Athletics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quinn-Irons leads George �鶹��Ƶ’s charge into the baseball postseason

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

Quinn-Irons leads George �鶹��Ƶ’s charge into the baseball postseason Katarina Benson Mon, 05/19/2025 - 15:12

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

Rather than fixating on results, the junior center fielder has embraced a process-driven approach, focusing on what he can control in each at-bat. This mindset has allowed him to explode offensively, leading the Patriots in nearly every major offensive category, propelling the team into the Atlantic 10 Conference Baseball Tournament at Capital One Park in Tysons, Virginia, which begins today.

Quinn-Irons at bat. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

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

It’s working.

The computer science major in the College of Engineering and Computing played and started in all 55 regular-season games this spring, leading the Patriots with a .410 batting average, 14 home runs, 78 runs batted in (RBIs), 89 hits, 22 doubles, a .724 slugging percentage, and a 0.515 on base percentage. He also ranks second on the team with 28 stolen bases in 34 attempts. In the A-10 standings, he ranks second in batting average, on base percentage, RBIs, and hits, and leads the conference in doubles and OPS (on base + slugging percentage) with 1.239.

At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Quinn-Irons has played his way into professional prospects, with his name expected to be called during next month’s Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

Accolades are following, too. He recently was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, bestowed annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. He is the first player in George �鶹��Ƶ history to earn the honor and just the third from the A-10 to be named a semifinalist. Previous winners included former MLB stars Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Buster Posey.

Quinn-Irons is a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

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

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

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

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

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

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

With numbers like his—and a postseason still ahead—the game is clearly playing back.

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Henderson named senior deputy athletic director and COO

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

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

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

Ashton Henderson. Photo provided

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henderson will join George �鶹��Ƶ on May 19.

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Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat

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

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

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

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

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

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

What inspired you to go into teaching?

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

What brought you to George �鶹��Ƶ?

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

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

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

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

What is your greatest accomplishment from your time at George �鶹��Ƶ?

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

What advice would you give to a first-year student at George �鶹��Ƶ?

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

What are your current plans for post-graduation?

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

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Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

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

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

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

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:49:02 +0000

Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30 Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:49

�鶹��Ƶ Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Tony Skinn. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

The 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Skinn has quickly established himself as one of the top young head coaches in the nation.

He is the fastest George �鶹��Ƶ coach to 40 wins in school history and has totaled the most overall victories (47) of any George �鶹��Ƶ bench boss over their first two seasons in Fairfax. His A-10 winning percentage (.667) is by far the best in the program's 12 years in the league and his overall winning percentage (.703) is the best of any George �鶹��Ƶ coach over their first two campaigns.

Skinn led the Patriots to a share of their first-ever A-10 regular season title, the program’s first NIT victory since 2004 and a school record-tying 27 overall victories this season.

"We are thrilled that Tony Skinn will continue leading our men’s basketball program," Lewis said. "There is no better ambassador for our university. Tony truly embodies what it means to be a Patriot. Under his leadership, we secured our first A-10 conference title and have elevated our national profile in the process. As one of the most dynamic young coaches in the country, retaining Tony was a top priority for our university. With him at the helm, the program’s brightest days are still to come."

This past season, Skinn guided the Patriots to the best season in the program's A-10 history. The Green & Gold set a new school record for Atlantic 10 league victories (15) and started league play 12-1 for the first time in the program's 59-year history. The Patriots locked up a double bye in the A-10 Tournament for the first time and reached a conference title game for the first time since 2009.

George �鶹��Ƶ tallied a school-record 18 home victories in 2024-25. The Patriots also swept their A-10 home schedule (9-0) for the first time ever and won five-straight A-10 road games for the first time in program annals. The team's 11-game win streak from Jan. 8-Feb. 18 was the second longest in the nation at the time and was just the fourth 10+ game winning streak in school history.

Skinn is a national finalist for the Ben Jobe Award, given to the nation’s top minority head coach, and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a Division I head coach who wins with integrity both on and off the court.

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

George �鶹��Ƶ’s elite Patriot Pressure defense ranked in the Top 25 nationally this season and the Patriots led the nation in field goal defense. The team's cumulative FG defense marked a�鶹��Ƶ school record while its 3-point defense was second best all time.

Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life. Senior Jared Billups became George �鶹��Ƶ’s first conference Defensive Player of the Year since 2001 and is a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Jalen Haynes earned NABC All-District First Team honors andwas just the second All-A-10 First Team pick in school history. What’s more, Darius Maddox earned NABC All-District Second Team accolades and a position on the All-A-10 Third Team. Both Haynes and Maddox garnered A-10 All-Tournament accolades after shining on the national stage in DC this March.

Skinn has led the Patriots to 20 wins in each of his first two campaigns at the helm. Last season, he was named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given annually to the nation’s top first-time head coach.

