Connect with us

Sports

George Mason Athletics Holds Annual Green & Gold Celebration

Gallery: (5-6-2025) 2025 Green & Gold Celebration FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason Athletics annual banquet was held on Tuesday afternoon at EagleBank Arena to recognize the academic, athletic, and civic achievements of its student-athletes.   The Green and Gold Celebration brought together the student-athletes and coaches from George Mason’s 22 intercollegiate sports along with department […]

Published

on


Gallery: (5-6-2025) 2025 Green & Gold Celebration

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason Athletics annual banquet was held on Tuesday afternoon at EagleBank Arena to recognize the academic, athletic, and civic achievements of its student-athletes.
 
The Green and Gold Celebration brought together the student-athletes and coaches from George Mason’s 22 intercollegiate sports along with department staff and George Mason supporters.
 
Awards bestowed upon the Patriots on Tuesday included the Aimee Willard Commemorative Award, Susan Collins Leadership for Women in Sport Award, President’s Cup, Dr. Pettrone Student-Athlete of the Year, and a series of other awards which honor athletic excellence in a variety of categories. The 116 seniors received their George Mason Award, a hand-sculpted artwork of George Mason designed as a permanent remembrance of both the institution and the student-athlete’s legacy. And finally, for the second year in a row, SAAC created superlatives categories, voted on by student-athletes from each team.
 
The prestigious Aimee Willard Commemorative Award was established in 1997 to remember former George Mason soccer and lacrosse athlete Aimee Willard, whose life was tragically taken by a brutal act of violence in her hometown of Philadelphia in 1996. The award assures that Aimee’s legacy and contributions live on through another George Mason student-athlete who mirror the standards of quality set by Aimee in her two-sport career: intensity, consistency of purpose, achievement, and teamwork. 
 
This year’s recipient was women’s volleyball student-athlete Ewelina Gacek, presented by Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis and last year’s recipient, Lauren Distad. Four other student-athletes were nominated by their head coaches for the award: Sydney Dacus (women’s soccer), Ellie Desmond (women’s track & field/cross country), Paula Suárez (women’s basketball), and Ali Tyler (women’s swim & dive).

In the words of her coach, the most important things about Gacek can’t be measured on a stat sheet. As a captain, she led vocally and consistently put the team first. Respected by both coaches and teammates as one of the hardest workers on the court, she earned equal praise from support staff for her unmatched dedication in the weight room. Her leadership extends beyond athletics. In the classroom, she excelled as a provost scholar and served as an ambassador for morgan’s message, using her platform to raise awareness and foster connection. With a deep passion for victim advocacy, she is already uniting individuals across diverse communities to drive positive change—and it shows. 

 

Faculty athletics representative Dr. Dominique Banville then presented the Susan Collins Leadership Award for Women in Sport to women’s swim & dive student-athlete, Ali Tyler. Two other student-athletes were nominated for the award: Lauren Distad (women’s lacrosse) and Olyvia Kennedy (women’s volleyball).

The award recognizes the student-athlete who best exemplifies the leadership qualities set by former George Mason Senior Associate Athletic Director Sue Collins, who dedicated more than 40 years in NCAA Division I athletics and 34 years with the Patriots. Her leadership, integrity, innovation, mentoring, and service to the NCAA, George Mason and the local community has created a legacy that will keep George Mason Athletics a leader in college sports for years to come.

 

A dedicated scholar-athlete, Ali has been accepted into GMU’s accelerated master’s program in forensic science. Her academic accomplishments include a three-time Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar, consecutive semesters on the Dean’s List, and a four-year member of the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team. Ali was named the Most Outstanding Performer at the A-10 Championships. She has earned 12 individual A-10 titles and set two conference records while earning NCAA B designation. 

Ali is also known for her dedication to community service. She served three years on SAAC, including a leadership role as treasurer during her senior year. She is an active member of the GMU forensic science student association and a volunteer intern with GMU police for drone research. She tirelessly gives her time to various community service initiatives on and off campus, participating in food and toy drives, package meals for schools, and book fairs. Ali embodies the true spirit of the Sue Collins Award!

