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Softball’s Alyssa Hopkins explores entrepreneurship at NCAA Legacy Lab

Katarina Benson — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:34:37 +0000

Softball’s Alyssa Hopkins explores entrepreneurship at NCAA Legacy Lab Katarina Benson Fri, 10/30/2026 - 10:34

Sophomore Alyssa Hopkins represented ��ɫ��Ƶ at the NCAA Legacy Lab in September in Indianapolis, Indiana. The lab brought together student-athletes from across the country to explore entrepreneurship, personal branding, and opportunities beyond sports.

Hopkins, a sport management major and member of George Mason’s softball team, was nominated by George Mason Athletics and completed an extensive application before being selected for the four-day program. "I was really excited for the chance to explore my interests outside of softball and meet other student-athletes doing the same thing," Hopkins said.

Hopkins at the NCAA Legacy Lab. Photo by NCAA

The NCAA Legacy Lab helps sophomore and junior Division I, II and III student-athletes in good academic standing turn their skills, stories, and ideas into sustainable ventures. The program gives participants the tools, mentorship, and space to translate their competitive strengths into business and brand-building skills. Participants chose one of three learning tracks: Brand in Motion: Explore how to build and monetize a personal brand through NIL; Blueprint to Breakthrough: Learn the fundamentals of starting, operating and growing a business; and Built to Serve: Develop ventures that combine social responsibility and profitability.

Hopkins selected the Brand in Motion track, which challenged her to think more intentionally about building her personal brand and pursuing NIL opportunities in a way that feels authentic to who she is.

"I had a great experience and met so many student-athletes with different goals and ideas," Hopkins said. "I also enjoyed getting to share my idea for a ticketing platform that could support athletes and give back to charitable causes."

One of Hopkins' biggest takeaways from the experience was that an idea does not have to be completely developed before taking the first step. The Legacy Lab encouraged her to think about the problem her idea could solve, who it could help, and what steps would be needed to turn the idea into reality.

"Hearing other student-athletes share their ideas inspired me," Hopkins said. "Everyone came in with different experiences and goals, but we all wanted to use what we've learned through sports to make an impact."

The experience also challenged Hopkins to communicate her own ideas more clearly and consider how they could develop beyond the initial pitch. Along the way, she formed connections with fellow student-athletes and made new friends.

Hopkins playing softball. Photo by David Asche/George Mason Athletics

As a sport management major with interests in NIL and entrepreneurship, Hopkins plans to carry the lessons and connections from the Legacy Lab into her future career in sports. "I want to keep building connections and use my platform with purpose," she said.

For Hopkins, the experience reinforced the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and being open to new opportunities—something she encourages other student-athletes interested in the NCAA Legacy Lab to do as well.

"I would tell them to go for it," she said. "Be open to meeting people, asking questions, and sharing what you care about. You might leave with a clearer idea of what you want to do beyond your sport. You will learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of if you just try."

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Patriot Profile: Maya Bayat

ckearney — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:51:48 +0000

Patriot Profile: Maya Bayat ckearney Tue, 10/13/2026 - 11:51

Maya Bayat

Year: Senior

Major: Business with a minor in visual art

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

It might be difficult to guess based on how much George Mason student-athlete Maya Bayat, BS Business ’26, fits into her day, but she says she’s grown a lot when it comes to time management. Bayat is in the Bachelor’s-to-Accelerated Master’s Program working on a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in finance with a minor in visual art. In addition to her classes, she trains and competes for the women’s tennis team, works as an intern at two galleries and an art nonprofit, and creates her own art.

Home Away from Home: For Bayat, the chance to play Division I tennis while staying close to her family in Arlington made George Mason the right choice. “Having my family’s support means a lot to me. They help me every step of the way,” she said. As someone with many interests and the determination to follow them, Bayat has taken advantage of the myriad opportunities she’s had a George Mason to build relationships with teammates and coaches, network in the Costello College of Business, and expand art connections through Mason Exhibitions. “I would say as a person—not necessarily that I'm more extroverted—but I'm more open to connecting with people,” she said.

