Fairfax, Va. — George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics 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 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. I have full confidence that Ashton’s leadership will elevate the student-athlete experience and further strengthen the championship culture within Mason Athletics. We’re proud to welcome Ashton and his wife, Chloe, to the George Mason family!”

As a senior member of the Vice President/Director of Athletics’ leadership team, Henderson will oversee the department’s daily operations to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and consistent operational execution in support of over 500 student-athletes, 100 full-time employees, and over 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 Mason 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 & Culture at Michigan State University, where he provided executive leadership for nine areas: Athletic Training, Spartans Fuel (Nutrition), Athletic Performance, Student-Athlete Wellness, Sports Science & Data Analytics, EverGreen NIL Education & Strategy, Varsity S Club, Student-Athlete Development, & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and served as the sport administration for women’s basketball during the 2022-2023 competition season.  He also oversaw the university’s award-winning “EverGreen” NIL program, which was named the nation’s Best Institutional Program at the 2023 NIL Summit.

Before returning to Michigan State University in 2022, Henderson served as the first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the Detroit Pistons, transforming the franchise’s DEI framework and earning national recognition as a Sports Inclusion Conference DEI Champion in 2021.

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 & Student-Athlete Development Professionals N4A (2021-2022), the largest affiliate under the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) umbrella with over 2,000 members. Hendersonalso has won several Association (N4A) awards over the years: Professional Excellence (2020); Model Practice Award – Florida State University (LYFE Program, 2019); and the Professional Promise Award (2015). 

In addition, he received the Cheryl M. Gilliam Young Alumni Award in 2019, which was presented by the MSU Varsity “S” Club. He is also a proud graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, NCAA Pathway Program, and The FBS Athletics Director (Lead 1) Diversity Fellowship Program, where these programs are designed to prepare athletic administrators to become Athletic Directors and or Conference Commissioners. He is also privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of The McLendon Foundation.

As a student-athlete on the 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.

A two-time graduate of Michigan State, Henderson holds a B.A. in Advertising, an M.A. in Public Relations, and an M.B.A. from Florida State. In 2024, he was recognized with MSU’s Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, the college’s highest honor for alumni. 

Henderson will join George Mason on May 19.

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT ASHTON

“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 Mason.”

Bob Braman

Florida State Track and Cross Country

2006 & 2008 NCAA Champions

“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 inclusive nature fosters a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Ashton’s ability to connect with people personally and his unwavering commitment to excellence truly sets him apart. His leadership is seen, felt and heard even after he has left our organization. A strong leader with lasting impact.”

Nicolet Lewis

Detroit Pistons, Executive Vice President/Chief People Officer

“The George Mason Athletics family is welcoming an exceptional leader in Ashton Henderson. He builds genuine, lasting relationships and is highly regarded throughout college athletics. His contagious enthusiasm will elevate Patriots athletics, positively impacting the entire Green & Gold community.” 

Vanessa Fuchs

WeCOACH CEO 

“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. George Mason University is fortunate to have Ashton join their team, and I wish him the best in his next chapter and continued leadership journey.” 

Dr. James Clements

Clemson University President

 

“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 Mason is getting a service-oriented leader who puts students first.” 

Martin Jarmound

The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics, University of California, Los Angeles

Kent State readies for the final weekend of competition prior to the conference meet on Thursday and Friday at the Northeast Ohio Open, hosted by the University of Akron.

Hammer and javelin throw will take place on Thursday, beginning at 12 p.m. Action on Friday will start at 12 p.m. with the long jump and shot put. The 3,000-meter steeplechase will start running events at 2 p.m.

PREVIEWING THE FLASHES

A total of 54 Golden Flashes are expected be in action this weekend, including four who are ranked second in the conference in their respective events.

In throwing events, Aliesha Shaw is second in the women’s discus throw and Payton Shippee is second in the men’s javelin throw.

Ayden Bath is second in the men’s 110-meter hurdles and Amare Hall ranks second in the men’s long jump.

Additionally, six distance runners will be in action at Baldwin Wallace’s Harrison Dillard Twilight on Friday evening.

NEXT UP FOR KENT STATE

The Golden Flashes will compete at the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Athens, Ohio from May 15-17.

FOLLOW KENT STATE TRACK AND FIELD

For complete coverage of Kent State Track and Field, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.

OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss volleyball program and head coach Bre Henry has added another standout addition in the transfer portal, signing star outside hitter Gabi Placide.
 
“We are so excited with the addition of Gabi to our program,” said Henry. “She has had a phenomenal career already and we cannot wait to continue that success with her as she competes and becomes a force in the SEC as a Rebel! Rebel nation will fall in love with Gabi and cannot wait for you to welcome her into the community and watch her and the Rebs this fall!”
 
Placide joins a class of three dynamic transfers for the 2025 season, alongside Jordyn Towns (Alabama) and Vivianna Samaniego (Cal State Bakersfield). Placide joins the Rebels for her junior year after two seasons at Northern Colorado and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
 
A two-time All-Big Sky First Team honoree and the 2023 Big Sky Freshman of the Year, Placide has shined as one of the top statistical hitters in the nation. Placide finished last year with 496 kills, 198 digs, 91.0 total blocks and 38 service aces, while hitting .242 overall.
 
Her 585.5 points ranked 23rd in the nation, while her 496 kills ranked 28th overall, as Placide captured national attention with AVCA All-Region honorable mention honors in 2024. In her career, Placide has tallied 739 kills and 150 blocks, while serving as a catalyst for the team’s success at National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), where they made the semifinals and recorded the most wins in program history with 28.
 
A standout student, Placide is also a two-time All-Big Sky Academic Team honoree in addition to her time on the court.
 
Henry and her staff have shined with the development of transfer portal players since arriving in Oxford, including with the progress of setter Mokihana Tufono, who was named AVCA All-Region after joining the program last offseason.
 
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
 
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Volleyball on X at @OleMissVB, on Instagram at @olemissvb and on Facebook at Ole Miss Volleyball. See exclusive photo and video content from behind the scenes and connect in real time with everything Ole Miss.
 

The 2025 NCAA women’s golf championship is here. Regional play concluded May 7, with the championship from May 16-21 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA. The 2025 NCAA women’s golf championship finalist selections were announced on May 7.

The committee selected 72 teams (including automatic qualifiers) and 36 individuals (including automatic qualifiers) not on those teams for participation at one of the six regional sites. Each regional site is comprised of 12 teams and six individuals (not on one of the selected teams). Five teams and the leading individual not on an advancing team from each regional site shall advance to the final site.

Click or tap here for the full list of selections

2025 DI women’s golf championship schedule

*All times listed in Eastern Time

• Championship | Friday, May 16 – Wednesday, May 21

---

• Selection show | Wednesday, April 23
• Regionals | Monday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 7 

2025 DI women’s golf championship finalists

Charlottesville Regional Site:

1. South Carolina
2. Ole Miss
T3. Florida
T3. Virginia
5. UCLA

Individual: 1. Marie Madsen – NC State

Columbus Regional Site:

1. Kansas
2. Arkansas
3. Ohio State
4. UNLV
5. LSU 

Individual: 1. Moa Svedenskiold – Houston

Gold Canyon Regional Site:

1. Oregon
2. Arizona State
3. Oklahoma State
4. Mississippi State
5. Cal State Fullerton

Individual: 1. Anna Davis – Auburn

Lexington Regional Site:

1. Florida State
T2. Georgia Southern
T2. Kansas State
4. Southern California
5. Vanderbilt

Individual: 1. Sofia Barroso Sá – TCU

Lubbock Regional Site:

1. Wake Forest
2. Texas
3. Iowa State
4. Tennessee
5. Purdue

Individual: 1. Lousiane Gauthier – Florida Gulf Coast

Norman Regional Site:

 

1. Stanford 
2. Northwestern
3. Michigan State
4. Oklahoma
5. Baylor

Individual: 1. Audrey Ryu – Furman

DI women’s golf championship history

Stanford defeated UCLA to win the 2024 DI women’s golf national title. Adela Cernousek of Texas A&M won the 2024 individual title, becoming the first golfer in Texas A&M history to win an individual championship. See the full championship history below:

More on the 2024 championships

YEAR	CHAMPION	COACH	SCORE^	RUNNER-UP	SCORE	HOST OR SITE
2024	Stanford	Anne Walker	3-2	UCLA		Carlsbad, Calif.
2023	Wake Forest	Kim Lewellen	3-1	Southern California		Scottsdale, AZ
2022	Stanford	Anne Walker	3-2	Oregon		Scottsdale, AZ
2021	Ole Miss	Kory Henkes	4-1	Oklahoma State		Scottsdale, AZ
2020	Canceled due to Covid-19	—	—	—	—	—
2019	Duke	Dan Brooks	3-2	Wake Forest		Fayetteville, Ark.
2018	Arizona	Laura Ianello	3-2	Alabama		Stillwater, Okla.
2017	Arizona State	Missy Farr-Kaye	3-1-1	Northwestern		Sugar Grove, Ill.
2016	Washington	Mary Lou Mulflur	3-2	Stanford		Eugene, Ore.
2015	Stanford	Anne Walker	3-2	Baylor		Bradenton, Fla.
2014	Duke	Dan Brooks	1,130	Southern California	1,132	Tulsa, Okla.
2013	Southern California	Andrea Gaston	1,133	Duke	1,154	Georgia
2012	Alabama	Mic Potter	1,171	USC	1,172	Vanderbilt
2011	UCLA	Carrie Forsyth	1,173	Purdue	1,177	Texas A&M
2010	Purdue	Devon Brouse	1,153	Southern California	1,154	Wilmington, N.C.
2009	Arizona State	Melissa Luellen	1,182	UCLA	1,190	Owings Mills, Md.
2008	Southern California	Andrea Gaston	1,168	UCLA	1,174	New Mexico
2007	Duke	Dan Brooks	1,170	Purdue	1,185	Daytona Beach, Fla.
2006	Duke	Dan Brooks	1,167	Southern California	1,177	Ohio State
2005	Duke	Dan Brooks	1,170	UCLA	1,175	Oregon State
2004	UCLA	Carrie Forsyth	1,148	Oklahoma State	1,151	Auburn
2003	Southern California	Andrea Gaston	1,197	Pepperdine	1,213	Purdue
2002	Duke	Dan Brooks	1,164	Arizona, Auburn, Texas	1,170	Washington
2001	Georgia	Todd McCorkle	1,176	Duke	1,179	Stetson
2000	Arizona	Todd McCorkle	1,175	Stanford	1,196	Oregon State
1999	$Duke	Dan Brooks	895	Arizona State/Georgia	903	Tulsa
1998	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,155	Florida	1,173	Wisconsin
1997	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,178	San Jose State	1,180	Ohio State
1996	*Arizona	Rick LaRose	1,240	San Jose State	1,240	UCLA
1995	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,155	San Jose State	1,181	UNC-Wilmington
1994	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,189	Southern California	1,205	Oregon State
1993	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,187	Texas	1,189	Georgia
1992	San Jose State	Mark Gale	1,171	Arizona	1,175	Arizona State
1991	*UCLA	Jackie Steinmann	1,197	San Jose State	1,197	Ohio State
1990	Arizona State	Linda Vollstedt	1,206	UCLA	1,222	South Carolina
1989	San Jose State	Mark Gale	1,208	Tulsa	1,209	Stanford
1988	#Tulsa	Dale McNamara	1,175	Georgia/Arizona State	1,182	New Mexico State
1987	San Jose State	Mark Gale	1,187	Furman	1,188	New Mexico
1986	Florida	Mimi Ryan	1,180	Miamia (Fla.)	1,188	Ohio State
1985	Florida	Mimi Ryan	1,218	Tulsa	1,233	Amherst
1984	Miami (Fla.)	Lela Cannon	1,214	Arizona State	1,221	Georgia
1983	TCU	Fred Warren	1,193	Tulsa	1,196	Georgia
1982	Tulsa	Dale McNamara	1,191	TCU	1,227	Stanford

*Won in sudden death

$Fourth Round canceled due to rain

#Tulsa’s participation in 1988 championships vacated

The SEC outdoor men’s and women’s track and field championships is always one of the premier meets in collegiate track and field. 2025’s meet should be no different. The SEC championships are filled with top-ranked teams and loaded with some of the top regular-season performers, creating must-watch matchups. Here’s a look at some of the top potential head-to-head matchups to watch. 

Note: At the time of writing (Wednesday, May 7) the start lists for the SEC Championships haven’t been published, meaning athletes listed below may not participate in an event. These aren’t guaranteed because some matchups may need athletes to advance to the finals to happen.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Updates, schedule and results for the 2025 SEC outdoor track and field championships

Men

100 meters — Israel Okon (Auburn) vs. Kanyinsola Ajayi (Auburn) vs. Jordan Anthony (Arkansas) vs. Jelani Watkins (LSU)

The SEC 100 meters is wide open this year. Auburn’s Israel Okon has run 9.91 (+2.9) and 10.07 in his two races this year, and his teammate Kanyinsola Ajayi has run a wind-legal 9.96 in his lone 100 meters run. 

But this isn’t a competition between solely the Auburn Tigers, as a pair of dual-sport athletes will contest for the 100 meter crown. Arkansas’s Jordan Anthony and LSU’s Jelani Watkins have run 9.98 seconds and 10.01 seconds, respectively. The quartet of sprinters will make the 100 exciting in Lexington this year.

RECORDS: Every track and field record broken in 2025

110 hurdles — Ja’Kobe Tharp (Auburn) vs. Everyone else

Winning a title puts a target on your back and Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp has just that after winning the SEC outdoor 110 hurdles title last year and winning the indoor 60 hurdles NCAA title this year. Tharp will have to defend his SEC title he won this year, with the added pressure of knowing that he hasn’t run the fastest time in the event entering the meet.

Texas’s Kendrick Smallwood leads the nation with his 13.07 (+2.3) while Florida’s Demaris Waters has the top wind-legal time of 13.21 (+0.7). Texas A&M’s Ja’Qualon Scott and LSU’s hurdle duo of Matthew Sophia and Jahiem Stern have also run faster than the defending SEC 110 hurdles champion, who can’t be counted out.

That’s six of the top eight times in the nation all in the SEC. Get your popcorn ready.

400 hurdles — Jevon Williams (Tennessee) vs. Kody Blackwood (Texas) 

Déjà vu? No, it’s just the SEC. That’s what you’ll realize when you see Tennessee’s Jevon Williams and Texas’ Kody Blackwood run the 400 hurdles at the SEC championships.

Williams beat Blackwood in the nation’s fastest 400 hurdles race earlier this year at the Tom Jones Invitational when the duo outpaced a professional Olympian (Trevor Bassitt) as both went sub-49 seconds.

If we get a repeat of this race at the SEC Championships, we’ll be in for a treat.

PAST 2025 MEETS: Penn Relays | Florida Relays | Texas Relays

800 meters — Abdullahi Hassan (Mississippi State) vs. Rivaldo Marshall (Arkansas)

Abdullahi Hassan and Rivaldo Marshall have been two of the best 800 meter runners in the NCAA for multiple years now. The two were both in the Big Ten in 2024 before transferring to the SEC. Now, only 0.2 seconds separate their season’s-best times in 2025, with both athletes ranking in the top four in the 800 nationally. 

Across the last two years, Rivaldo Marshall has finished ahead of Abdullahi Hassan in three of the five races that both have run in. With the high stakes of the SEC, we’ll get another chapter to this rivalry.

PAST SEC OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2024 | 2023

Women

100 hurdles — Habiba Harris (Florida) vs. Akala Garrett (Texas) vs. Jaiya Covington (Texas A&M) vs. Myreanna Bebe (Tennessee)

The SEC 100 hurdles is loaded as always in 2025. Habiba Harris, Akala Garrett, Jaiya Covington and Myreanna Bebe have four of the top five times (all-conditions) in the country this year and none of 2025’s top four finishers in the SEC 100 hurdles are back this year.

In fact, Jaiya Covington is the only finalist from last year’s SEC championships, where she finished fifth. Of course, since then, the Aggie has added the NCAA indoor 60 hurdles title to her resume. Yet, she only has the third-fastest time of the quartet.

Akala Garrett has run 12.75 (+2.6) this year and has gone sub-13.1 seconds at three of her four meets this year. Habiba Harris has the national lead at 12.69 seconds (+2.1 and is only a freshman. 

