Athletics

Alumni athletic trainers give back to George �鶹��Ƶ

Katarina Benson — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:12:09 +0000

Alumni athletic trainers give back to George �鶹��Ƶ Katarina Benson Fri, 03/20/2026 - 15:12

For athletic trainers, every day begins with a simple mission: protect the health and safety of the athletes in their care. It is a role that demands clinical expertise, trust, communication, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being.

At �鶹��Ƶ, two alumni of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) are living that mission every day. Cheryl Hairston, BS Athletic Training ’15, and Jaylen Simmons, BS Kinesiology ’21, MS Athletic Training ’23, now serve George �鶹��Ƶ student-athletes as athletic trainers. Their journeys into the profession began with personal curiosity, mentorship, and formative experiences that ultimately shaped their careers.

Cheryl Hairston. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Hairston’s path to athletic training began while she was exploring health care careers in high school. “I thought I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon,” she said. “But I didn’t want to be in school until I was 30. In my search for related professions, I found athletic training, and I thought it was really cool to be able to work directly with sports teams on the sidelines as a health care provider.”

Simmons’s inspiration came from firsthand experience with injury during his own athletic career. “What first drew me to athletic training was an injury I sustained while playing high school football,” he said. “During that time, I worked closely with my high school athletic trainer, which sparked my interest in the profession.”

Those early experiences eventually led both of them to George �鶹��Ƶ’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program within CEHD, where they developed the skills and mindset required to thrive in high-pressure athletic environments.

Hairston credits the program’s rigorous clinical experiences for preparing her to work in the high-pressure Division I athletics environment. “The experience in a variety of clinical settings prepared me well for the realities of working in DI athletics,” she said.

She recalls learning early on that the work of athletic trainers often requires creativity and adaptability. “I feel like the perception of DI athletics is that we have unlimited resources,” Hairston said. “Though we are fortunate to have many resources, we still have to be innovative and resourceful, especially when we’re on the road.”

Jaylen Simmons. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Simmons agrees that the program demanded resilience and adaptability. “My experience in CEHD’s MSAT program taught me how to be more selfless than I had previously been,” said Simmons, who competed on George �鶹��Ƶ’s men’s track and field team while a student. “The faculty mentored and guided me through a challenging program while I was still competing as a Division I athlete myself. That experience prepared me to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to adjust to whatever environment I entered professionally.”

Today, their work supporting George �鶹��Ƶ athletes is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Athletic trainers provide care that spans injury evaluation, rehabilitation, prevention programs, emergency response, and coordination with physicians and specialists.

Hairston describes her days as a constant balance of responsibilities. “I spend the majority of my weekdays on patient care,” she said, “assessing injuries, treating and rehabbing injuries, creating preventative programs, responding to urgent situations, sitting in on doctor’s appointments, and documenting patient interactions. When we’re traveling, we might be at the track for 12 hours or more.”

But the profession is about far more than physical care.

“I try to get to know student-athletes as people, not just athletes,” Hairston said. “I see these athletes more than they see their family when they’re on campus, and I become part of that support system away from home.”

Simmons shares a similar philosophy.

“Honesty and showing athletes that you genuinely care goes a long way,” he said. “When athletes know you are honest with them and truly invested in their well-being, it helps build strong trust and lasting relationships.”

The role of athletic trainers is especially visible during the competitive season. Simmons works with the men’s soccer and wrestling teams. He begins his day preparing George �鶹��Ƶ’s men’s soccer team for practice, including “treatment, rehabilitation exercises, taping, stretching, and hydration,” he said. In the afternoon, he transitions to working with George �鶹��Ƶ’s men’s wrestling team, where he often manages more intensive post-operative care and wound management.

“Athletic trainers are truly the frontline of collegiate athletics,” Simmons said. “Our training allows us to recognize, evaluate, and treat injuries and guide athletes safely through the return-to-play process.”

For Hairston, the impact of athletic trainers extends across nearly every aspect of student-athlete health.

“We serve so many roles in the collegiate athletic space because of our varied skillset and proximity to our patients,” she said. “On any given day, we’re evaluating injuries, creating prevention programs, and responding to urgent situations.”

Despite the demanding schedule, both alumni say the relationships they build with student-athletes make the profession incredibly meaningful.

Working at George �鶹��Ƶ has added another layer of meaning to their careers. “Working at George �鶹��Ƶ was always my dream as an athletic trainer,” Hairston said. “My first clinical experience as a student was with George �鶹��Ƶ track and field, and now I’m the athletic trainer for that program. It’s really full circle for me.”

