�鶹��Ƶ Recreation

Adaptive baseball hits a home run at George �鶹��Ƶ

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:04:21 +0000

Adaptive baseball hits a home run at George �鶹��Ƶ Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:04

In a first for any university in the United States, visually impaired baseball players are getting a chance to step up to the plate at �鶹��Ƶ. Led by a volunteer coach and University Life’s �鶹��Ƶ Recreation and Disability Services offices, �鶹��Ƶ’s Beep baseball initiative is gaining momentum after a successful community learn-to-play clinic last fall.

Beep baseball allows blind and visually impaired batters to listen for a loud beep coming from a ball pitched by a sighted pitcher. Photo by Paul Bazzano/�鶹��Ƶ Recreation

The adaptive sport of Beep baseball allows blind and visually impaired batters to listen for a loud beep coming from a ball pitched by a sighted pitcher. If the batter hits the ball, they run to one of two buzzing bases. If they touch the base before the ball is fielded, they’ve scored a run. It’s a game that prioritizes communication, teamwork, and athleticism. This initiative supports George �鶹��Ƶ’s efforts to build an inclusive community where all students are valued and have meaningful ways to participate, connect, and belong.

“Beep baseball is a fantastic way for �鶹��Ƶ to tap into some underserved populations via athletics,” said Paul J. Bazzano, assistant director of competitive sports with �鶹��Ƶ Recreation. “Beep baseball brings together students, staff, and community members in a meaningful way. It’s about creating space for inclusive play and laying the groundwork for something that can grow far beyond campus.”

Bazzano said that it is also providing opportunities for George �鶹��Ƶ as there really are no collegiate Beep baseball programs. “But we have had some conversations with other schools interested in forming their own teams.”

The addition of Beep baseball to �鶹��Ƶ Recreation represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion of a George �鶹��Ƶ philanthropist, the late Dr. Barry R. Berkey, through the vision of his wife, Velma Berkey. She proposed the idea to Bazzano and sponsored the three-year pilot program.

The beep baseball initiative by �鶹��Ƶ Recreation is the first of its kind. Photo by Paul Bazzano/�鶹��Ƶ Recreation

“My husband’s dream was to become a major league baseball player, but he became a doctor instead,” Berkey said. “In later years Barry’s vision gradually deteriorated, which greatly impacted watching and enjoying his favorite sport. We became very sensitive to visually impaired and blind kids who may be in the same position. After my husband passed away, I delved into reading about Beep baseball, which inspired me to present the sport to �鶹��Ƶ.”

Berkey said the George �鶹��Ƶ community has an opportunity to be an innovator and leader by bringing this sport to campus and the region. “The team can serve as a model for other colleges and universities, serving as a mentor further down the road for high schools and Little League teams.”

Jeff Rhines, head coach of the Philadelphia team that won the 2024 Beep Baseball National Championship, helped arrange �鶹��Ƶ’s first learn-to-play clinic. Alfonso Medrano, head coach for a Houston-based team, also provided valuable input. Students and members of the surrounding community who participated described it as a fantastic community-building experience.

“We had two blind students who thoroughly enjoyed it and said they would definitely do it again,” said Naomi Martinez-Jones, director of Disability Services at George �鶹��Ƶ. “We also had some of George �鶹��Ƶ’s baseball team help and participate. It was great for everyone to have that connection with each other.”

George �鶹��Ƶ’s long-term goal is to build a competitive team made up of students, staff, and community members to play in tournaments and events sanctioned by the National Beep Baseball Association. As a first step, �鶹��Ƶ Recreation is working to connect with other teams and recruiting a volunteer coach. There are plans to offer more training and networking events and launch a sustainable, inclusive team with regular practices and programming.

To learn more, reach out to Bazzano at pbazzano@gmu.edu.

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�鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible

Ethan Carter is November Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:23:25 +0000

Ethan Carter is November Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Wed, 11/01/2023 - 10:23

Ethan Carter has been an integral part of �鶹��Ƶ’s Recreation department since 2011. For his commitment and dedication to �鶹��Ƶ Recreation and reputation for exceeding expectations in his role as associate director of programs, assessment and well-being, Carter has been recognized as the November Employee of the Month.