 

The final individual award of the celebration named men’s track & field’s Walter Bannerman and women’s swim & dive’s Ali Tyler as the Dr. Pettrone Student-Athletes of the Year. 

 

Walter is an NCAA All-American in the pole vault. He earned two additional conference championships, outdoor A-10 2024 and indoor A-10 2025, breaking a 23-year-old conference record. He is the number one ranked vaulter in the A-10 and is on course to qualify for his second consecutive NCAA championships.

 

Named the Most Outstanding Swimmer at the 2025 Atlantic 10 Championships, Ali won three individual A-10 titles, setting conference records in two events and five team records, including the 100 freestyle, 200 IM, and 100 backstroke. She swam NCAA b-cut times in two events, set a new George Mason record in the 200-yard freestyle, and helped the team break the program record in the 800-yard freestyle relay. Finishing the 2024–25 season with 19 individual top-three finishes, Ali also earned a spot on the A-10 All-Academic team for the fourth consecutive year.

 

GREEN & GOLD CELEBRATION AWARD WINNERS

 

Aimee Willard Commemorative Award 

Ewelina Gacek (Women’s Volleyball)

Susan Collins Leadership for Women in Sport Award

Ali Tyler (Women’s Swim & Dive)

 

President’s Cup

The award is presented to the George Mason team that has earned the highest cumulative team GPA for the past two semesters.  

Women’s Team: Softball

Men’s Team: Baseball

 

Iron Patriot Award

The Iron Patriot Award is presented to the senior student-athlete who through their dedication, commitment and sacrifice in the weight room has been a positive influence in their role as a teammate and on their competitive performance. Student-athletes are selected for the award by members of the strength and conditioning team at Mason.

Women’s Team Iron Patriot: Ewelina Gacek (Women’s Volleyball)

Men’s Team Iron Patriot: Sam Lavin (Baseball)

 

Women’s Team Dr. Pettrone Student-Athlete of the Year: Ali Tyler (Women’s Swim & Dive)

Men’s Team Dr. Pettrone Student-Athlete of the Year: Walter Bannerman (Men’s Track & Field)

  

Women’s Team Sportsmanship: June Johnson (Rowing)

Men’s Team Sportsmanship: Jame Eliuda (Men’s Soccer)

Women’s Team Most Improved: Kennedy Harris (Women’s Basketball)

+ Named to All-Conference Second Team, 2x A-10 Player of the Week, and 1x NCAA Starting Five

+ Increased her points (+4.5 ppg), assist (1.1), and shooting consistency (+3.1%) production while lowering her turnovers (-0.29 t/o per game)

+ Top 3 on team in total points despite missing several games due to injury

Men’s Team Most Improved: Jared Billips (Men’s Basketball)

+ A-10 Defensive Player of the Year

+ Significant year-over-year improvements in steals/game (1.6 vs. 0.9), rebounds/game (5.8 vs. 4.3), scoring (5.2 vs. 4.3) and FT% (.800 vs. .621)

+ One of 30 finalists for the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player

 

Women’s Team Rookie of the Year: Maisie Burns (Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country)

+ A10 Rookie of the Year in cross country

+ Scored critical points in 3K at the A10 Indoor Championships, sealing the team’s win

+ On program all-time list in 5K in her debut.

 

Male Rookie of the Year: Martim Sereno (Men’s Soccer)

+ Selected the VaSID Rookie of the Year and Second Team Midfielder

+ Named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team

+ Tied for first on the team in assists and tied for third in points

Women’s Team of The Year: Women’s Basketball

+ 2025 Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Champions – First in program history

+ First ever NCAA Tournament appearance

+ Set school records in total wins (27), fastest to 20 wins, consecutive 20+ win seasons, most consecutive wins (11)

Men’s Team of The Year: Men’s Soccer

+ 2024 Atlantic 10 Men’s Soccer Regular Season Champions

+ Most A-10 regular season wins in program history

+ Ranked 13th nationally in United Soccer Coaches Association Poll

 

GREEN & GOLD CELEBRATION SAAC SUPERLATIVE WINNERS

 

PATRIOT SPIRIT

Men’s Team: James Eliuda (Men’s Soccer)