Simmons describes a similar sense of gratitude for his long affiliation with George �鶹��Ƶ. “This is my ninth year at �鶹��Ƶ, from being a student-athlete, to an MSAT student, and now a full-time professional.”

As National Athletic Training Month highlights the profession’s critical role in athlete health and safety, both alumni encourage students interested in the field to embrace the learning process.

“Learn the foundational stuff really well before you try to add glitter to what you’re doing,” Hairston said. “A great foundation will set you up for success and confidence.”

Together, their stories illustrate the powerful impact of CEHD’s Athletic Training Education Program, and the dedication required to support the health, safety, and success of student-athletes.

As Hairston reflects on her journey, one thing remains clear. “To be part of the student-athlete experience at George �鶹��Ƶ,” she said, “is everything.”

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Patriot Performance Lab helps athletes stay in the game

Sarah Holland — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:52:28 +0000

Patriot Performance Lab helps athletes stay in the game Sarah Holland Tue, 03/03/2026 - 12:52

To be an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete, you need a village. From dieticians to strength trainers to physical therapists, developing and maintaining fitness for elite competition is a collaborative effort. One way that �鶹��Ƶ Intercollegiate Athletics and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) keep our athletes in top form is through evidence-based practices and science. That's where the Patriot Performance Lab comes in.

Erica King, right, works with a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

The Patriot Performance Lab’s role is twofold: They monitor and measure athletes’ health as well as conduct research studies on athlete performance. Over the years, they’ve conducted numerous studies with various D1 teams—such as testing vitamin D levels in basketball players and knee joint adaptations in volleyball players—while providing athletes with critical data on their health metrics like body composition, VO2 Max, strength measurements, and more.

Margaret Jones. Photo by John Boal Photography.

“We’re not just a research lab,” emphasized Margaret Jones, professor in CEHD’s Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management Division and director of the Patriot Performance Lab. “Providing health services to athletes is also critical. It’s what makes the partnership work.”

Strong science communication skills are essential in this field. Researchers need to be able to translate data and results to coaches and student-athletes so they can adjust and improve. Chris Green, professor of sport management and director of the Center for Sport Management, works with the lab to help staff develop research communication skills.

“It’s relatively new to consider sports management in sports science,” she said. “The field as a whole is starting to ask how we can make good management decisions around athlete health and performance data. But the Patriot Performance Lab is already doing this work. It’s one of the things that makes us unique, and it’s what makes our work impactful.”

Green has been essential, Jones said, in helping lab members develop their communication skills and better understand how information is being shared from researchers to coaches to athletes.

“When they understand why I’m asking them to wear or do something and understand how this will benefit them, they’re more likely to perform at the level required in order for us to get good data,” said Noelle Saine, BS Kinesiology ’22, MS Kinesiology ’23, and a third-year PhD student. Saine, who was herself a student-athlete in track and field, understands the importance of strong communication between sport scientists and athletes.

“It’s establishing trust that what we’re doing will improve their health and performance,” said Jones.

Noelle Saine, right, runs a strength test with a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Collaboration with the coaches and athletic trainers is also critical. “We couldn’t do what we do without them,” said Saine. “They see the benefits and importance of what we do.”

Postdoctoral research fellow Erica King, BS in Bioengineering ’21, PhD Bioengineering ’25 and a former student athlete in swim and dive, has been leading the work on knee joint adaptations since she was a graduate student. She led a recent 9-month study using wearable sensors for tracking load during practice, counter-movement jump testing, wearable and clinical ultrasound, MRIs, and surveys to assess the load demands on volleyball players’ knees.

“At the end of the season, we were able to show the coaching staff the average number of jumps athletes complete in a 15-16 week period and the direct effects of that from a joint adaptation standpoint,” she said. “They found that data really helpful, and now they can tailor practice sessions to better support the players and help alleviate strain that could lead to injury.”

Athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers often come to the lab with questions for study and ideas. A blood lactate study with the swim team last spring was requested by the swimmers, who applied for and received an Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) grant to fund the study. The team collected data from blood draws, heart-rate monitors, DEXA scans, and jump testing. Early review suggests athlete stroke specialization and maximal power generation capabilities significantly impact accumulation in blood lactate levels during all-out swim bouts.

Noelle Saine leads a VO2 Max test on a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography.

And as Saine and King can attest, the Patriot Performance Lab offers George �鶹��Ƶ students the opportunity to do hands-on research in a wide range of fields. There are opportunities for all levels of research, from postdocs like King to high school students interested in exploring this world of research for the first time.