President Washington with November Employee of the Month Ethan Carter. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“He is an exceptional employee who always goes above and beyond!” said Dennis Kisielewski, manager of human resources for �鶹��Ƶ Recreation. “Ethan is an extremely dedicated and passionate employee whose work ethic and contributions have been integral to the success of �鶹��Ƶ Recreation, University Life, and the university. He is always seeking to grow as a person and a professional. His positivity and enthusiasm are contagious.”

Constance Benson, director of recreation for �鶹��Ƶ Recreation, said Carter’s dedication to students shines through. “Ethan continues to go above and beyond to provide students with options for engaging in recreational activities that aid in their well-being,” she said.

She also shared a memory of a time when Carter took extra steps to make sure a student organization’s trip was successful. “He wanted to do his part to make it happen,” said Benson. “To fully involve himself in this role, he even purchased hiking shoes! He puts students first and was willing to put in this extra time so there would be outdoor trips for students to experience.”

“Ethan’s professionalism and dedication to his staff and the students he works with is evident every day,” said Lewis Forrest, associate dean of University Life. “He continues to be a careful steward of the people and the resources under his purview. I admire his resilience and positive attitude he brings to the team.”

Becky Demus, assistant director of fitness at �鶹��Ƶ Recreation, talked about the university initiatives Carter promotes including Burnalong, the Racial Healing Circle, and the Resilience Badge.

“Ethan embodies the true meaning of ‘leadership’ by leading by example, being willing to perform duties of anyone he supervises, working well under pressure, and empathizing with his employees,” Demus said.

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I came to �鶹��Ƶ back in 2011 from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. I went to high school in Aberdeen, Maryland, so getting back to this general area (MD/VA) was always a goal of mine. After my campus interview, I left with the impression that this was a place that I could enhance my growth while contributing toward the university goals. I also have to admit the warmer weather was a factor because those Minnesota winters were brutal and long. I was tired of shoveling snow!

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job so far was when I got to be the announcer for a Presidential Race [The Washington Nationals Presidents versus then-�鶹��Ƶ President Ángel Cabrera]. Participating in a fun surprise for the former president brought a smile to my face. It reminded me what �鶹��Ƶ is all about.

In general, any day I can make the day better for someone else is my best day on the job.

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

I have always appreciated the opportunities available to learn and grow. I have been doing my best to take part in as many as possible. I have also appreciated the university's commitment to diversity. Although the journey towards diversity is never ending and can be challenging, the university has not shied away from it. I am all about being in an environment where the pursuit of excellence through the tough stuff is a higher priority than going along to get along.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When not working, I love to laugh, learn, read, and exercise. All of these are centered on enhancing well-being. You can actually often catch me with my eyes in a book while walking around campus. I try to find occasions to laugh as often as possible. I have been told that my laugh is contagious. I see every second of life as an opportunity to learn and grow. I don't want to waste any of my life pretending I have got it all figured out. Life is a gift. I want to learn how to be thankful for it all. I can only do that by seeking to learn about those gifts so that I can recognize them.

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Seeking outdoor adventures with �鶹��Ƶ Recreation

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:48:55 +0000

Seeking outdoor adventures with �鶹��Ƶ Recreation Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/11/2023 - 15:48

Outdoor Adventures participants takes a break at the George �鶹��Ƶ Memorial in Washington, D.C. after completing their bike ride along the C&O Canal to the National Mall. Photo by Hugh Bayard/Outdoor Adventures

As the weather cools off, fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. �鶹��Ƶ offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to get outside and form connections with others in the �鶹��Ƶ community through the Outdoor Adventures program, part of �鶹��Ƶ Recreation.

Options include day and overnight trips, workshops, and gear rentals. A recent 20-mile gravel bike ride in September took a group of outdoor adventurers along the C&O Canal from Great Falls, Maryland, to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. They wrapped up their expedition with a visit to the George �鶹��Ƶ Memorial on the National Mall.

Trip registration included bike rental, transportation, and support from trip leaders during the ride. Other trip options this fall include hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing in locations within a couple hours of the Fairfax Campus. Registration fees apply.

Outdoor Adventures programs begin and end at Skyline Fitness Center on the Fairfax Campus.

In addition to trips, the program offers Wilderness First Aid training, a two-day course that certifies participants to handle medical emergencies in backcountry and wilderness settings.

More about Outdoor Adventures

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Pickleball courts now open on Fairfax Campus

Sarah Holland — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:22:25 +0000

Pickleball courts now open on Fairfax Campus Sarah Holland Wed, 07/19/2023 - 14:22

�鶹��Ƶ Recreation celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new pickleball courts on Tuesday, July 18th. With learn-to-play sessions, drills, and open play, the �鶹��Ƶ Nation prepared to perform practically perfect pickleball plays.

Invented in 1965, pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Using a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, players volley a plastic ball with holes back and forth over the net using paddles. It's now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.

Relishing the moment. Philip Wilkerson (pictured above on the left), employer engagement consultant in University Career Services and MEd Counseling and Development ’12, brought his wife and mother-in-law to the grand opening. "It was so exciting to be a part of something new, something that's for the community. We'll be able to enjoy pickleball together as a family, and get outside and stay active."

A sweet dill. "University Life and �鶹��Ƶ Recreation made this innovative and strategic investment to cultivate engagement and to support �鶹��Ƶ's university-wide commitment to faculty, staff, and student well-being," said Associate Vice President of University Life Pamela Patterson. "These state of the art pickleball courts create new opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and local community members to engage with one another due to the highly social nature of the sport."

"The Grand Opening of the Pickleball courts really highlighted how the sport can build community with participants at all skill levels," said Lewis E. Forrest, II, associate dean of University Life. "Having these courts on our campus will bring more people to the sport and greater engagement with �鶹��Ƶ and �鶹��Ƶ Recreation."

Rise and brine. New players, skilled player, and every level in between had a chance to take to the courts and enjoy the game together. "I'd been interested in learning how to play pickleball for some time, so I jumped at the chance to learn the sport, connect with colleagues, and be a part of the opening celebration. The experience solidified my interest in the sport for both physical wellness and social connections," said attendee John Cicchetti, associate director for the Student Support and Advocacy Center.

�鶹��Ƶ’s pickleball courts are behind the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) on Fairfax Campus. Memberships are required for use—those with facility memberships are also eligible to utilize the pickle ball courts as part of their membership.

Learn more about the pickleball courts on the �鶹��Ƶ Recreation website.

Photos by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

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Research says club sports are �鶹��Ƶ’s untapped resource

Colleen Rich — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:22:08 +0000

Research says club sports are �鶹��Ƶ’s untapped resource Colleen Rich Wed, 09/28/2022 - 14:22

Participation in club sports is a significant factor in bringing in and maintaining students at �鶹��Ƶ, and also contributes to higher graduation rates, a new study has found.

Zikun Li. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications

The research, by �鶹��Ƶ PhD student Zikun Li, also found that as an engine for recruiting students, club sports could be added to �鶹��Ƶ’s broader admissions and marketing strategies.

“These findings enhance the understanding of club sports and its broader impact on the university,” Li said. “Maybe it will inspire other universities to do some comparative studies.”

Li, who is in the interdisciplinary specialization program through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), began the study in December 2021 after a request from Paul Bazzano, assistant director of competitive sports, camps, and athletic training at �鶹��Ƶ Recreation.

Laurence Chalip, a CEHD professor, a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s Recreation Advisory Board, and Li’s advisor, asked his students if anyone was interested. Li was all in, even though the subject was not exactly in her program concentration of sport for development.

In that way, Li embodies �鶹��Ƶ’s goal of delivering All Together Different by acting with confidence while trying something unconventional that challenges the status quo.

“As a novice scholar, I appreciate the interconnectedness among disciplines,” said Li, who earned her undergraduate degree in her native China and her master’s at the University of Michigan. “Because of �鶹��Ƶ’s interdisciplinary program I have been able to take courses outside the sports area, which gives me a refreshing way to look at it. I’m able to see sports in a broader way.”

“Zikun is deeply interested in the ways in which sport is used effectively and ineffectively for development purposes,” Chalip said. “But clearly, when you work in the policy world, economics matter. Policymakers want to know what the numbers look like. So to develop the kind of skills that will enable her to work in the policy world—understanding how to collect data, and analyzing and thinking through financial data—is really vital. So it made great sense.”

�鶹��Ƶ's men's ice hockey team was among the club sports that scored high in terms of players choosing �鶹��Ƶ to participate in the sport. Photo by Lathan Goumas/Strategic Communications

Li surveyed 425 undergraduate club sports athletes during the 2021-22 academic year. The data were eye-opening.

For example ...

The aggregate spending by undergraduate club sports athletes at �鶹��Ƶ in the 2021-22 academic year—including tuition, campus fees, campus housing, food, �鶹��Ƶ gear, study-related supplies, parking, and health insurance through the university, minus financial aid—is estimated at more than $21 million.
Athletes agreed that playing club sports factored into their decision to attend and stay enrolled at �鶹��Ƶ, and their decision to recommend the university to potential students. Those participating in men’s ice hockey and men’s football (both of which actively recruit athletes to attend �鶹��Ƶ), were especially strong on those scores, with 92.3% of football players and 100% of hockey players saying their participation is a factor in remaining at �鶹��Ƶ.
Students who participate in club sports as freshmen, even if they did not participate as sophomores, graduated at a significantly higher rate than the overall undergraduate student body: 76% to 70.1% for six-year graduates; 66% to 65.7% for five-year graduates; 54% to 47.4% for four-year graduates.

Why is this information important?

“Our goal was to gather information for us to make the best decisions moving forward as a department and a university,” Bazzano said. “Is recruiting an opportunity for some of our other clubs? Is recruitment something that can differentiate ourselves from other universities?”

There is also a financial consideration, Bazzano said.

“Is there any way we can restructure to support those programs, to lower the barriers of student participants funding them?” he said. “The focus is on how we can reimagine our budget and restructure what we’re doing.”

Andrew Bunting, �鶹��Ƶ’s executive director of enrollment services, also found Li’s research useful.

“Her work is certainly research of consequence and can have a direct impact on the way the �鶹��Ƶ markets itself to prospective students,” Bunting said. “Zikun’s findings help us to better understand the various and often very personalized factors that motivate students to apply, enroll, and persist at the university.”

Li, who plans to graduate by the end of 2023 and hopes to turn the research into a publishable paper, said the research experience will benefit her eventual search for a faculty position.

“This study not only generated my interest in continuously understanding club sports, but also enhanced my data analysis skills,” Li said. “To do some hands-on analysis really gave me confidence to do more quantitative research in the future.”

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Exercise is Medicine honors �鶹��Ƶ for creating a well-being culture

Colleen Rich — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:28:07 +0000

Exercise is Medicine honors �鶹��Ƶ for creating a well-being culture Colleen Rich Tue, 04/12/2022 - 13:28

�鶹��Ƶ earned a silver-level designation from Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) for its commitment to health and wellness.

The �鶹��Ƶ community gathers for the annual Happy Heart Walk on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

�鶹��Ƶ is one of 156 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine^® for its efforts to create a well-being culture on campus. The silver rating highlights campuses that engage students, faculty, and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture.

University-wide initiatives that contributed to the rating include the �鶹��Ƶ Nation Thriving Together 5k, a �鶹��Ƶ Exercise is Medicine Instagram account, and other activities including fitness webinars, bingo, and an exercise is medicine walk led by a health and fitness professional.

In summer 2021, Debra Stroiney, EIM-OC advisor in �鶹��Ƶ’s School of Kinesiology, partnered with Becky Demus, assistant director of fitness at �鶹��Ƶ Recreation, to form �鶹��Ƶ’s first EIM-OC leadership team. The team includes faculty, staff, and students who want to help promote how exercise is in fact medicine.

Demus said the team has formed strong partnerships across campus to help educate students on the importance of physical activity.

“We want to spread the word to the �鶹��Ƶ community that exercise should be thought of as medicine, and that you can make exercise work for you—in a way that fits your schedule and is enjoyable,” Demus said.

One goal of the leadership team is to establish a health assessment program that will be accessible on all campuses, as well as a referral program with Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services.

“With this team we are working to increase the visibility of this important initiative on all campuses,” Stoiney said.

The program recognized 156 colleges and universities this year, with 73 earning gold, 50 earning silver, an 23 earning bronze recognition. All 156 will be recognized on June 1 as part of the 2022 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.

“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine.

The American College of Sports Medicine co-launched Exercise is Medicine® in 2007 with the American Medical Association. EIM-OC, which launched in 2014, calls on universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health, and encourages faculty, staff, and students to work together to improve their campus community’s health and well-being.

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October is Exercise is Medicine Month

Colleen Rich — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:52:31 +0000

October is Exercise is Medicine Month Colleen Rich Wed, 10/13/2021 - 13:52

�鶹��Ƶ is offering a variety of activities, including walks like the Happy Heart Walk pictured here, throughout the month of October. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

The �鶹��Ƶ community is celebrating Exercise is Medicine Month this October with a variety of activities.

Regular physical activity is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk for chronic disease and to improve mental health and quality of life.

“Research has shown that if people make lifestyle changes by adding physical activity to their day, they may avoid going on medications for high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension,” said Debra Stroiney, associate professor in �鶹��Ƶ’s School of Kinesiology. “The same is true for mental health disorders—symptoms of anxiety and depression can be reduced through physical activity.”

Under Stroiney’s direction and in conjunction with campus partners including �鶹��Ƶ Recreation, the Center for Advancement of Well-Being, Student Health Services, and the Freedom Center on the Science and Technology Campus, Exercise is Medicine (EIM) Month aims to focus on encouraging the community to be active through activities like EIM Bingo, Women on Weights (an introductory session to the weight room for women), Dumbbells 101, and FUNctional Fitness.

There is also the university’s partnership with BurnAlong to help individuals train for the �鶹��Ƶ Nation virtual 5K, as well as multiple other virtual opportunities.

In addition, �鶹��Ƶ is offering weekly walks with �鶹��Ƶ’s health care providers and personal trainers. Faculty and staff can also attend virtual and in-person informational sessions on managing their health numbers while students are encouraged to attend events on reducing stress with exercise.

“With ‘Exercise is Medicine,’ we want to provide a free opportunity for people who might be hesitant to exercise to talk to health and fitness professionals, ask questions, and fit in physical activity using methods that work for them,” said Becky Demus, assistant director of fitness for �鶹��Ƶ Recreation.

Knowing that some people do not like to exercise or may feel uncomfortable in a gym setting, Demus said she wants to focus more on helping people get started on a physical routine and providing options for all fitness levels.

“We recognize that some people may have different interests, so we offer a variety of free group fitness classes like martial arts, boot camp, HIIT (high intensity interval training), and cycling,” Demus said.

And for those who are motivated by competition, �鶹��Ƶ Rec is offering Dry Triathlon involving body weight exercises, indoor cycling, and a treadmill run/walk in November, and a Power Meet in December, Demus said.

“We even offer outdoor adventures and intramural sports,” she added.

Part of the purpose of Exercise is Medicine month is to create a healthy community to improve motivation and provide support at �鶹��Ƶ.

“When you have a community with lots of activity, it no longer feels like exercise,” she said. “Instead you spend time with people you know doing things you and enjoy and you begin to feel better both physically and mentally.”

In 2020, �鶹��Ƶ earned a silver designation from the Exercise Is Medicine^® On Campus program—an initiative supported by both the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. The silver designation recognizes �鶹��Ƶ for engaging students, faculty, and staff in education initiatives and making movement part of the daily campus culture.

To learn more about all the exercise opportunities, visit the �鶹��Ƶ Recreation website.