Women’s Team: Lauren Distad (Women’s Lacrosse)

 

HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL

Men’s Team: Walter Bannerman (Men’s Track & Field)

Women’s Team: Ali Tyler (Women’s Swin & Dive)

 

MOST LIKELY TO GO VIRAL

Men’s Team: Donovan Sprouse (Wrestling)

Women’s Team: Logan Pickford (Softball)

 

BEST DUO

Logan Pickford & Maya McGowan (Softball)





Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Alaksza Becomes Two-Time All-America Honorable Mention Selection

Story Links STOCKTON, Calif. – For the second straight year, Pacific women’s water polo standout Dora Alaksza was tabbed an All-America Honorable Mention by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.   The junior from Budapest, Hungary led the team with 95 goals on the season, which was the second-most in the […]

Published

on


STOCKTON, Calif. – For the second straight year, Pacific women’s water polo standout Dora Alaksza was tabbed an All-America Honorable Mention by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.
 
The junior from Budapest, Hungary led the team with 95 goals on the season, which was the second-most in the program’s single-season history. She was named to the Golden Coast All-Conference First-Team and GCC All-Tournament Team.
 
Alaksza broke the school record for goals in a game with 11 in a win against Concordia on 13 shots. She scored in goal in all 24 games on the season and registered 18 hat tricks, eight four-goal games and six five-goal outings.
 
In three games at the GCC Tournament, Alaksza netted 11 goals. She helped the team earn a third-place finish.
 
Alaksza, who has another year of eligibility remaining, is up to 243 career goals, which ranks third all-time in Pacific history. She’s chasing Molly Smith’s program-leading tally of 286 goals from 1997-00 and Jessica Schroeder who is second with 268 goals from 2001-05.
 
Alaksza is the sixth student-athlete in program history to earn All-America honors multiple times. It includes Smith (1998, 2000), Schroeder (2003, 2005), Dara Tawarahara (2010-11), Grace Smith (2014-15) and Mariana Duarte (2017-19, 2022).
 
As a department at Pacific, Alaksza is the seventh Tiger to earn All-America honors in 2024-25. The list includes Alexa Edwards from women’s volleyball, and the men’s water polo quintet of Jeremie Cote, Reuel D’Souza, Bae Fountain, Matthew Hosmer and Mihailo Vukazic.
 
Click here to view the full ACWPC Women’s All-America teams.

Stay Social

For all the latest on Pacific women’s water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Water Polo).

 

#PacificProud

 





Link

Continue Reading

Sports

Sports Mutli-Media Journalist

At KPRC 2, the Graham Media Group-owned news and information hub in Houston, TX, we embrace innovation and creativity within our news team. We’re looking for a dynamic Sports Multi-Media Journalist who thrives on engaging with and enriching our community with their storytelling on our broadcast, streaming and social media channels. We’re looking for someone […]

Published

on


At KPRC 2, the Graham Media Group-owned news and information hub in Houston, TX, we embrace innovation and creativity within our news team. We’re looking for a dynamic Sports Multi-Media Journalist who thrives on engaging with and enriching our community with their storytelling on our broadcast, streaming and social media channels. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to break away from the traditional constraints of a television sportscast and can excel at developing and creatively presenting “off the field” stories – unique local content you won’t get from ESPN or your favorite sports app.


POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Sports Multi-Media Journalist for Graham Media Group, you’ll need keen editorial judgment to identify sports stories in our community with real audience impact. With a focus on innovative storytelling, you will shoot and edit your stories for both linear and digital platforms. An understanding of the kind of sports content modern audiences seek out is paramount. Passion and creativity are also vital for this role and our newsroom. This position also offers exciting opportunities for growth within an organization committed to reinventing how news is delivered.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Engage viewers with compelling storytelling across all platforms, prioritizing clarity, engagement, and innovation.

  • Generate unique sports story ideas daily, demonstrating a keen understanding of the community’s pulse and what kind of sports content will resonate with our target audience.

  • Showcase exceptional storytelling skills as a researcher, photographer, writer and editor.

  • Demonstrate the required editorial judgement, producing skills and presentation skills to serve as Sports Anchor as necessary.