“Having that R1 designation really gives us the extra push to be able to dive deep into research,” said Saine. “Faculty have always encouraged me to find what I’m passionate about and pursue it. And my experience has been that instead of being competitive, everyone wants to work together to push forward and improve.”

Green noted that Jones’ experience as both researcher and practitioner is also an important piece of the puzzle that makes the Patriot Performance Lab work. “[Jones’] capacity to connect all these parts and have both credibility and an understanding of what the needs are sets us apart,” she said.

Jones said she appreciates the openness and willingness of people at George �鶹��Ƶ to work together.“We’re supported on both sides by CEHD and Athletics.”

“The Patriot Performance Lab reflects what George �鶹��Ƶ does best, bringing research and practice together in service of people,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “Our student-athletes are performing at the highest levels, and they deserve evidence-based support that protects their health and enhances their performance. This partnership between CEHD and Athletics ensures that science goes beyond the lab, to directly improve lives.”

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Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:20:51 +0000

Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament Katarina Benson Mon, 03/02/2026 - 13:20

The George �鶹��Ƶ women's basketball team has captured a share of the 2026 Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship—the first regular season conference title in program history. The Patriots closed league play with a program-best 16-2 conference record, marking their strongest Atlantic 10 ever.

George �鶹��Ƶ shares the title with Rhode Island after both teams finished atop the A-10 standings. The 16 conference victories set a new school record and cap one of the most successful seasons in program history. The championship also marks another major milestone, as the Patriots secure their first-ever stretch of three consecutive 20-win seasons—a testament to the sustained excellence being built at George �鶹��Ƶ.

The �鶹��Ƶ women's team finished with their best record. Photo by Matt Durisko/Magnolia Media PA

By virtue of their regular season finish and conference tie-breaker protocol, the Patriots have earned the No. 2 seed and a double-bye in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Championship. George �鶹��Ƶ will open tournament play in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. on USA Network, facing either No. 7 Dayton or No. 10 George Washington.

Join the Patriots at the Henrico Sports & Events Center as they look to repeat as Atlantic 10 Champions during the 2026 Atlantic 10 Tournament. Tickets are available through the George �鶹��Ƶ Ticket Office; visit Ticketmaster or call the Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270.

Need a ride? Hop on the fan bus and join the pregame pep rally inside the arena one hour before each game. To save your seat on the fan bus, email Jeff Danaher. Register for the pregame pep rally through the George �鶹��Ƶ Alumni Association.

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Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on George �鶹��Ƶ

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:44:25 +0000

Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on George �鶹��Ƶ Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 07:44

Kathleen (Kathy) McKay has deep ties to Fairfax, Virginia, her hometown. Her parents, James "Smilin’ Jim" and Ruth Averill McKay, were pioneers in the Fairfax business community; her father opened Jim McKay Chevrolet in 1956, becoming one of the first car dealers in the area.

As student athlete at Woodson High School, she grew up near �鶹��Ƶ's burgeoning Fairfax Campus. “I played field hockey, I played softball, and I was a swimmer,” she said.

McKay with �鶹��Ƶ basketball players on the K. McKay Court. Photo provided by �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Much of that swim experience took place at a neighborhood club, where her own daughters still hold records from the 1990s. After graduating from James Madison University, she returned to Fairfax.

McKay is now the president of Jim McKay Chevrolet, a sponsor for many student activities and sports at George �鶹��Ƶ, and Intercollegiate Athletics has been at the heart of her personal connection with the university. Since the mid-1990s, she’s been an avid Patriots fan, attending many men's and women's basketball games, including the ones out of town, often with her daughters and now her grandchildren.

“I’ve always been a sports person,” McKay said. “I love college athletics; it’s the excitement. This is something that the athletes really, really want to do, and so few make it [to this level].”

She also appreciates the role college sports plays in bringing a community together. “It’s everything. No matter what your preference is, we offer every sport to allow a fan to be involved.”

McKay's support extends far beyond the sidelines. She has been a generous donor to George �鶹��Ƶ for nearly 20 years, serving as a member of the Patriot Club Advisory Board and in the Green Coat Society, which recognizes generous, multi-year donors.

In 2017, she made a leadership gift to the university's basketball fundraising campaign, resulting in the naming of the K. McKay Court at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC). Her philanthropy has included substantial gifts—in conjunction with the family-linked Richard W. Averill Foundation and Jim McKay Chevrolet—to a variety of George �鶹��Ƶ’s teams, including a pledge that touched all 22 sports teams during an annual �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day.