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Wrestling season comes to an end at NCAA Championships

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:14:32 +0000

Wrestling season comes to an end at NCAA Championships Katarina Benson Mon, 03/24/2025 - 16:14

The George �鶹��Ƶ men's wrestling team was represented by three individuals—DJ McGee, Kaden Cassidy, and Malachi DuVall—at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia this weekend.

Kaden Cassidy, DJ McGee, and Malachi DuVall at the NCAA Division I Championship in Philadelphia.

In his second appearance at the national tournament, DJ McGee finished top 16 in the country with a 2-2 record, besting his 1-2 record in the 2024 championship. He defeated familiar foe Johnny Lovett from Central Michigan, 7-2. The two have competed five times in two seasons, including in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship this season.

Lovett got on the board first with an escape to begin the third period of the consolation second-round match. A fury of action happened in the final seconds of the match as McGee scored a near fall to defeat Lovett, 7-2, the largest winning margin in the all-time series with Lovett. McGee is now 4-1 all-time against the MAC opponent. McGee lost the next match to Michigan's State's Chase Saldate by fall (1:49).

DuVall won his first match at an NCAA Championship with a major decision in wrestlebacks against West Virginia's Denis Robin (13-0). In the consolation round, Chase Saldate from Michigan State edged DuVall, 8-4, to end the junior's quest at the NCAA Championship. He finishes the season with a 18-7 record.

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Recapping women’s and men’s basketball teams’ historic seasons

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:49:18 +0000

Recapping women’s and men’s basketball teams’ historic seasons Katarina Benson Mon, 03/24/2025 - 12:49

Although their seasons came to an end over the weekend, both the �鶹��Ƶ men’s and women’s basketball teams made history this season.

The women's team traveled to Louisiana for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

The women’s team earned its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth by winning the Atlantic 10 tournament, capped an amazing season with a tough first-round loss to Florida State.

Paula Suarez scored a career-high 25 points, including five three-pointers. Kennedy Harris had 12 points and five assists.

After an initial surge by Florida State, the Patriots found their rhythm in the second quarter, matching the Seminoles 19-19 in the frame. Suárez caught fire from deep, keeping the Patriots within striking distance. But as the game wore on, Florida State's size and depth proved difficult to counter

“The outcome of this game does not define who they are,” Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis told the Associated Press. “They have put a legacy in place at �鶹��Ƶ…that can never be taken away.”

The team ends its historic season with a 27-6 record.

The men's NIT game against Bradley. Photo by Art Pittman/George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics.

The men’s team, led by George �鶹��Ƶ alum and A-10 Coach of the Year Tony Skinn, BA Communication ‘06, set a new school record this season with 15 wins in the A-10. They matched the best overall win total (27) in school history. The Patriots also set a new program best for home wins (18) and swept their home A-10 slate (9-0) for the first time.

The men’s team scored a decisive 86-69 victory against Sanford in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday, March 19, at EagleBank Arena.

On Saturday, they trailed Bradley by nine (37-28) at the break and by as many as 18 (55-37) in the second half. They closed the gap to three (65-62) with 3:47 left, but Bradley pushed it back to eight (71-63) with 1:31 left and hung on.

"I'm thankful for our seniors," Skinn said. "This was a phenomenal season—27 wins in a season is not normal, and I'm grateful to these guys for it."

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Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play

Colleen Rich — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:28:21 +0000

Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play Colleen Rich Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:28

Capping two 20-plus win regular seasons and strong Atlantic 10 (A-10) performances, �鶹��Ƶ’s women’s and men’s basketball teams will compete in the NCAA and NIT, respectively.

George �鶹��Ƶ men's basketball is the No. 2 seed in the NIT and hosts Samford on Wednesday, March 19. Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

First up is the men’s basketball team (26-8), hosting Samford (22-10) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).

This is the men’s teams’ first NIT bid since 2009 and first time hosting a home game since 2004.

Tickets for the game are general admission, $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. George �鶹��Ƶ student tickets are free. Fans can purchase tickets through the George �鶹��Ƶ Ticket Office by calling 703-993-3270 or at the EagleBank Arena Box Office.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

The men’s team has won 24 of its last 29 games, with a new program record for A-10 conference wins (15) and the second-most wins in team history.

George �鶹��Ƶ's women's basketball on Selection Sunday in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Art Pittman/George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

The women’s team (27-5) is a No. 11 seed and plays its first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 6 seed Florida State at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

They learned about their matchup on Sunday at a watch party at EagleBank Arena where they celebrated with fans.

They earned an automatic bid, their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, by winning the A-10 conference last week.

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Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30

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Wrestling season comes to an end at NCAA Championships

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Recapping women’s and men’s basketball teams’ historic seasons

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Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play

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