Let’s not forget about Myreanna Bebe either. She has the nation’s fastest wind-legal time this year running 12.81 seconds (+1.8) to send a statement open May. 

What has become a fan-favorite event in recent years figures to live up to the hype as these four women race in the 100 hurdles at the SEC Championships.

AWARD WATCH: Here are the Bowerman frontrunners entering May

100 meters — JaMeesia Ford (South Carolina) vs. Camryn Dickson (Texas A&M)

The SEC always has its share of versatile sprinters, and this year, JaMeesia Ford and Camryn Dickson are two of the best. Ford has run 11.02 and Dickson has run 11.04 in the 100 meters, both over the allowable wind.

But wind doesn’t matter when you’re on the track right next to each other. Only beating your opponent. 

And if the 100 meters wasn’t enough, Ford and Dickson also have two of the top-five all-conditions 200 meter times this year. More on that race below.

200 meters — Jasmine Montgomery (Texas A&M) vs. Dejanea Oakley

JaMeesia Ford and Camryn Dickson will be candidates to win the 200 meters at the SEC championships, but they’ll have to get past a pair of intriguing contenders first.

Jasmine Montgomery caught the eyes of plenty when she ran a 22.17 to open May in the 200 meters. However, there was a +3.5 wind, and Montgomery hadn’t run better than 22.59 in her career before.

Then there’s Georgia’s Dejanea Oakley. She has the No. 2 wind-legal time in the country at 22.43 seconds, but that time isn’t in the top five all-conditions this year.

Montgomery and Oakley have both run fast this year, conditions aside. When the two meet on the track in Lexington, they’ll be looking to back up their impressive regular seasons en route to a title.

HALFWAY THERE: 6 midseason superlatives for the 2025 DI outdoor track and field season

400 meters — Aaliyah Butler (Georgia) vs. Kaylyn Brown (Arkansas)

Last year, Aaliyah Butler was the top threat to interrupt Arkansas’ historic group of quarter-milers from titles. This year, Butler remains the top threat to keep a Razorback from holding a trophy, but Arkansas doesn’t have the same amount of heavy hitters as last year.

The Razorbacks still have Kaylyn Brown, though, who’s still searching for her first sub-50 race of the season. Could running against Butler, who owns the national lead in 49.44 seconds, push Brown to a sub-50 pace? Will Butler’s undefeated regular season in the 400 continue? 

This is a great matchup to watch.

400 hurdles — Rachel Glenn (Arkansas) vs. Akala Garrett (Texas)

Three women have run sub-54 seconds in the 400 hurdles this season. Rachel Glenn and Akala Garrett are two of the three that are in the SEC. We got to see the sub-54-second race with all three women running at the Tom Jones Invitational.

Glenn outraced Garrett by 0.25 seconds in Gainesville, but anything could happen in Lexington when the two meet again.

THREES A CHARM: Ranking the top 10 sprint-distance-field trios in NCAA track and field

High jump — Rachel Glenn (Arkansas) vs. Elena Kulichenko (Georgia)

Glenn vs. Kulichenko. We’ve seen this battle multiple times on the NCAA championship stage, and we’ll get to see it again at the SEC Championships. When these two compete, the bar just goes higher and higher.

Triple jump — Agur Dwol (Oklahoma) vs. Winny Bii (Texas A&M)

Two of the top triple jumpers in the country will go head-to-head for an SEC title. Agur Dwol is coming off an indoor NCAA title and is the only woman to surpass 14 meters during the outdoor season at 14.01m. Winny Bii matched Dwol’s 14.01 meters during the indoor season.

That’s two women capable of jumping beyond 14 meters, but only one conference title for the taking. 

AWARDS: The 2025 Bowerman Watch List for men’s and women’s NCAA track and field

Heptathlon — Sofia Iakushina (Texas A&M) vs. Pippi Lotta Enok (Oklahoma)

The top two heptathletes entering May are from the SEC and their names are Sofia Iakushina and Pippi Lotta Enok. Yet, the two heptathletes are entering the SEC championships with different perspectives. Iakushina is a freshman competing in her first outdoor SEC championships, while Enok is a former NCAA champion, winning the 2023 heptathlon title. 

It’s a classic tale of the rookie vs. the vet at the SEC Championship.