She has also made gifts to the College of Visual and Performing Arts' scholarship benefit ARTS by George! and to the Green Machine ensembles.

“Kathy McKay embodies the spirit of George �鶹��Ƶ and the Northern Virginia community,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Her loyalty and generosity have touched every corner of our program—from cheering courtside to investing in opportunities that enrich the student-athlete experience. Kathy’s passion, rooted in family and community, reflects the very best of what it means to be a Patriot, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her in our corner.”

McKay and President Washington. Photo provided by �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

McKay carries on a family tradition of philanthropy and community service—George �鶹��Ƶ’s Jim McKay Natatorium in the Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Fairfax Campus, a regional resource that includes a 50-meter Olympic-sized competition pool, bears the name of her father. She is continuing that tradition and is encouraging a culture of connected philanthropy through her own children: her daughter, April, and son-in-law, Matt, are also active supporters of George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics.

McKay has been there for some of basketball’s biggest moments.

She remembers being warmly welcomed by the men’s basketball team, including then-coach Jim Larrañaga and his wife, Liz, when she traveled with the team to the ESPN Events Invitational Thanksgiving tournament in Orlando, Florida, in 2007. She also attended Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) Tournaments at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, including “during COVID, in March 2020, [when] we got sent home after winning our first game.”

McKay was also in the front rows at the Robins Center in Richmond when the men’s basketball team defeated the University of Richmond to claim the 2025 A-10 regular season title, the team’s first. That same season saw Patriots Head Coach Tony Skinn, whom McKay had known since his undergraduate days, named A1-0 Coach of the Year.

“Tony was my pick from day one when we were searching for a coach,” she said.

With a grandson in tow, McKay traveled in March 2025 with the women’s basketball team to Richmond for the A-10 Women's Basketball Championship, where George �鶹��Ƶ defeated St. Joseph’s to claim the title for the first time.

“I couldn’t not go, and they win this thing—because I really thought they could,” she said.

She also joined the women’s team for the España 2025 cultural and athletic expedition, where the Patriots played international opponents in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. With her on the trip was her eldest granddaughter, who has been attending games with McKay since she was six months old.

“Riley and I had a time together that neither one of us will ever forget!” she said.

She plans to enjoy as many games and team activities as she can fit on her calendar. “I love it!” she said. “I’m always looking at the schedule to see who’s playing what.”

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The run that changed a program: George �鶹��Ƶ marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:47:55 +0000

The run that changed a program: George �鶹��Ƶ marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 15:47

The 2006 Final Four run by the �鶹��Ƶ men’s basketball team was an achievement so improbable, so unprecedented, that it transformed how the college basketball world viewed possibility itself.

Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Now, 20 years later, the Patriots will honor that magical postseason journey on Saturday, December 13, when they host Old Dominion University at EagleBank Arena. That run endures as one of the most defining moments in the university’s history and one of the NCAA Tournament’s most memorable Cinderella stories. What began as a hopeful March ended with a mid-major program standing on college basketball’s biggest stage.

They captured the hearts of the nation along the way.

“That definitely opened the door for mid-majors,” said George �鶹��Ƶ men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn, who was the starting point guard on that Final Four team. “It showed that if you have belief, the right players, and the right coaches, anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament.”

That belief was tested again and again throughout that 2006 run.

Competing out of the relatively unknown Colonial Athletic Association, the Patriots became the league’s first Final Four representative, toppling one powerhouse after another.

They opened tournament play with a 75-65 win over a Michigan State, a team that had returned four starters from the previous season’s Final Four squad. The sixth-seeded Spartans had outlasted George �鶹��Ƶ by six points in an early regular-season meeting a year earlier.

Lamar Butler signing copies of Sports Illustrated at the Bookstore. Photo by Office of University Branding

Next came the North Carolina Tar Heels, the No. 3 seed and the reigning NCAA champions, who fell 65-60 in the Patriots’ second and final game in Dayton, Ohio. From there, George �鶹��Ƶ returned to the nearby Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., where a heavily partisan crowd watched four Patriots score in double figures in a 63-55 Sweet 16 win over fellow mid-major and No. 7 overall seed Wichita State University. That victory advanced the Patriots to the Elite Eight against overall No. 1 seed University of Connecticut.

Loaded with talent, the Huskies featured four players who would soon be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, and five who would be among the league’s top 40 picks. They were also led by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun.

