlight from earlier in the season came on May 15, when he blasted a walk-off, three-run homer, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to seal a thrilling 8-6 win over Fordham, keeping George Mason’s A-10 regular season title and top tournament seed hopes alive.

“I’m just playing ball,” Quinn-Irons said.

With numbers like his, the game clearly played back.

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Henderson named senior deputy athletic director and COO

Katarina Benson — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:46:56 +0000

Henderson named senior deputy athletic director and COO Katarina Benson Thu, 05/08/2025 - 14:46

�� assistant vice president and director of athletics Marvin Lewis has announced the appointment of Ashton Henderson as its new senior deputy athletic director and chief operating officer. A highly respected national leader in college athletics and professional sports, Henderson brings nearly 15 years of experience spanning collegiate athletics and professional sports with stops at Florida State University, Clemson University, and the Detroit Pistons.

Ashton Henderson. Photo provided

"Ashton Henderson is a dynamic and emerging leader in intercollegiate athletics," said Lewis. "He brings a unique blend of authenticity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. His ability to foster collaboration across departments, cultivate meaningful relationships throughout the university, and lead in the ever-evolving NIL landscape will be an incredible asset to our program. We're proud to welcome Ashton and his wife, Chloe, to the George Mason family!"

As a senior member of the Athletics leadership team, Henderson will oversee the department's daily operations to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and consistent operational execution in support of more than 500 student-athletes, 100 full-time employees, and 200+ part-time staff members.

Henderson will champion new strategic initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience, drive revenue, and galvanize the community. He will collaborate with campus and community partners to advance the athletics program and serve as the program administrator for men's basketball and other varsity athletics programs, including sport supervision responsibilities.

"I am fired up and incredibly honored to join the Mason Nation family," said Henderson. "This is a special institution rooted in excellence, and I am fully committed to serving our student-athletes, coaches, and community with energy, passion, and purpose. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and helping elevate the Patriots to even greater heights."

A former four-year letter winner in football at Michigan State University (2006–09), Henderson most recently served as deputy athletic director for Championship Resources and Culture at Michigan State University. He provided executive leadership for nine areas: athletic training, Spartans Fuel (nutrition), athletic performance, student-athlete wellness, sports science and data analytics, EverGreen NIL education and strategy, Varsity S Club, student-athlete development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts. He also served as the sport administrator for women's basketball during the 2022-23

competition season. Under his leadership, the university's award-winning “EverGreen” NIL program was named the nation's Best Institutional Program at the 2023 NIL Summit.

“In my 40 years of collegiate coaching, I've never worked with anyone who cares more for the student-athlete than Ashton. He has a tremendous ability to build consensus and unity. He'll do amazing things at George Mason,” said Bob Braman, head coach of the Florida State men’s and women’s track and cross-country teams.

Henderson served as the first-ever director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for the Detroit Pistons, transforming the franchise's framework and earning national recognition as a Sports Inclusion Conference DEI Champion in 2021.

"Ashton Henderson has consistently demonstrated a work style that is both diligent and innovative, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to every project he tackles. His leadership is seen, felt, and heard even after he has left our organization--a strong leader with lasting impact,” said Nicolet Lewis, executive vice president and chief people officer of the Detroit Pistons.

Henderson's collegiate leadership journey includes impactful roles at Florida State University and Clemson, where he championed academic success, leadership development, and holistic student-athlete programming. He is a past president of the National Association for Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) (2021-22), the largest affiliate under the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) umbrella with more than 2,000 members.

Henderson has won several N4A awards over the years: Professional Excellence (2020); Model Practice Award—Florida State University (LYFE Program, 2019); and the Professional Promise Award (2015). A two-time graduate of Michigan State University (MSU), Henderson holds a BA in advertising and an MA in public relations. In 2024, he was recognized with MSU's Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the college's highest honor for alumni. He also holds an MBA from Florida State.

As a student-athlete on MSU’s football team, Henderson saw action as both a defensive back and on special teams. In his freshman season (2006), he returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown vs. Northwestern to help fuel the greatest comeback in NCAA Division I-A history as the Spartans rallied from a 35-point deficit for a 41-38 victory.

"I got to know Ashton as a standout football student-athlete at Michigan State. Those skills he learned have manifested into making a tremendous impact on student athletes' lives at every place he's been. George Mason is getting a service-oriented leader who puts students first,” said Martin Jarmound, the Alice and Nahum Lainer Family director of athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Ashton is an incredible leader with a bright future ahead of him. While Ashton was at Clemson, I knew that he would continue to soar in his Athletics pursuit, and I am proud of all that he has accomplished over the past decade. �� is fortunate to have Ashton join their team, and I wish him the best in his next chapter and continued leadership journey,” said Clemson University President James Clements.

Henderson will join George Mason on May 19.

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Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat

Sarah Holland — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:23:10 +0000

Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat Sarah Holland Mon, 04/28/2025 - 10:23

Red-shirting—when an athlete is withdrawn from college sporting events for a year to develop their skills and extend their period of eligibility by an additional year—is particularly common for student athletes from the early 2020s. With many of their careers put on pause due to COVID-19, most student athletes have the chance to keep competing while pursuing graduate degrees.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

For Tyler Kocak, BA Integrative Studies ’24, that extra year of eligibility gave him the chance to pursue a second degree: an MEd in secondary education.

Kocak, who received the John R. Linn Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Athlete from the College of Education and Human Development, plans to cross the stage at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

What inspired you to go into teaching?

My brother got me into it initially. He’s a teacher, and he said he liked it, so I thought I might like it, too. I have a passion for changing the future and impacting kids. In secondary education, I can build relationships with the students and support them along their journey to shape their futures. And I chose history and social science as my focus because I’m a big history junkie.

What brought you to George Mason?

I’m from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and I was recruited for wrestling at George Mason. That was a big factor, but I also liked the area a lot, and I liked the academics.

What’s something you learned from wrestling that translated to your teaching?

Working hard is number one. If you don’t work hard, you’re not going to get where you want to be. You have to roll with the punches: If something doesn't go well or doesn’t go your way, you have to keep going forward, keep moving. Wrestling is a lot about mindset and mentality. I’m a pretty optimistic person, so I always try to look on the bright side of things and work toward improving myself, improving my teaching, and improving my wrestling. Improvement is all about consistency, too, so I learned to take those little steps forward each time to get better and reach my goals.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

What is your greatest accomplishment from your time at George Mason?

I’ve competed nationally a lot. I placed 6th at the Mid-American Conference (MAC); I won a tournament; I made it to round 12 at Midlands Championship, which is a big tournament; and others. And I was on the MAC Honor Roll and was a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American.

What advice would you give to a first-year student at George Mason?

Never give up. Work hard and manage your time well. Stay ahead of the course, and plan ahead instead of falling behind. If you do fall behind, contact your professors. And if you’re an athlete coming in, try to build a good relationship with your coaches and teammates.

What are your current plans for post-graduation?

I want to teach history and social science somewhere in Fairfax County. Maybe I’ll end up doing special education. And I want to coach high school wrestling.

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Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

Colleen Rich — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:23:33 +0000

Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season Colleen Rich Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:23

�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, securing her leadership through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Blair-Lewis has revitalized the Patriots, leading them to historic milestones, including their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2024-25 season. This year, George Mason also set a program record with 27 wins and finished with a 14-4 conference record, solidifying its status as a top competitor in the A-10.

“In just four years, Vanessa has transformed our women’s basketball program, guiding us to our first A-10 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance,” said Lewis. “Her leadership has ignited a new level of pride and excitement across our campus community. Vanessa is not only an exceptional coach on the court but also a remarkable leader off it. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm of our program for years to come.”

Blair-Lewis has overseen remarkable improvement in her tenure. In her first season in 2021-22, she more than tripled the team’s win total from the previous year, guiding them to a 10-19 record. The following year, the Patriots recorded their first winning season since 2017-18, finishing 16-15 and advancing to the A-10 quarterfinals. In 2023-24, the program reached new heights with 23 regular season wins and 14 conference victories, earning a postseason bid to the WBIT. This past season, her vision materialized, as the Patriots achieved unprecedented success, culminating in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Gregory Washington, Athletic Director Marvin Lewis, and Senior Women’s Administrator Nena Rogers for their continued belief in me and unwavering support of our women’s basketball program,” said Blair-Lewis. “Being the head coach at George Mason is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with great pride. I’m fortunate to lead a phenomenal group of young women whose heart, resilience, and commitment made this historic season possible.”

Blair-Lewis’ impact has been recognized nationally, as she was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats two years in a row.

“This year wasn’t just about wins—it was about changing the narrative, raising the standard, and showing what’s possible when a team fully believes in one another,” said Blair-Lewis. “The energy, unity, and pride we’ve seen from the George Mason community has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful.”

Blair-Lewis has also overseen the development of six standout student-athletes who have earned significant postseason accolades in the A-10. Three Patriots the last two seasons have been named to A-10’s All-Conference lists, including back-to-back athletes who were named the league’s Most Improved Player.

With this contract extension, George Mason affirms its commitment to the continued growth and success of its women's basketball program under Blair-Lewis’s leadership. The university community looks forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones in the coming seasons.

“As we look ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Blair-Lewis. “We’re not done—we’re just getting started. Together, we’re building something truly special for this university, for Northern Virginia, and for every young girl who dreams of playing this game at the highest level.”

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