Mason Athletics

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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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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Athletics celebrates record-breaking year of philanthropic support

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:34:27 +0000

Athletics celebrates record-breaking year of philanthropic support Katarina Benson Mon, 08/24/2026 - 09:34

Over the past fiscal year, ��ɫ��Ƶ Athletics raised a record $4.4 million, the highest fundraising total in department history, topping last year's record $3 million. The milestone represents a significant investment in the future of George Mason Athletics and will provide critical resources that enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen competitive excellence, and position the department for long-term success.

Athletics reached an all-time fundraising record at $4.4 million.

"Our success is built on the incredible generosity of our alumni, donors, fans, and friends," said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of athletics. “Surpassing last year's historic total demonstrates the growing momentum behind our mission and the continued strength of NOVA's Team.”

The year's fundraising efforts were punctuated by a historic Giving Day in April when more than 1,200 supporters came together to contribute $2,057,632 in just 24 hours. The total marked the largest single-day fundraising effort in George Mason Athletics history and showcased the collective power of the university community. This philanthropic momentum contributed to Mason Now: Power the Possible, the university's $1 billion comprehensive campaign to expand student opportunity, strengthen academic and research programs, and address complex challenges facing communities in Northern Virginia and beyond.

Patriot Club membership increased from 622 to 926 members, a nearly 50% increase over the previous year. The expansion of the Patriot Club reflects a growing base of supporters committed to providing transformational opportunities for George Mason student-athletes.

Donor support continues to fuel several key initiatives that directly impact student-athlete success across all 22 varsity sports programs. These include:

Basketball Greatness—Advancing championship-level resources for George Mason men's and women's basketball programs through investments in facilities, recruiting, player development, and competitive excellence.
Athletics Opportunity Fund—Providing flexible resources that address the department's greatest needs while enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
Patriot Pathways—Supporting career development, leadership programming, internships, networking opportunities, and life skills initiatives that prepare student-athletes for success beyond graduation.
Sports Performance Ecosystem—Investing in cutting-edge strength and conditioning programs, sports medicine, nutrition, mental performance, and recovery resources that allow Patriots to perform at their highest level.

The record-breaking fundraising year comes during a period of significant momentum for George Mason Athletics. Philanthropic investments continue to play a vital role in strengthening the department's ability to recruit, develop, and support more than 500 student-athletes.

Learn how you can support George Mason student-athletes through the Patriot Club.

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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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A student-athlete’s marketing play draws fans to the stands

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:26:00 +0000

A student-athlete’s marketing play draws fans to the stands Katarina Benson Fri, 04/03/2026 - 11:26

For ��ɫ��Ƶ baseball player Evan Blanchard, success isn’t just measured in hits and RBIs. During his internship with Mason Athletics’ marketing department, the third baseman helped design a promotional campaign that brought hundreds of fans—and a surge in attendance—to a men’s basketball rivalry game.

Evan Blachard in his Patriots uniform. Photo by Rafael Suanes/George Mason Athletics

As a senior majoring in sport management, Blanchard needed to complete an internship of at least 400 hours to meet his degree requirements. His interest in sports marketing began with Lily Plizga, associate director of fan engagement and brand strategy in George Mason Athletics. As a student-athlete, Blanchard saw Plizga working tirelessly during games and knew how strong the department was. After a discussion with Plizga, Blanchard decided to fulfill his internship requirement by working with George Mason Athletics’ marketing department.

“The biggest thing is how fast-paced sports environments are," said Blanchard of his internship experience. “You need to be able to handle multiple roles, communicate effectively, and stay organized.”

Some of his core responsibilities included devising marketing plans, which included creating promotional themes, brainstorming giveaway ideas, and emphasizing social media strategy while ensuring all the marketing materials resonated with the different stakeholders, including students, fans, alumni, sponsors, and donors.

On gamedays, Blanchard was responsible for gathering and distributing promotional items, along with running in-game collateral, such as sponsored student competitions and T-shirt tosses.

His internship also required that he manage a special project. Blanchard decided to do a promotion for the men’s basketball program, with the purpose of boosting attendance by 5% at the big in-state rivalry game between George Mason and James Madison University (JMU) scheduled to take place during Thanksgiving break.

The plans involved collaborating with George Mason baseball alumni Danny Hosley and South Trimble, who are currently Savannah Bananas players. The idea was to have Hosley and Trimble participate in a pre-game autograph session, halftime entertainment, and timeout competitions.

Blanchard at a George Mason men's basketball game. Photo by Art Pittman/George Mason Athletics

Aside from getting people to the game, the goal was to attract a new audience, especially baseball fans, while also cross-promoting men’s basketball and baseball. Since most George Mason students were home for the break, the target audience for this promotion also included kids and families in the area.

Blanchard began preparing at the start of the fall 2025 semester, with weekly goals to keep on track. This included reaching out to both Hosley and Trimble and coordinating with the Masonettes, marketing staff, and the department leadership. He also contacted various baseball and softball clubs to coordinate group sales and designed autograph cards for fans, along with additional promotional graphics for the event.

"As an intern, you have value, but you still have to prove yourself," he said. “Preparation was key, and I made sure everything was well planned and gathered feedback from everyone involved."

On the big day, both the marketing department and Blanchard were eager to see whether their planning was successful. The results speak for themselves:

61.1% attendance increase since the last time George Mason played a home game over the Thanksgiving recess
1,499 attendees above the 2023-24 yearly attendance average (39.8%)
19.7% attendance increase since last home game versus JMU

More than 400 fans came through the meet and greet line with trading cards, mini-bats, baseballs, jerseys, and banana hats, eager to meet Hosley and Trimble.

Plizga described Blanchard as one of the best interns she has ever had, with praise for his professionalism and reliability. Early on in his internship, Blanchard stepped in to help when George Mason Athletics decided to participate in Fairfax’s annual Fall Festival within the week of the event. There wasn’t a lot of turnaround time to get staff participation in the day-long event. Blanchard helped Plizga set up and then tear down at the festival. Then they headed back to the campus to work at a 6 p.m. soccer game.

Plizga also appreciated Blanchard’s positive attitude and demeanor. “Sometimes tensions can get high, but Evan’s positive attitude made the workplace a lot better. Everyone loved working with him, and he definitely boosted the mood throughout the day,” she said.

In addition to learning how to operate various technologies, such as the Daktronics videoboard used to promote events, Blanchard said understanding the importance of workplace culture, teamwork, and professionalism, and knowing how to effectively contribute to an organization were also important lessons.

His advice to students seeking internships is to develop good relationships with your professors and to always be on the lookout for opportunities they share.

To those wishing to pursue sport marketing, Blanchard said, “You have to be able to put yourself in uncomfortable situations that involve communicating with people, bringing up new ideas, and just trying out new things. You also have to be able to wear multiple hats at once, while ensuring that you stay organized by having a plan.

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Celebrating Our Champions: An evening honoring faculty and staff donors

Katarina Benson — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:33:46 +0000

Celebrating Our Champions: An evening honoring faculty and staff donors Katarina Benson Mon, 03/30/2026 - 15:33

��ɫ��Ƶ’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations recognized the contributions of its champions—George Mason’s faculty and staff donors—with an evening of thanks. The March 18 Celebrating Our Champions event focused on the generosity and support that faculty and staff offer the university while serving George Mason students. “I know that you care about students, but you all have taken it a step further,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “You have decided to give back to the very institution that you serve every day. That is profound.”

Nena Rogers (left) received the 2026 Spirit of Giving Award. Photo by Sean Kelley

The annual event reflects the importance of faculty and staff engagement with the university. “Your participation strengthens a legacy of generosity that connects our past, our present, and our future,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the ��ɫ��Ƶ Foundation and vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “Tonight is about a tradition where we recognize a staff and a faculty member for their philanthropy in the many years they give to our institution.”

The Luminary Award honors faculty donors whose philanthropy, advocacy, and commitment serve as an example for the community. This year, it was awarded to Keith D. Renshaw, a professor of psychology and senior associate provost for undergraduate education. Described as a respected colleague, Renshaw was recognized as a collaborator, a mentor, and a friend.

“I truly believe it is hard to find a more compelling place than ��ɫ��Ƶ,” said Renshaw. “I take very seriously the responsibility that comes with this award. I will continue to support all that I can and to inspire others to support as much as they can, because it is hard to find another place that is more deserving of that support than George Mason.”

Keith Renshaw (center) received the Luminary Award. Photo by Sean Kelley

Nena Rogers, BS ’89, MA ’19, deputy athletics director for student services and performance, received the 2026 Spirit of Giving Award, which recognizes a staff member who embodies the university’s philanthropic spirit. A former student-athlete herself, Rogers was noted for having the ability to see the possibilities and strengths hidden within her students, for the benefit of not only the athletic programs at George Mason but the athletes themselves.

“To me, the spirit of giving is simple. It’s believing in someone’s future. It’s extending a hand toward opportunity,” said Rogers. “Together, we know that the investments we make today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.”

Because of faculty and staff members like Renshaw and Rogers, students at George Mason not only thrive for a semester, but for years to come. “My experience here has been invaluable,” said Madison Preis, a criminology major who received support from the Stay Mason Fund and spoke at the event. “There’s truly nothing like it. I want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you, thank you because you’re enabling our futures and supporting our dreams.”

This new annual tradition, launched last year, aims to convey George Mason’s gratitude to its faculty and staff, both on campus and through philanthropic support for its students and programs. Their advocacy and commitment champion the university’s mission now and into the future.

Power the Possible

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Faculty and Staff News

Mason Now: Power the Possible

Mason Athletics

philanthropy

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Campus News

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:30:56 +0000

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason Katarina Benson Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:30

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of ��ɫ��Ƶ lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as the Fredericksburg, Virginia, natives and Honors College students compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Regan has been a goalkeeper for the Patriots women’s lacrosse team for the past three years after transferring from Saint Joseph’s after her freshman season. She’s started every game this season and has recorded 96 saves. Kaitlyn has played all four years at George Mason and is currently second on the team in goals scored with 26. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn’t surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Regan and Kaitlyn Bestick. Photo by Mason Athletics

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Bestick twins. The product of two collegiate athletes—their mom was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison, and their dad played baseball at William & Mary—they said televised sports were a big part of their household growing up.

Because we’re a sports family, we just watch a lot of games,” said Kaitlyn. “Our roommates will tell you the same thing: We always have some form of sports on.”

From childhood, their parents instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and they said they will always be grateful for that. “Our parents really prioritized us not only competing at the highest level but also getting the best education possible. And they instilled in us that work ethic to be able to succeed both academically and athletically,” said Regan.

The close bond between the sisters helps them give each other constructive feedback that translates into better performances. “Being in opposite positions really helps. When we're training in the off season, it helps to have someone who can shoot on me and tell me what I'm doing wrong, or what I'm giving up, and vice versa," said Regan. “It really helps to have that second pair of eyes. Inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day."

Despite spending their first years apart, they still collided on the field during that first season. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for George Mason. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she competed against her sister. However, when Regan came on, she knew that she had to focus on giving her best performance and ensuring the victory. The Hawks came away with the win, and Regan contributed to the clean sheet.

The sisters grew up playing together. Photo by Mason Athletics

Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Kara, the head coach for the women’s lacrosse team, saw the sisters play at the club level in high school and was impressed by their skills and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of (Regan’s) recruiting process coming to Mason,” said Kaitlyn. “We wanted her from day one. And (Coach) Mupo was adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player.”

“I knew that Kara was an amazing coach,” said Regan. “(George) Mason was in my top two schools my first time around recruiting as a high schooler. I knew that it was a place that I really liked and really enjoyed the coaching style and coaching aspects that Kara brings to the table.”

Regan also liked the idea of being closer to home. “I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games,” she said, noting that they couldn’t always make it to Philadelphia for hers.

Regan brought valuable experience to George Mason. “Her being here just makes us so much better on all facets,” said Kaitlyn. “Not only does she lock down her cage on the field, but she's also a great role model for our underclassmen. She's added so much value to our team.”

Aside from being among the top scorers, Kaitlyn also has additional leadership responsibilities as she is the president of the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

Both sisters also have set out clear career paths. Regan has known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she is already a certified veterinary assistant. After graduation, she’ll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn, who completed her bachelor’s in government and international politics last year, is currently working on her master's in political science through the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Masters (BAM) Program at George Mason. She will be attending law school in the fall.

Kaitlyn was introduced to law at a young age by her dad, who is a police officer for Fairfax County. “I came into Mason knowing I wanted to be an attorney. But personally, I want to do more civil or government work,” said Kaitlyn. "I'm also interested in sports law. I don't really want to be in a courtroom too much, but rather more behind the scenes."

She interned last summer with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and worked with their procurement division.

Both are really excited about their graduate studies. "This will be the first time we're only students—not student-athletes, so I don't know how we're going to handle just having schoolwork to do and no practice or anything taking up half our day," said Kaitlyn.

This also means that the sisters will once again be away from each other, but they have already prepared for this situation.

"We talk way too much, so obviously there will be a lot of FaceTime calls and texts," said Kaitlyn.