Fueled by a massive and vocal �鶹��Ƶ Nation presence, the Patriots embraced the underdog role against UConn. After trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half and nine in the second, George �鶹��Ƶ rallied to shock the sports world with an 86-84 overtime win—one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history —punctuating the victory with a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

“It was great for college basketball,” said Lamar Butler, a former standout senior guard on that Final Four team who now serves as George �鶹��Ƶ’s director of player development. “That’s what people watch the tournament for.”

Final Four watch party in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In the years since, Virginia Commonwealth University (2011), Loyola Chicago (2018), UCLA (2021), and North Carolina State (2024) have also reached the Final Four as 11th seeds. LSU was the first to accomplish the feat in 1986.

“We believed in ourselves,” said Jim Larrañaga who serves as head coach at George �鶹��Ƶ from 1997 to 2011. “We weren’t hoping to win. We believed we would win.”

More than 10,000 fans packed what was then the Patriot Center when the team returned home following its dramatic win over UConn.

Before the tournament, George �鶹��Ƶ was largely unknown beyond the Mid-Atlantic region. That changed almost overnight. The team’s improbable run generated an estimated $677.5 million in free publicity from print and broadcast exposure, according to a study conducted by Robert Baker, former interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development and Professor Emeritus of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

The university also reported an 800% increase in traffic to its official website, while the university bookstore in the Johnson Center—typically averaging $11,000 in weekly sales—made shy of $1 million in the 10 days leading up to the Final Four. University admission inquiries increased by 350%, with out-of-state applications rising by 40%.

Butler still recalls when he playing overseas several months later, walking through a town in Croatia wearing a George �鶹��Ƶ shirt, and a local boy approached him.

“George �鶹��Ƶ–Final Four!” the boy exclaimed, much to Butler’s astonishment.

This weekend’s remembrance festivities will include the return of most members of the 2006 team, and the raising of a banner in EagleBank Arena in honor of the now-retired Larrañaga.

“It was one of those moments that, when you experience it, it never really leaves your mindset,” Skinn said. “To think that it was 20 years ago is unbelievable, but having a day to celebrate it is definitely exciting.”

This weekend, that memory returns to life as a new generation of Patriots gathers to celebrate the run that changed everything.

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From �鶹��Ƶ to the majors, George �鶹��Ƶ statistics students are driving athletic success

tdonnel — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:08:03 +0000

From �鶹��Ƶ to the majors, George �鶹��Ƶ statistics students are driving athletic success tdonnel Fri, 11/07/2025 - 13:08

�鶹��Ƶ students are proving a statistics degree can take you all the way to the pros. Students gathered in the Johnson Center on November 5 for a Sports Analytics Networking Event to learn about how data science is transforming athletics—and how George �鶹��Ƶ students and alumni are leading the charge.

“Sports teams increasingly use data for developing strategies, boosting player performance, and improving fan engagement,” said Department of Statistics Assistant Professor Jonathan Auerbach. “Sports analytics allows students to turn their passion for sports and statistics into a high-impact and highly visible career.”

The first panel at the Sports Analytics Networking Event. From left to right: Moderator Associate Professor Brett Hunter, Cole Boller-Pinkham, David Buxton, and Abby Finch.

"The future of sports is data, and we have been working hard with our colleagues from statistics to provide new opportunities for our students,” said Sports Analytics Professor Craig Esherick.

The event, hosted by the Department of Statistics in collaboration with the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management; �鶹��Ƶ Athletics; the �鶹��Ƶ student chapter of the American Statistical Association; and the Sport Management Society featured two panels and a networking session designed to connect students with alumni working in sports analytics and those currently helping George �鶹��Ƶ athletes thrive.

From �鶹��Ƶ to the Majors

“Every team I’ve worked on, we have a lot of data, and nobody knows what to do with it,” explained Abby Finch, an alum who worked in Baseball Technology for the New York Mets after graduating from George �鶹��Ƶ statistics, during the first panel. “Having somebody who understands the player development side of baseball as well as what these data points mean—and being able to translate that data in a way that coaches understand—has been very valuable.”

The Department of Statistics recognized Abby Finch (left) and David Buxton (right) as outstanding alumni. Photo provided.

Finch's fellow panelists included Cole Boller-Pinkham, a Honors College junior majoring in statistics with a concentration in sport analytics, currently interning with the United Soccer League, and David Buxton, an alum and specialist in player information for the Milwaukee Brewers. The panelists advised students interested in sports analytics careers to focus on developing the skill of interpreting and presenting data as well as analyzing it.

"Your goal isn’t necessarily to share your statistical knowledge,” said Buxton. “It’s to change people’s actions and help them buy into data-driven decision making.”

Analytics in George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

The second panel, moderated by Esherick, explored how George �鶹��Ƶ integrates analytics into collegiate athletics.

“We use data supported insights to guide how we develop our athletes,” said Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning Faith Brown, whose academic research focuses on load monitoring in team sports. “We look at trends over time, adjust training loads, and even analyze preseason volume and intensity to reduce injury incidence. It’s not just lifting weights—it’s everything that goes into performance.”

The second panel at the Sports Analytics Networking Event. From left to right: Moderator Professor Craig Esherick, Derek Vigon, and Faith Brown. Photo provided.

Sports psychology also plays a critical role, noted Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Sport Psychology Derek Vigon, who has consulted for the National Football League (NFL)’s Detroit Lions and worked with athletes in the National Basketball Association (NBA), NFL, and MLB. “I interpret psychological data to help athletes and coaches understand stress responses and focus issues,” he said. “It’s all data, and it can be flipped to improve performance.”

Advice for Students

In addition to networking at events like this one, panelists advised students interested in sports analytics careers to be persistent and seize opportunities—such as joining George �鶹��Ƶ’s Analytics Team, participating in prediction competitions and hackathons, and exploring internships in George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics’ Patriot Performance Lab—when they come.

“If you’re passionate about it, keep moving forward and try not to take no for an answer,” advised Vigon. “Network, apply, and apply again. Eventually, it’ll happen.”

With alumni thriving in sports analytics, students contributing to cutting-edge research, and faculty integrating analytics into every facet of athletic performance, George �鶹��Ƶ is positioning itself as a leader in sports analytics education. For students who dream of turning numbers into wins, George �鶹��Ƶ can be the place where those dreams start.

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Off the Clock: Marathoner Susanna Sullivan is in it for the long run

lclarkg — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:19:35 +0000

Off the Clock: Marathoner Susanna Sullivan is in it for the long run lclarkg Thu, 09/25/2025 - 09:19

When �鶹��Ƶ track and field assistant coach Susanna Sullivan stepped onto the start line at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, she carried with her the encouragement of the student-athletes she mentors, the lessons of her sixth-grade classroom, and the resilience of an athlete who never stopped believing.

The result was proof that it is never too late to keep improving. Sullivan delivered a career-best performance on the world stage, finishing fourth in the women's marathon with a time of 2:28:17.

Susanna Sullivan, assistant track and field coach at �鶹��Ƶ. Photo by Michael Scott

Outside her full-time job as a sixth-grade teacher in McLean, Virginia, Sullivan stays busy logging workouts and mentoring George �鶹��Ƶ's distance runners as a volunteer assistant coach.

"My role at George �鶹��Ƶ isn't about writing training plans," Sullivan said. "It's about being a resource, talking with the athletes about nutrition, recovery, or just being a cheerleader. I want them to see that if you make something a priority, you can make it work."

Head Coach Andrew Gerard has guided Sullivan’s training for the past five years, emphasizing patience and long-term growth. That philosophy has fueled Sullivan's steady rise, allowing her to run faster more than 15 years after her collegiate career ended.

“I love that there are endless opportunities to improve yourself as an athlete,” Sullivan said. “With the marathon, the ‘little things’ like sleep, nutrition, and strength work seem amplified because you're running so far. Patience and discipline make a big difference.”

Entering the World Championship race ranked No. 99 in the world, Sullivan battled sweltering conditions to finish just one spot off the podium. To date, only two American women have ever medaled in the event.

"Susanna's result was spectacular," Gerard said. "This was not a race for fast times—it was about racing the competition and handling the conditions. Susanna showed tremendous composure and toughness."

Sullivan took the lead in the race with a 17:10 split and led the field through 25K. The two favorites, Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, passed the 35-year-old just after the 18-mile mark.

Prior to her appearance at the World Championship, Sullivan established herself among the nation's elite marathoners. As a professional runner for Brooks, she clocked an eye-opening 2:21:56 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, one of the 10 fastest marathons ever run by an American woman.

Sullivan competed collegiately at the University of Notre Dame. Her time as a member of Capital Area Runners after college was marked by steady improvement, several top-10 performances at U.S. road championships, and two Olympic Trials appearances in the marathon.

“The World Championships are different from many other marathons I've done, because there is a higher emphasis on placement, rather than running as fast as you can,” Sullivan said. “That lends itself to a more tactical approach.”

The result was particularly sweet redemption after her 58th place finish in the same event at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where she finished despite suffering a fractured kneecap mid-race. A grueling recovery raised doubts about her future.

Susanna Sullivan. Photo by Team Brooks

"To not only come back, but to be running better than I ever have, feels like such a gift," Sullivan said.

Her resilience was strengthened by the George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics community. Training alongside passionate student-athletes helped her stay grounded and motivated through months of uncertainty, she said. Sullivan’s achievements offer proof of what is possible with grit, discipline, and consistency.

And she is already planning her next big race. “Immediately, I’m focused on recovering from the World Championships. I have wanted to run the TCS New York City Marathon for a while now, and that's coming up in early November,” she said.

“Longer term, I'm loving this journey with the team, and juggling teaching and running,” Sullivan said. “I hope to stay healthy and see what other opportunities running brings to see the world and test myself against the best.”

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George �鶹��Ƶ Final Four 20th-Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 13 includes halftime program honoring Jim Larrañaga

ckearney — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:46:00 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ Final Four 20th-Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 13 includes halftime program honoring Jim Larrañaga ckearney Wed, 09/10/2025 - 12:46

The �鶹��Ƶ men’s basketball team will host a 20th-Anniversary Commemoration of its historic run to the 2006 NCAA Final Four on Saturday, December 13, when the Patriots face former conference rival Old Dominion at EagleBank Arena.

The weekend will honor the program’s iconic past while also celebrating its present momentum under Final Four starting point guard and current head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06. At halftime of the game, the program will recognize former head coach Jim Larrañaga with a banner that will permanently hang from the arena rafters. He will be joined by members of the 2006 Final Four team, creating a special moment for the George �鶹��Ƶ community to relive one of the most significant chapters in program history.

Fans in attendance will enjoy a number of interactive elements to mark the occasion, including a one-of-a-kind commemorative giveaway, the opportunity to take photos with the Final Four trophy on the concourse, and in-game activations designed to engage Patriots of all ages.

To further mark the milestone, Athletics has unveiled a commemorative 20th Anniversary logo, which will appear on exclusive merchandise, social media campaigns, and storytelling platforms throughout the season. The program also will honor the life and legacy of the late Carolyn Marsh, affectionately known as “The Godmother of George �鶹��Ƶ Basketball,” whose “CM” insignia will be worn by the team to celebrate her lasting impact on the program and community.

The 2006 Patriots made history as the first modern “Cinderella” to reach the NCAA Final Four, capturing the nation’s imagination with upset victories over Michigan State, North Carolina, and top-ranked Connecticut in what is widely considered the greatest Elite Eight triumph in tournament history.

Two starters from that legendary team remain central to the program’s success today. Skinn has led the Patriots to a school-record 47 victories in just two seasons as head coach, including the program’s first-ever Atlantic 10 regular season championship, new records for A-10 league wins (15) and home victories (18), and a return to the conference title game. His teammate Lamar Butler, the 2006 NCAA East Region Most Outstanding Player, continues to contribute as George �鶹��Ƶ’s director of player development, a role he has held since 2023. Together, they embody the lasting legacy of the 2006 run and its continued influence on George �鶹��Ƶ basketball.

Follow Go�鶹��Ƶ.com and @�鶹��ƵMBB on social media for additional announcements and interactive fan elements tied to this milestone celebration.

Patriots United. Together We Thrive

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Coaches Caravan brings George �鶹��Ƶ fans together

ckearney — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:59:54 +0000

Coaches Caravan brings George �鶹��Ƶ fans together ckearney Fri, 08/29/2025 - 13:59

The Patriot spirit was on full display Wednesday evening as �鶹��Ƶ Athletics hosted its Coaches Caravan at the Farm Brewery at Broad Run in Haymarket, Virginia. George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics supporters and community members gathered for an opportunity to connect with �鶹��Ƶ's head coaches and university leadership in a relaxed festive setting.

Photo by Athletics

Marvin Lewis, the university's assistant vice president and director of athletics, opened the program welcoming the crowd and touting the recent success of the Patriots programs, both academically and athletically.

"We had a truly historic year—both in the classroom and in competition," said Lewis. "Academically, �鶹��Ƶ student-athletes achieved a 95% graduation rate across all schools and posted a cumulative 3.37 GPA across our 22 programs. That success is a direct reflection of our coaches, who emphasize academics, accountability, and the ultimate goal of graduating from �鶹��Ƶ."