Maya Bayat. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

Leveling Up: Bayat, who plays both singles and doubles, started tennis later than most Division I players, but her enthusiasm for the game fueled her extra hours on the court. “We all love winning,” she said, but her training focuses on the process as much as the results: “I'm always trying to improve technically, mentally, physically.” She is also on the university’s Student–Athlete Advisory Committee, where representatives from all the Division I teams collaborate to improve the experience of current and future Patriots.

No Canvas, No Problem: “For as long as I can remember, I've been making art,” said Bayat. “I did my first structured art class when I was around five years old.” Painting in particular has provided an outlet. “[During COVID] I ran out of canvases because I was painting so much.” She had already transformed the mailbox, the driveway, and an old cabinet into artwork, so her parents said she could decorate some walls, and she discovered a new “love for murals.”

Finding Her Niche: This summer, Bayat interned at Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art in Arlington. Her Mason Exhibitions supervisor made sure she could apply her finance skills to real-world projects like grant applications, but she also learned about every aspect of running the gallery. Bayat helped with exhibit de-install; learned how to care for artwork; and contributed research, wall text, and press releases to the What Remains? exhibit, which features art by veterans and runs through November. The experience, she says, “makes you respect…art galleries, art institutions, museums so much more.”

The Art of the Deal: Bayat describes herself as entrepreneurial—she has sold her own paintings to fund tennis expenses. She is now interested in pursuing a career in the art value investment market, which combines her love of art and her interest in investing. As for tennis, she’s begun coaching recently and would like to play in professional tournaments. “I'll always have it in my life. . . I love tennis. I feel like it has its own art form too. It's a way of expressing yourself.”

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Patriot Profile: Tori Bates

Katarina Benson — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:26:33 +0000

Patriot Profile: Tori Bates Katarina Benson Thu, 10/01/2026 - 14:26

Patriot Profile: Tori Bates

Year: Senior 

Major: Special Education

Hometown: Ada, Michigan

��ɫ��Ƶ student and lacrosse goalkeeper Tori Bates couldn’t have known that a decision she made as a teenager about how to spend the summer would end up defining her life’s purpose. For Bates, that moment came when she was looking for a meaningful way to spend her time and began volunteering at a therapeutic center for children ages 1-14 with developmental disabilities. What began as a summer activity sparked a passion for helping others. “I just absolutely fell in love with it,” she said. “It was just so much fun and so rewarding to see how much influence I had in their progress in just a couple of months.”

Tori Bates. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

Lending a Hand: Bates volunteered in a speech and occupational therapy program, serving as both a peer and role model. She found particular joy in seeing children build their communication skills. For Bates, those moments represented something much bigger: helping children gain another way to express who they were and what they needed. At an end-of-camp ice cream party, for example, Bates asked a girl who had had trouble verbalizing her needs what flavor she wanted. When the ice cream came out too cold, the girl handed it back with a single word: "cold." It was the first time she had verbally advocated for herself. “It was a momentous moment,” Bates said.

Signs Point to George Mason: That same instinct to connect with and help others carried over to learning American Sign Language, which the aspiring special education teacher took as her foreign language all four years of high school. Bates is sharpening those skills at George Mason with a ASL minor, and the university’s proximity to the Washington, D.C., area deaf community means she has plenty of opportunities to use the skills.

Alexandra Raines, special education assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development, said Bates brings that same level of compassion, thoughtfulness, and dedication to the classroom. “Tori is a hardworking and supportive classmate who consistently contributes meaningful ideas and makes those around her better,” Raines said. “I have no doubt she will make a lasting and positive impact on the students and families she serves!”

Between the Pipes: As a four-year varsity lacrosse player, three-time All-Conference selection, and Second Team All-State honoree at Forest Hills Central High School, Bates set Michigan state records in saves in a single game and in a single season. On the field for the Patriots, she is vocal and calm under pressure, always steadying the ship with her sense of humor. "When we’re relaxed and enjoying ourselves, that's when we have the best chemistry, and we play better," she said.

Bates (center) with her teammates. Photo by George Mason Athletics

“Tori serves as a strong example of how the simple act of showing up – especially on the days when it feels difficult – can lead to meaningful growth over time,” said Kara Mupo, George Mason’s women’s lacrosse head coach.

The Student-Athlete Balance: A two-time Provost Scholar, Bates carries a 3.9 GPA and was recently among the program-record 12 Patriots named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division I Academic Honor Roll. Bates also serves as vice president on George Mason’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and works part time as an administrative assistant with the ��ɫ��Ƶ Police Department, where she assists with research, including background checks. In her downtime, Bates enjoys scrapbooking, crafting, or curling up with a good book and her 12-year-old cat, Chanel.

“Tori is a vital part of our team whose dedication to what she does is readily apparent,” said Assistant Chief Michael F. Lighthiser, Mason Police. “She's been a great addition to the department.”

Parental Guidance Accepted: Initially drawn to occupational and speech therapy, Bates said it was her mother who suggested special education might be a natural fit. She also credits her parents for modeling what it looks like to work hard, show up, and stay committed. "They always say: Try your best," she said. "It didn't matter if I got a B, as long as they saw the effort. They showed me that you always show up to the commitments you've made." She’s taken the lesson and made it practical. “It’s really all about planning,” she said. “But when you’re so passionate about so many things, you make the time.”

Bates working with a child in occupational therapy. Photo provided

Next Up: Bates isn’t slowing down after graduation. She’s enrolled in George Mason’s Bachelor's to Accelerated Master’s Degree program in Adaptive Curriculum for grades K-12. She hopes to one day teach for the Department of War Education Activity, which operates schools in the United States and overseas, including, Japan, Germany, and Guam. She's also passionate about educational policy and would love to play a role in updating the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Wherever her classroom is, she already knows what she wants it to feel like. "I want my students to feel like it's their space too," she said. "I want to celebrate differences. Everyone has a right to learn, feel safe, and be seen. I want learning to be fun."

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Game, Set, Content: This George Mason student-athlete brings followers inside Division I tennis

Katarina Benson — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:45:33 +0000

Game, Set, Content: This George Mason student-athlete brings followers inside Division I tennis Katarina Benson Mon, 09/14/2026 - 14:45

For most student-athletes, the work happens behind the scenes. Early-morning lifts, long days of classes, hours on the court, and weekends spent traveling to competitions are rarely seen by anyone outside the team. For ��ɫ��Ƶ women's tennis senior Cenan Liu, sharing that experience has become part of her story.

Through a growing social media presence, the Markham, Ontario, Canada native majoring in a business with a concentration in marketing and business analytics has built an audience by documenting the realities of Division I athletics—from practice sessions and match weekends to "What I Eat in a Day" (WIEIAD) videos and the challenges of balancing college, tennis, and content creation. What started as a creative hobby has evolved into a platform that connects with thousands of aspiring student-athletes while opening doors to opportunities with brands such as LEGO Canada and Audible.

Cenan Liu. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

“I started creating content during my freshman year of high school because I saw a girl who I knew post about getting free tennis shoes from social media, and I figured if she could do it, I could too,” Liu said. “I built a very engaged tennis community, and I would post about my training, tennis videos, etc.”

While tennis was the foundation of her content, the COVID-19 pandemic helped shape her platform's direction. "During a time where everybody was online, it was hard to feel connected to my peers and fellow creators," Liu said. "I started to explore different niches including fashion and tech, before ultimately falling in love with watching 'What I Eat in a Day' videos, leading to my transition to creating WIEIAD videos in college."

During that time, Liu found inspiration in creators who shared their experiences as college athletes. "I really resonated with college athletes, specifically Kaila Novak, who shared her D1 life at UCLA as a soccer player," Liu said. "She really inspired me to film those same videos I enjoyed watching so much."

Watching creators document their daily lives helped Liu realize that some of the most compelling content wasn't centered on results or accomplishments, but on the experiences that came with being a student-athlete.

Tennis naturally became the foundation of her content. “Whether I want it to or not, tennis is a huge part of my life and always will be,” she said. “I think it’s super important for me to create content about tennis because I personally think there is a lack of college content out there about a lot of the stuff I talk about, whether it’s about recruiting, college food, tournament experiences, etc.”

Liu practicing at George Mason. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

Her content isn’t just highlights; it’s the honest middle ground of being a student-athlete. “Our spring season is incredibly busy, with constant travel, training, and competition, and I enjoy bringing my audience along for that journey through vlogs and behind-the-scenes content,” Liu said. “I love being able to show them what college tennis actually looks like beyond the highlights they see online.”

Content creation quickly became more than a hobby—it became a creative outlet and a career. “Content creation is the best way for me to funnel my creative ideas into videos that hopefully resonate with my audience,” Liu said. “During tennis practice, lift, and classes, I don’t feel like I get the opportunity to be as hands-on and as creative as I can when I create content.”

That creativity opened doors she never expected, including commercial shoots with major brands. “A casting producer reached out to me via email saying she found me through YouTube Shorts, and they needed a tennis player for an Audible commercial,” she said. “They flew me out to LA, and I stayed there for two days before taking a redeye flight to land back in Washington at 7 a.m. to compete in a tournament the same day!”

Another moment that stands out came with LEGO Canada. “They needed a tennis player in Toronto for a video shoot,” Liu said. “It was an insane full-circle experience because the commercial was filmed at my childhood tennis club. Getting to go back after so many years brought back so many memories of when I was a junior player, and I had no idea the next time I was back, I’d be filming a LEGO commercial.”

Despite the growing opportunities, Liu's content remains grounded in the experiences that first connected her with her audience.

"Being a college athlete is a major part of my identity, and a lot of my content revolves around sharing the realities of student-athlete life," Liu said, "whether that's balancing classes and practices, traveling for matches, managing a busy schedule, or navigating the highs and lows that come with competing at a high level."

Beyond documenting her own experiences, Liu sees her platform as a way to help others better understand what college athletics is really like. "I also think it's interesting for students at other schools to get a glimpse into what life at George Mason is really like, both academically and athletically," Liu said. "At the same time, a large portion of my audience consists of high school students who are interested in playing college sports, so I love being able to show them what college tennis actually looks like beyond the highlights they see online."

Liu hopes her content offers a glimpse of the student-athlete experience. "I hope my content gives people a more realistic understanding of the student-athlete experience while helping them feel inspired and connected to the journey." she said.

Liu’s message is simple but powerful: Show up and be yourself. “The most important piece of advice that you’ve probably heard a bajillion times is to be consistent with your posting,” she said. “Authenticity is also really important and that’s something that I try to really focus on because it’s something that I believe you can genuinely feel through the screen, whether somebody is genuine or not.”

As she continues competing for the Patriots and growing her platform, Liu remains focused on telling stories that resonate with people. By sharing the realities of student-athlete life, she's created more than content—she's built a community.

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Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia

Katarina Benson — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:05:25 +0000

Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia Katarina Benson Thu, 09/10/2026 - 11:05

The Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team can often be found in the stands at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) on the Fairfax Campus, cheering on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s men's volleyball team. Recently, a group of Patriots returned the favor, joining the Area 26 athletes on their home court and volunteering at the Warhawks Team's practice at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax.

Special Olympics Virginia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities to develop skills, compete, and build connections within their communities.

Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team and the ��ɫ��Ƶ men's volleyball team. Photo provided

"We met some of the guys from the [Warhawks] team throughout the course of our season, as they showed up to a good number of our matches in full force," said Patriots' senior opposite hitter Jackson Herbert. "They were always the loudest in the stands, and we really appreciate the support. So, when they wanted help with their practice, all our guys jumped at the opportunity. It meant a lot to us because of the support they give us, so we wanted to do what we could in return."

During the practice, the George Mason student-athletes coached the Warhawks Team, shared their volleyball knowledge, and spent quality time on the court with the athletes.

"A large part of our team culture and George Mason athletics as a whole is giving back to our community," said Herbert. "This opportunity was a perfect activity for us to combine our knowledge of volleyball and our desire to help in the community. It means a lot to our team to give our experience and knowledge to those that don't have the same access to it as us, so we were grateful to spend a beautiful day outside and help teach other driven athletes."

The Area 26 team’s support has been integral to making the RAC a formidable home-court environment in recent years. George Mason has posted a 38-6 home record at the RAC dating back to 2024.

"Many of our Special Olympics athletes are graduates of the George Mason’s LIFE Program," said volunteer team coordinator Gretchen Ortega. "Having current George Mason athletes come out to support them felt like Patriot Pride in action!"

George Mason men's volleyball is still months away from returning to the court for regular-season action, but the Patriots continue to make an impact in the Northern Virginia community throughout the year.

"Although I am proud of my team for their athletic abilities, I am more proud of what they do off the court," said men’s volleyball head coach Jay Hosack. "Being a part of the Special Olympics is a unique opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourselves. I'm sure this won't be the last time they are there helping coach that team to greatness!"

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Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr.

sbrown79 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:05:19 +0000

Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr. sbrown79 Fri, 08/28/2026 - 17:05

Patriot Profile: Michael Marcus Jr.

Year: Junior

Major: Computer science

Hometown Indian Trial, North Carolina

Growing up, Michael Marcus Jr.’s family had an important rule: All the children would take part in both a sport and some form of art. For Marcus, that meant basketball and music. A starting forward on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s men’s basketball team, Marcus has spent years refining his game on the court while also teaching himself to play the piano in his free time.

Becoming a Patriot: This summer, Marcus transferred to George Mason from Appalachian State ahead of his junior year. While entering the transfer portal can be overwhelming, he says the right people helped guide him through the process. The decision came down to finding the right fit both athletically and academically. “Fortunately, I had a formative team around me that brought me to Coach Tony Skinn and George Mason,” he said.

Playing It Forward: Although Marcus has always been a forward, he understands that basketball demands flexibility. “Versatility is the third most important ability behind availability and coachability,” he said. “Your size, who you can guard, and [the] skillset you have dictates the positions that you will play on the floor.”

Student-athlete and self-taught pianist, Michael Marcus, Jr. plays the piano in George Mason's Center for the Arts. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Being a Team Player: Marcus’s basketball mindset is shaped by years of competitive experience. As a high school student, he helped lead his team to a runner-up finish at the North Carolina 4A state championship. He also won an Elite Youth Basketball League 15 and Under Championship during his Amateur Athletic Union career on the Nike Circuit. “That experience emphasized to me how important each team member’s role is, operating as one in order to win the game,” he said.

Finding His Sound: While basketball may take center stage, music has remained a meaningful outlet in Marcus’s life. “Since the fifth grade, I tried multiple instruments that just didn’t work for me before my father encouraged me to try piano.” Marcus taught himself piano by matching the notes he saw on screen with those on the keyboard. He also began studying basic music theory. “I figured out my own way of breaking the piano down and then building it back up into music,” he said.

Tuning Out and Tuning In: Whether on the court or at the piano, Marcus relies on a similar approach when the pressure builds. Every athlete feels overwhelmed at times, he said. The difference is how quickly they can reset. “I remind myself of the player that I am because of how I work, and my confidence is rooted in that.” He uses a similar approach when performing his music. “I learned to tune out the crowd playing in a game by being present and focusing on what I am doing, and now I do the same with music,” he said.

Creating a Musical Dialogue: While Marcus’s musical interests and influences are diverse, all lean toward a rich piano style. “[Jazz pianist] Art Tatum is someone whose left hand I’ve tried to mimic, as well as the walking bassline.” Marcus is also a fan of George Winston, especially his version of “Carol of the Bells,” and self-taught Japanese musician Daigo Hanada, who is also a former basketball player. As a self-taught musician, he’s had to find ways to measure his progress without formal instruction. For him, playing the piano feels less like a performance and more like an exchange. “I picture me and the piano having a conversation and as I’m playing the chord patterns, melodies, and rhythms—that’s my way of speaking to the piano. The sounds that come back as a result is the piano responding to me, and we just go back and forth.”

More than One Dimension: For Marcus, basketball and music aren’t competing passions—they sharpen one another. One teaches discipline, awareness, and adaptability. The other offers creativity and expression. Together, they reflect the balance he’s been building since childhood—and the kind of student-athlete he hopes to be at George Mason.

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Education is the key for George Mason student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports

ckearney — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:01:50 +0000

Education is the key for George Mason student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports ckearney Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:01

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing have become inescapable parts of the lexicon of today’s new college sports landscape, but ��ɫ��Ƶ’s assistant vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Marvin Lewis wants to make sure that everyone knows exactly what that entails.

George Mason student-athletes met with company representatives at an NIL Expo held earlier this year. Photo by John McDonnell/George Mason Athletics

The goal is to both improve the student-athlete experience and add to the growing momentum, support, and university connection across all of Northern Virginia.

“We’re looking to build an NIL ecosystem at George Mason,” Lewis said. “We think of being Northern Virginia’s team, and the business community is an important piece of that. When NOVA’s team wins, NOVA wins.”

That commitment to Northern Virginia extends education to partnerships between local business leaders and interested university student-athletes.

“There’s an assumption that every student-athlete is getting paid, that every student-athlete is making six figures with NIL, and every student-athlete is transferring,” Lewis said. “That’s not the case at George Mason. Most of our student-athletes receive partial or no athletics scholarships, work to help afford their education, and remain committed to the academic opportunities and benefits the university provides.”

With aims of keeping George Mason competitive with further authentic engagement across Northern Virginia, the second annual NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit on August 19 will bring together local businesses, university leaders, and community partners with student-athletes to explore NIL opportunities, celebrate successful partnerships, and highlight innovative work happening on campus.

The just-completed 2025–26 academic year was a strong one for George Mason Athletics, with significant progress in athletic competition, academics, fundraising, fan engagement, NIL, leadership, and community connection.

Winning has proven just the panacea needed, with holding particularly true for George Mason’s two flagship sports of men’s and women’s basketball.

The women’s team captured the program's first-ever A10 regular-season championship as co-champions, including a program-record 16 conference wins, while the men earned back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007–09.

NIL Expo in the Center for the Arts lobby. Photo by John McDonnell/George Mason Athletics

Ticketing and sponsorships have blossomed as a result, with men's basketball averaging 4,189 fans—up 30% year over year—and 5,134 fans in A10 play, the program's best mark since 2013–14.

The momentum helped Athletics raise a record $4.4 million last year, including $2.06 million on Giving Day. Learn more about this achievement at gomason.com.

“Winning starts with people,” Lewis said. “I truly believe that people matter and that culture is the differentiator. I feel really confident in [Men’s Basketball Head Coach] Tony [Skinn] and [Women’s Basketball Head Coach] Vanessa [Blair-Lewis] as leaders on the basketball side, and the cultures that they’ve been able to develop that are about the right things.”

Success comes with its obvious benefits as NIL continues to transform college athletics, and interest in it from George Mason student-athletes remains strong. Currently, 26 student-athletes from eight different sports have NIL deals that have created opportunities for them while strengthening ties with the local business community.

Examples of the “NIL for All” model include the deal between women’s soccer player Madyson Taylor and local business Crumbl Cookies, and the wellness-focused partnership between women’s lacrosse player Peyton Farley and Yoga Commons.

Lewis stressed George Mason’s educational approach to the new age of college sports. Each agreement is tailored to the business and the student-athlete, and might involve community appearances, youth camps, educational programming, wellness initiatives, or storytelling campaigns.

“It’s all of the soft skills that students will develop through that process,” he said. “Entrepreneurship, communication, business etiquette, branding, and how to sell yourself. All of those things are going to make our student-athletes better in the marketplace when they’re looking for jobs. And I think that’s another aspect that we’re leveraging beyond just the dollars and cents tied to the NIL deals.”

The NIL Business Summit is one tool that helps bring Mason Nation closer together with local supportive communities, but hardly the only one. The popular Coaches Caravan series will be making its third and final stop of the summer at The Farm Brewery in Prince William County on August 26.

“I believe the Mason model is sustainable,” Lewis said. “I believe that we’re at the right intersection of entertainment, education, and community impact, so I believe we’re in the sweet spot.”

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During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world

Katarina Benson — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:57:27 +0000

During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world Katarina Benson Mon, 07/27/2026 - 15:57

A few days after completing his last season of college basketball at ��ɫ��Ƶ, Gabe Norwood, BA Communication ’07, began a hoop odyssey that would take him to nearly 30 countries and make him a national basketball hero in a country thousands of miles from Virginia.

In 2007, the Patriots guard was drafted in the first round as the first overall pick by the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) and recently concluded a 19-year pro career that included several appearances with the national team of the Philippines. He was eligible for the team through his mother, who has Filipino roots.

Norwood, who was part of George Mason’s 2006 Final Four team, credits his coaches at George Mason for helping prepare him for a pro career, especially former head coach Jim Larranaga. “The biggest lesson I learned from Coach L is just understanding who you surround yourself with. Coach L did a great job of building a staff in which each person had a different personality. We could go to a different coach for a different problem, and they would all give us honest answers.”

Norwood also credits George Mason's diversity for preparing him for a career overseas and fondly remembers connecting with the Filipino student body as a student-athlete. “The diversity here at Mason allowed me to tap into my Filipino side before I even got to the Philippines.”

Norwood was part of the 2006 Final Four team. Photo by Art Pittman/Office of University Branding

During his professional career, Norwood helped the Philippines win International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia medals in 2013 and 2015. He also won club titles in the PBA as a player. An 11-time All-Star, All-Star MVP, and Dunk Champion, he traveled to several countries in Asia to play and took part in many European training camps. Upon his retirement, his longtime team Rain or Shine Elasto Painters retired his number.

"It was an honor first and foremost," he said of playing for the national team and the PBA. "My great-grandmother was still alive when I first signed. The joy and pride she felt in me going back to represent the Filipino side of my family—that was huge. I did not think it would snowball into a jersey retirement."

Norwood said many people don’t know how big basketball is in the Philippines. “The love for the game of basketball is at an all-time high. It's a game that's played everywhere,” he said. “So to be able to achieve the things that I did for the national team alongside my teammates, the coaches, and the support of a country was unmatched.”

During his time with the PBA, Norwood also got to be part of history by helping to break a decades-long losing streak where the Philippine national basketball team failed to defeat South Korea in major international tournaments. "We were playing in a new arena, and that place was rocking," he said, reminiscing about the 2013 FIBA win. "It was one of those great moments."

Off the court, Norwood also worked as a columnist for the Philippine edition of NBA.com.

Travel and sports are part of Norwood’s DNA. "I moved around a lot as a kid," said Norwood, whose father has coached several college football teams. "My Filipino side of the family all came from Hawaii. My mom grew up there, and that is where my parents met."

His father, Brian, is now on the football coaching staff at San Jose State in California. His brother Jordan played college football at Penn State and spent several years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.

Earlier this year, Norwood and his wife, Lei, and their three sons moved to the Annapolis, Maryland, area. It’s a special part of the country for the Norwood family, as his father once served an assistant football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and Norwood lived in Maryland from fifth through ninth grade.

“I always felt a calling to come back to the area,” Norwood said. “Having three teenage sons, that was part of the timing of the decision. They are three intelligent kids that love to be exposed to what the world offers."

After years living abroad with his family, Norwood has been able to reconnect with his George Mason family in recent weeks. “I'm proud to be a George Mason alum because it's been family for me,” he said. “I always felt connected even from a distance.”

Norwood said that while his time at George Mason on the court was awesome, the off-the-court time mattered just as much. “It was the day-to-day being in the gym, the hours that we put in. Having upperclassmen like Tony [Skinn] and Lamar [Butler] set the tone. They really pushed us and led us in a way that allowed us to really shine.”

As for his future post-retirement, Norwood is keeping his options open. "I would love to stay around the game and tap into the George Mason network," he said. "I will cast a wide net and see where I land."

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George Mason ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll

Katarina Benson — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:12:46 +0000

George Mason ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll Katarina Benson Tue, 07/21/2026 - 14:12

��ɫ��Ƶ placed fifth among all Atlantic 10 institutions with 318 student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year. The 318 honorees mark the third-highest total in George Mason’s history, trailing only the 332 student-athletes recognized in 2020-21 and the 327 honored in 2023-24. The Patriots also improved upon last year's total of 315 honorees.

To earn a spot on the Commissioner's Honor Roll, student-athletes competing in an Atlantic 10-sponsored sport at a full member institution must achieve a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher across the fall and spring semesters. Freshmen and graduate students are eligible for the award.

Across the Atlantic 10, 3,944 student-athletes earned Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition, marking the seventh consecutive year the conference has recognized more than 3,500 student-athletes for their academic achievements.

A total of 380 Atlantic 10 student-athletes recorded perfect 4.0 GPAs during the 2025-26 academic year, while 2,677 honorees (67.8 percent) finished with GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

Fordham University led the conference with 351 Commissioner's Honor Roll selections, followed by Davidson College, Saint Joseph's University, University of Rhode Island, George Mason, St. Bonaventure University, and La Salle University.

Women's cross country and track and field led all sports with 488 honorees, followed by men's cross country and track and field and baseball.

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Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:55:05 +0000

Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos Katarina Benson Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:55

Like many ��ɫ��Ƶ students, business major Camryn Weldon is spending her summer doing an internship. Unlike many other students, Weldon is also a Division I athlete and is balancing her work at government contractor Leidos with the demands of collegiate volleyball. The George Mason setter is spending her summer preparing for the upcoming season while gaining valuable experience in business development.

Weldon, junior and business major, is also a setter on the George Mason volleyball team. Photo provided

"I spent last summer here as a business development intern, helping the business secure their current contracts and allowing them to grow and expand into other areas," Weldon said. "I'm back this year supporting federal financials—basically the pursuit of business in federal financial agencies, so like the FTC, the Treasury."

Weldon has found that her coursework directly supports her professional ambitions.

"I'm a business major and my concentration is finance," she said. "[This internship has] been really good exposure, and it's allowed me to understand what it actually looks like. It's easy to get your degree and think that you're going to be interested in something, and then it's a whole another thing to be doing it every day and know what you want in a career."

Her academic background has enhanced her understanding of the technical side of the business. "Last summer I didn't really understand what all of the different aspects of IT services meant," she said. "[But this past year] one of my operations courses talked a lot about IT infrastructure and how all that stuff works, and so that really prepared me to understand the types of services Leidos provides."

Weldon credits her experience as a student-athlete for helping her excel in the professional world. The confidence she's built on the court translates seamlessly into the workplace.

"I think being comfortable speaking to people in positions of power is a really valuable skill. Interns are usually pretty scared to talk to people, but I've had to talk to adults on the phone since I was getting recruited in high school," she said.

"I've gotten great feedback from my manager. He told me that he can tell I'm a natural leader. Being put in positions of leadership because of my past experience as a student-athlete and previous summer internship allowed me to feel comfortable enough to let my leadership skills show."

Her competitive drive also finds a home in business development. "Business development is a competitive environment—which is nothing new to me," Weldon said.

Even while interning, Weldon remains committed to volleyball—though this summer has come with its own set of challenges. "I would say that's the most difficult part of having an internship is figuring out how to do it all," she said. "I'm definitely working to stay in shape, going to physical therapy when I can and staying mobile.”

As she heads into another year balancing athletics and work, Weldon is optimistic about her future in both arenas. "I'm looking to get a job here after graduation," she said. Whether she's leading on the court or in the conference room, Weldon continues to prove that the skills she's developed as a student-athlete are preparing her for whatever comes next.

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Maya Bayat

Year: Senior

Major: Business with a minor in visual art

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

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Year: Senior

Major: Special Education

Hometown: Ada, Michigan

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