  • Collaborate with news management and producers to maintain a cohesive and comprehensive strategy for covering local sports as part of our daily news coverage plans.

  • Produce and participate in the production and presentation of sports specials throughout the year.

  • Other related duties as assigned.


KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum 2 – 3 years of experience in a broadcast news environment, with demonstrated expertise in storytelling, live reporting, and newsgathering.

  • Strong on-camera presence with clear, dynamic and engaging delivery.

  • Exceptional interviewing skills with the ability to shoot and edit video content as needed.

  • Proficiency in the industry standard editing software, newsroom rundown systems, smartphone technology, and social media platforms.

  • Versatile reporting experience, including experimental video formats and innovative storytelling approaches.

  • Proven track record in original sports reporting, with the ability to deliver in-depth coverage beyond standard highlights and interviews.

  • Ability to thrive under tight deadlines in a fast-paced news environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A college degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field is preferred.


Location: KPRC 2

8181 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074

To apply: Please submit your updated resume and application to:

Tiffani Lupenski, Manager of Content and Coverage

tlupenski@kprc.com

Click HERE to download and complete employment application.


Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications, and reference checks. You must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under Texas Law.

No Phone Calls Please

KPRC 2 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, KPRC 2 will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.



Link

Continue Reading

Sports

Coweta County alums progressing in the minor leagues

As Bryce Alewine enjoys a strong start in the Florida Complex League with the Detroit Tigers, several other former Coweta County standouts are continuing their development in professional baseball. Tai Peete, a 2022 Trinity Christian graduate and former second-round pick by the Seattle Mariners, is now patrolling center field for the Everett AquaSox, the Mariners’ […]

Published

on

Coweta County alums progressing in the minor leagues

As Bryce Alewine enjoys a strong start in the Florida Complex League with the Detroit Tigers, several other former Coweta County standouts are continuing their development in professional baseball.

Tai Peete, a 2022 Trinity Christian graduate and former second-round pick by the Seattle Mariners, is now patrolling center field for the Everett AquaSox, the Mariners’ High-A affiliate in the Northwest League. Originally drafted as a shortstop, Peete made the switch to the outfield this season after earning a promotion from the Modesto Nuts. Through May, the athletic 20-year-old is hitting .218 with five home runs and 23 RBIs.

Continue Reading

Sports

Nichter and Richwine Grab USTFCCCA Honors

Story Links NEW ORLEANS – Following his national championship in the 800m last weekend in Ohio, Dickinson junior track and field athlete Trevor Richwine and assistant track and field coach Don Nichter were recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) with mid-atlantic regional awards. Mid-Atlantic Male […]

Published

on


NEW ORLEANS – Following his national championship in the 800m last weekend in Ohio, Dickinson junior track and field athlete Trevor Richwine and assistant track and field coach Don Nichter were recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) with mid-atlantic regional awards.

Mid-Atlantic Male Track Athlete of the Year

Richwine, who hails from Newville, Pennsylvania, won the 800-meter title at the NCAA DIII Outdoor Championships. Just a few weeks earlier, Richwine went 1:48.31 over the same distance to become the No. 9 performer in NCAA DIII history. Richwine stood out at the Centennial Conference Championships, winning the 800m in a meet record 1:51.01 and toting the baton on the champion 4×800m relay and runner-up 4×400m relay.

Mid-Atlantic Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year

Nichter, in his second year as assistant coach at Dickinson working with head coach Eric Bologa, guided Richwine to win the 800m at the NCAA DIII Outdoor Championships. His distance runners combined to score 44 of Dickinson’s 109 points as the team finished third at the Centennial Conference Championships.

 



Link

Continue Reading

Sports

2025 Women’s VNL Week One Roster Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 30, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 14-player roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team that will compete in the opening week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), June 4-8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary […]

Published

on


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 30, 2025) – USA Volleyball announces the 14-player roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team that will compete in the opening week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), June 4-8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

The U.S. roster features a fresh look, with 10 athletes making their VNL debut. Four returners bring valuable leadership and prior VNL experience to the court as the team begins its campaign against some of the top volleyball nations in the world.