Lewis added, "Competitively, we captured five conference championships—the first time we've done so in more than 30 years. We are Northern Virginia's team, and we invite everyone to be part of this journey—by telling our story, supporting our student-athletes, and showing up for all 22 of our sports."

President Gregory Washington was among the evening's special guests, joining �鶹��Ƶ Nation to celebrate the momentum and growth across George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics.

"We are making tremendous progress in our athletics program, and it's no accident—it's the result of outstanding leadership from Marvin Lewis and our coaches," said Washington. "Athletics is the front door to the university, and we will continue to provide strong support to ensure its success."

The highlight of the night was a lively Q&A session featuring four of �鶹��Ƶ's head coaches: women's basketball's Vanessa Blair-Lewis, men's basketball's Tony Skinn, baseball's Shawn Camp, and men's soccer's Rich Costanzo. Each coach shared insights into their programs, reflected on recent achievements, and looked ahead to the upcoming seasons.

The evening concluded with a spirited round of George �鶹��Ƶ trivia, giving fans a chance to test their knowledge and earn prizes.

George �鶹��Ƶ's Science and Technology Campus, Alumni Relations, and the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce were among the collaborators working with Athletics to establish a strong presence for “Northern Virginia’s team” in the region.

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George �鶹��Ƶ extends Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis’ contract through 2030

Katarina Benson — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:10:00 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ extends Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis’ contract through 2030 Katarina Benson Tue, 08/19/2025 - 20:10

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington announced today that Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Athletics, has signed a two-year contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2029-30 academic year.

Since arriving at George �鶹��Ƶ in July 2023, Lewis has ushered in a transformative era for George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics with historic results and a new strategic plan. The 2024–25 season was one of the most successful in university history with the Patriots claiming five Atlantic 10 Conference championships—in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s indoor track, and men’s outdoor track. This marks the most titles in a single season since joining the A-10, and the program’s best overall performance since 1994–95.

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

“During his two years here, Marvin has led our Athletics department to new heights in a rapidly evolving landscape in intercollegiate athletics and has developed a clear vision for our future,” Washington said. “His vision will strengthen resources and lead our student-athletes to even greater success in the classroom and in competition, all while uniting our campuses, our alumni, the Northern Virginia community, and Patriots everywhere around George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics.”

Earlier this year, the university launched “Patriots United. Together We Thrive.”—a five-year strategic plan for the Athletics program to build George �鶹��Ƶ’s identity as Northern Virginia’s Team. The plan prioritizes competitive excellence, student-athlete development, strategic partnerships, and regional impact.

The Basketball and Academic Performance Center—a 30,000 square-foot, $30 million facility designed to elevate both athletic and academic outcomes—is the cornerstone of this plan. Groundbreaking is planned for late 2025, with the facility expected to open in 2027. In addition, in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and the new realities of providing enhanced student-athlete benefits under Name, Image and Likeness, Lewis has developed a comprehensive strategy to support George �鶹��Ƶ’s student-athletes to succeed in the new era.

“I’m incredibly honored by the opportunity to continue leading George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout Northern Virginia,” Lewis said. “Over the past two years, we’ve built a powerful foundation rooted in belief, purpose, and community, and this is just the beginning. With the continued support of President Washington, our dedicated coaches, competitive and driven athletes, and the entire �鶹��Ƶ Nation, we’re going to keep breaking barriers, inspiring excellence, and transforming lives through the power of sports. Together, we will grow and thrive.”

Lewis has brought financial stability and growth to the department, balancing the operating budget for two consecutive years. In 2024–25, George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics raised more than $3 million in annual donations—a record—increased sponsorship revenue by 20%, and reached a ticket sales milestone of $900,000, including an increase in women’s basketball ticket sales by 68%. Embracing George �鶹��Ƶ’s new brand, Lewis has also been instrumental in helping to modernize and unify athletics across campus and the region.

George �鶹��Ƶ student-athletes excel academically, with a 3.37 average GPA for the 2024-25 academic year, and the department posted a 95% graduation success rate, the highest single-year rate in the program’s history. More than 40% of student-athletes were named to the Dean’s List with a 3.5 GPA or better, and 78 athletes were recognized as Provost Scholars with GPAs of 3.75 or better.

Lewis was recently appointed by the Atlantic 10 to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, a first for George �鶹��Ƶ.

Before joining George �鶹��Ƶ, Lewis held senior roles at Georgia Tech, University of Maryland, Brown University, and Georgia State, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in college athletics, business strategy, and student-athlete advocacy.

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