Get Tickets to Women’s VNL in Arlington, Texas, July 9-13

Outside hitters Madi Skinner and Roni Jones-Perry, and Liberos Morgan Hentz and Zoe Jarvis are the four players with VNL experience.

Although the other 10 players have no VNL experience, several have experience playing for the senior U.S. Women’s National Team. Opposite Olivia Babcock, setter Ella Powell, outside hitters Logan Eggleston and Sarah Franklin, and middle blockers Serena Gray, Amber Igiede and Molly McCage have all competed in senior NORCECA events.

Setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres, middle blocker Anna Dodson, and opposite Logan Lednicky are part of the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the first time.

The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, ’19, ’21) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy, who will be their first opponent in Brazil.

U.S. Women’s Week One Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)
6 Morgan Hentz (L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)
9 Madisen Skinner (OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
13 Amber Igiede (MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Bayou)
14 Anna Dodson (MB, 6-5, Fort Collins, Colo., UCLA, Rocky Mountain)
17 Zoe Jarvis (previously Fleck) (L, 5-6, Granada Hills, Calif., UCLA and Univ. of Texas, Southern California)
21 Roni Jones-Perry (OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)
22 Sarah Franklin (OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)
24 Olivia Babcock (Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)
27 Ella Powell (S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)
28 Logan Lednicky (Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&M, Lone Star)
29 Molly McCage (MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)
32 Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres (S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)
33 Logan Eggleston (OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)
43 Serena Gray (MB, 6-2, Temple City, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)

Head Coach: Erik Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Mike Wall
Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro
Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park
Second Assistant Coach: Joe Trinsey
Team Manager: Rob Browning
Team Doctors: William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory
Physiotherapist: Kara Kessans
Physical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon Boone
Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy Stanfill
Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham

Week 1 Schedule: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Matches will be shown live and on-demand on VBTV.

All times PDT
June 4 at 10 a.m. vs. Italy
June 5 at 5 p.m. vs. Brazil
June 6 at 5 p.m. vs. Czechia
June 8 at 1 p.m. vs. Korea



Link

Continue Reading

Sports

Texas A&M Athletics

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Six Aggies earned eight total spots in the quarterfinal round on day two of the NCAA West First Round at E.B. Cushing Stadium on Friday. Highlighting the day was the sprint duo of Jasmine Montgomery and Camryn Dickson who each advanced in two events.   The Aggies started the day off on […]

Published

on


BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Six Aggies earned eight total spots in the quarterfinal round on day two of the NCAA West First Round at E.B. Cushing Stadium on Friday. Highlighting the day was the sprint duo of Jasmine Montgomery and Camryn Dickson who each advanced in two events.
 
The Aggies started the day off on a high note in the 100m hurdles, as Jaiya Covington and Jasmine Harmon earned automatic qualification to Saturday’s quarterfinals. Covington headlined the duo, winning the fifth heat of the event in 12.96, while Harmon advanced as the third qualifier in the opening heat with a personal-best time of 13.13.
 

Dickson and Montgomery will join their teammates in action on Saturday, advancing to the 100m quarterfinals after each winning their respective heats. Dickson posted a personal-best mark of 11.06, the fifth-fastest time of the day and the fourth-fastest time on the A&M all-time performers list. Montgomery followed suit crossing the line in 11.10, the new career mark was good for seventh on the night and ranks fifth on the A&M all-time list.
 

The Maroon & White added the third pair of automatic qualifiers to the quarterfinals as Jaydan Wood and Kennedy Wade notched top three times in each of their heats of the 400m. Wood used a personal-best mark of 51.47 to move into eighth in A&M’s record book, while Wade added a time of 52.49 to advance.
 
Doubling down on their earlier success, both Montgomery and Dickson ensured their second quarterfinal spot of the day in the 200m. Montgomery paced the event with the fastest time of the night, matching her career best of 22.39 While Dickson placed second in her heat with 22.87.
 
Next Up
The Aggies return to E.B. Cushing Stadium tomorrow for the third day of the NCAA West First Round.
 

To learn more about Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country, visit 12thMan.com and follow @aggietfxc.
 
 



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending