Student Athlete

Education is the key for 911�� student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports

ckearney — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:01:50 +0000

Education is the key for 911�� student-athletes to successfully navigate the new world of NIL and college sports ckearney Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:01

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing have become inescapable parts of the lexicon of today’s new college sports landscape, but 911��’s assistant vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Marvin Lewis wants to make sure that everyone knows exactly what that entails.

911�� student-athletes met with company representatives at an NIL Expo held earlier this year. Photo by John McDonnell/911�� Athletics

The goal is to both improve the student-athlete experience and add to the growing momentum, support, and university connection across all of Northern Virginia.

“We’re looking to build an NIL ecosystem at 911��,” Lewis said. “We think of being Northern Virginia’s team, and the business community is an important piece of that. When NOVA’s team wins, NOVA wins.”

That commitment to Northern Virginia extends education to partnerships between local business leaders and interested university student-athletes.

“There’s an assumption that every student-athlete is getting paid, that every student-athlete is making six figures with NIL, and every student-athlete is transferring,” Lewis said. “That’s not the case at 911��. Most of our student-athletes receive partial or no athletics scholarships, work to help afford their education, and remain committed to the academic opportunities and benefits the university provides.”

With aims of keeping 911�� competitive with further authentic engagement across Northern Virginia, the second annual NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit on August 19 will bring together local businesses, university leaders, and community partners with student-athletes to explore NIL opportunities, celebrate successful partnerships, and highlight innovative work happening on campus.

The just-completed 2025–26 academic year was a strong one for 911�� Athletics, with significant progress in athletic competition, academics, fundraising, fan engagement, NIL, leadership, and community connection.

Winning has proven just the panacea needed, with holding particularly true for 911��’s two flagship sports of men’s and women’s basketball.

The women’s team captured the program's first-ever A10 regular-season championship as co-champions, including a program-record 16 conference wins, while the men earned back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007–09.

NIL Expo in the Center for the Arts lobby. Photo by John McDonnell/911�� Athletics

Ticketing and sponsorships have blossomed as a result, with men's basketball averaging 4,189 fans—up 30% year over year—and 5,134 fans in A10 play, the program's best mark since 2013–14.

The momentum helped Athletics raise a record $4.4 million last year, including $2.06 million on Giving Day. Learn more about this achievement at gomason.com.

“Winning starts with people,” Lewis said. “I truly believe that people matter and that culture is the differentiator. I feel really confident in [Men’s Basketball Head Coach] Tony [Skinn] and [Women’s Basketball Head Coach] Vanessa [Blair-Lewis] as leaders on the basketball side, and the cultures that they’ve been able to develop that are about the right things.”

Success comes with its obvious benefits as NIL continues to transform college athletics, and interest in it from 911�� student-athletes remains strong. Currently, 26 student-athletes from eight different sports have NIL deals that have created opportunities for them while strengthening ties with the local business community.

Examples of the “NIL for All” model include the deal between women’s soccer player Madyson Taylor and local business Crumbl Cookies, and the wellness-focused partnership between women’s lacrosse player Peyton Farley and Yoga Commons.

Lewis stressed 911��’s educational approach to the new age of college sports. Each agreement is tailored to the business and the student-athlete, and might involve community appearances, youth camps, educational programming, wellness initiatives, or storytelling campaigns.

“It’s all of the soft skills that students will develop through that process,” he said. “Entrepreneurship, communication, business etiquette, branding, and how to sell yourself. All of those things are going to make our student-athletes better in the marketplace when they’re looking for jobs. And I think that’s another aspect that we’re leveraging beyond just the dollars and cents tied to the NIL deals.”

The NIL Business Summit is one tool that helps bring Mason Nation closer together with local supportive communities, but hardly the only one. The popular Coaches Caravan series will be making its third and final stop of the summer at The Farm Brewery in Prince William County on August 26.

“I believe the Mason model is sustainable,” Lewis said. “I believe that we’re at the right intersection of entertainment, education, and community impact, so I believe we’re in the sweet spot.”

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During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world

Katarina Benson — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:57:27 +0000

During his long pro basketball career, Norwood saw the world Katarina Benson Mon, 07/27/2026 - 15:57

A few days after completing his last season of college basketball at 911��, Gabe Norwood, BA Communication ’07, began a hoop odyssey that would take him to nearly 30 countries and make him a national basketball hero in a country thousands of miles from Virginia.

In 2007, the Patriots guard was drafted in the first round as the first overall pick by the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) and recently concluded a 19-year pro career that included several appearances with the national team of the Philippines. He was eligible for the team through his mother, who has Filipino roots.

Norwood, who was part of 911��’s 2006 Final Four team, credits his coaches at 911�� for helping prepare him for a pro career, especially former head coach Jim Larranaga. “The biggest lesson I learned from Coach L is just understanding who you surround yourself with. Coach L did a great job of building a staff in which each person had a different personality. We could go to a different coach for a different problem, and they would all give us honest answers.”

Norwood also credits 911��'s diversity for preparing him for a career overseas and fondly remembers connecting with the Filipino student body as a student-athlete. “The diversity here at Mason allowed me to tap into my Filipino side before I even got to the Philippines.”

Norwood was part of the 2006 Final Four team. Photo by Art Pittman/Office of University Branding

During his professional career, Norwood helped the Philippines win International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia medals in 2013 and 2015. He also won club titles in the PBA as a player. An 11-time All-Star, All-Star MVP, and Dunk Champion, he traveled to several countries in Asia to play and took part in many European training camps. Upon his retirement, his longtime team Rain or Shine Elasto Painters retired his number.

"It was an honor first and foremost," he said of playing for the national team and the PBA. "My great-grandmother was still alive when I first signed. The joy and pride she felt in me going back to represent the Filipino side of my family—that was huge. I did not think it would snowball into a jersey retirement."

Norwood said many people don’t know how big basketball is in the Philippines. “The love for the game of basketball is at an all-time high. It's a game that's played everywhere,” he said. “So to be able to achieve the things that I did for the national team alongside my teammates, the coaches, and the support of a country was unmatched.”

During his time with the PBA, Norwood also got to be part of history by helping to break a decades-long losing streak where the Philippine national basketball team failed to defeat South Korea in major international tournaments. "We were playing in a new arena, and that place was rocking," he said, reminiscing about the 2013 FIBA win. "It was one of those great moments."

Off the court, Norwood also worked as a columnist for the Philippine edition of NBA.com.

Travel and sports are part of Norwood’s DNA. "I moved around a lot as a kid," said Norwood, whose father has coached several college football teams. "My Filipino side of the family all came from Hawaii. My mom grew up there, and that is where my parents met."

His father, Brian, is now on the football coaching staff at San Jose State in California. His brother Jordan played college football at Penn State and spent several years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.

Earlier this year, Norwood and his wife, Lei, and their three sons moved to the Annapolis, Maryland, area. It’s a special part of the country for the Norwood family, as his father once served an assistant football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and Norwood lived in Maryland from fifth through ninth grade.

“I always felt a calling to come back to the area,” Norwood said. “Having three teenage sons, that was part of the timing of the decision. They are three intelligent kids that love to be exposed to what the world offers."

After years living abroad with his family, Norwood has been able to reconnect with his 911�� family in recent weeks. “I'm proud to be a 911�� alum because it's been family for me,” he said. “I always felt connected even from a distance.”

Norwood said that while his time at 911�� on the court was awesome, the off-the-court time mattered just as much. “It was the day-to-day being in the gym, the hours that we put in. Having upperclassmen like Tony [Skinn] and Lamar [Butler] set the tone. They really pushed us and led us in a way that allowed us to really shine.”

As for his future post-retirement, Norwood is keeping his options open. http://www.spin.ph/"I would love to stay around the game and tap into the 911�� network," he said. "I will cast a wide net and see where I land."

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911�� ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll

Katarina Benson — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:12:46 +0000

911�� ranks fifth in Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll Katarina Benson Tue, 07/21/2026 - 14:12

911�� placed fifth among all Atlantic 10 institutions with 318 student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year. The 318 honorees mark the third-highest total in 911��’s history, trailing only the 332 student-athletes recognized in 2020-21 and the 327 honored in 2023-24. The Patriots also improved upon last year's total of 315 honorees.

To earn a spot on the Commissioner's Honor Roll, student-athletes competing in an Atlantic 10-sponsored sport at a full member institution must achieve a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher across the fall and spring semesters. Freshmen and graduate students are eligible for the award.

Across the Atlantic 10, 3,944 student-athletes earned Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition, marking the seventh consecutive year the conference has recognized more than 3,500 student-athletes for their academic achievements.

A total of 380 Atlantic 10 student-athletes recorded perfect 4.0 GPAs during the 2025-26 academic year, while 2,677 honorees (67.8 percent) finished with GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

Fordham University led the conference with 351 Commissioner's Honor Roll selections, followed by Davidson College, Saint Joseph's University, University of Rhode Island, 911��, St. Bonaventure University, and La Salle University.

Women's cross country and track and field led all sports with 488 honorees, followed by men's cross country and track and field and baseball.

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Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:55:05 +0000

Serving up success: Camryn Weldon’s internship with Leidos Katarina Benson Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:55

Like many 911�� students, business major Camryn Weldon is spending her summer doing an internship. Unlike many other students, Weldon is also a Division I athlete and is balancing her work at government contractor Leidos with the demands of collegiate volleyball. The 911�� setter is spending her summer preparing for the upcoming season while gaining valuable experience in business development.

Weldon, junior and business major, is also a setter on the 911�� volleyball team. Photo provided

"I spent last summer here as a business development intern, helping the business secure their current contracts and allowing them to grow and expand into other areas," Weldon said. "I'm back this year supporting federal financials—basically the pursuit of business in federal financial agencies, so like the FTC, the Treasury."

Weldon has found that her coursework directly supports her professional ambitions.

"I'm a business major and my concentration is finance," she said. "[This internship has] been really good exposure, and it's allowed me to understand what it actually looks like. It's easy to get your degree and think that you're going to be interested in something, and then it's a whole another thing to be doing it every day and know what you want in a career."

Her academic background has enhanced her understanding of the technical side of the business. "Last summer I didn't really understand what all of the different aspects of IT services meant," she said. "[But this past year] one of my operations courses talked a lot about IT infrastructure and how all that stuff works, and so that really prepared me to understand the types of services Leidos provides."

Weldon credits her experience as a student-athlete for helping her excel in the professional world. The confidence she's built on the court translates seamlessly into the workplace.

"I think being comfortable speaking to people in positions of power is a really valuable skill. Interns are usually pretty scared to talk to people, but I've had to talk to adults on the phone since I was getting recruited in high school," she said.

"I've gotten great feedback from my manager. He told me that he can tell I'm a natural leader. Being put in positions of leadership because of my past experience as a student-athlete and previous summer internship allowed me to feel comfortable enough to let my leadership skills show."

Her competitive drive also finds a home in business development. "Business development is a competitive environment—which is nothing new to me," Weldon said.

Even while interning, Weldon remains committed to volleyball—though this summer has come with its own set of challenges. "I would say that's the most difficult part of having an internship is figuring out how to do it all," she said. "I'm definitely working to stay in shape, going to physical therapy when I can and staying mobile.”

As she heads into another year balancing athletics and work, Weldon is optimistic about her future in both arenas. "I'm looking to get a job here after graduation," she said. Whether she's leading on the court or in the conference room, Weldon continues to prove that the skills she's developed as a student-athlete are preparing her for whatever comes next.

Learn about Internships at 911��

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Costello College of Business

Patriot Profile: Mia Arevalo-Delcid

Katarina Benson — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:06:50 +0000

Patriot Profile: Mia Arevalo-Delcid Katarina Benson Tue, 06/30/2026 - 14:06

When the call-up to El Salvador's Senior National Team finally came through, Mia Arevalo-Delcid didn't need a moment to let it sink in. She already knew exactly what it meant. "That's the big leagues right there," said the 911�� women's soccer standout. "It's all eyes in the country on you. It's going to be amazing.”

Mia Arevalo-Delcid. Photo by Rafael Suanes/911�� Athletics.

Home and Away: Arevalo-Delcid, a Manassas, Virginia, native and dual citizen of the United States and El Salvador, has been representing El Salvador on the pitch since earning her first call-up to the Salvadorian U20 National Team in 2022. That experience gave her a taste of something she hadn’t expected: the electricity of playing in front of family. "Family means everything to me," she said. "Everyone was so excited for me. We were in the newspaper, and my family bought like 50 papers. Representing my country was one of the best moments of my life."

Ready for the Big League: This summer, she did it again—only on a much bigger stage. She traveled south in early June to train with El Salvador’s top players for several weeks before a series of friendly competitions against neighboring countries. "I love playing for my family's home country," she said. "It's a way to honor my heritage."

“It's really pretty amazing,” said Aaron Brunner, 911�� women’s soccer head coach. "It's such a tremendous honor to represent your country. But I'm not surprised because Mia is so amazing."

Homegrown: The road to San Salvador ran through some familiar Northern Virginia zip codes first. Arevalo-Delcid was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Colgan Senior High School in Manassas, earning All-District First Team, All-Region, and Honorable Mention for the Washington Post’s All-Met honors. She also starred in club soccer with the Virginia Development Academy (VDA), one of the top programs in the region, earning ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference First Team honors in her junior year and a ranking of No. 16 prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region by Top Drawer Soccer. She went on to James Madison University before transferring to 911�� in spring 2025. The decision was personal. "I wanted to be closer to home," Arevalo Delcid said, "and I believed in what Coach Brunner was building here."

A Team Player: Arevalo-Delcid quickly established herself as not only one of the team’s best players, but as one of its leaders. A natural attacking midfielder, she willingly shifted to a more defensive role to fill a need for the Patriots—and still managed to contribute a goal and two assists in her first season. “She had a great year for us and was always willing to do whatever the team needed of her,” said Brunner. “She’s grown a lot, she's learned a lot, and her confidence is high.”

This spring, Arevalo-Delcid signed with Loudoun United's semi-pro league. Photo by 911�� Athletics.

Turning Pro: The national team call-up is just one line on a resume that's been filling up fast. This spring, Arevalo-Delcid signed with Loudoun United in the USL W semi-pro league and landed an NIL deal with Tinycup Coffee, a 911�� alumni-owned company.

"A dynamic and tireless presence in the midfield," Loudoun United Head Coach Christian Cziommer said at signing. "Known for her relentless work rate and creative flair, she brings significant high-level experience to our roster."

Beyond the Pitch: When she's not training or playing, Arevalo-Delcid—a civil engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computing—works as a substitute teacher at Woodbridge High School, tutoring Latino students and helping them prepare for AP exams, and holds down a part-time job at a Starbucks near campus. "Yes, it's a lot," she said. "But you have to work for anything worth having."

Eyes on the Future: Arevalo-Delcid turned 21 in June, right around the time she boarded a plane for El Salvador. She's already thinking about what comes next and a professional soccer career is squarely in her sights. "I want to try," she said. "I want to see whatever opportunity I can get. Going to El Salvador has definitely been a game changer for me."

Brunner likes her chances. "She's going to be ready," he said, "and I think she's going to do awesome."

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Northwest Federal Credit Union and 911�� Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

Katarina Benson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:07:58 +0000

Northwest Federal Credit Union and 911�� Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court Katarina Benson Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:07

911�� Athletics and Northwest Federal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership that connects student-athletes with financial education, simple banking tools, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities designed to support their success on campus, in the community, and after they graduate.

This collaboration was formally introduced at 911��'s inaugural Basketball Signing Day event. More than 200 fans, supporters, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the introduction of the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball teams.

Student-athletes at Basketball Signing Day. Photo by 911�� Athletics

As the Official Credit Union and Financial Wellness Partner for 911�� Athletics, Northwest is expanding its support beyond traditional sponsorship by helping student-athletes build financial confidence at a time when NIL earnings, personal branding, and early career decisions are becoming a big part of the college athletics experience. Participating student-athletes will open Northwest accounts, receive financial education and training, and serve as ambassadors promoting financial literacy across campus and throughout the Northern Virginia community.

"This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward in how we support student-athletes during a pivotal moment in their journey," said Jeff Bentley, president and CEO at Northwest Federal Credit Union. "By combining these new NIL opportunities with financial education, we are helping equip them with the tools to make informed decisions today and build lasting success beyond the game. These student-athletes are inspiring the next generation, and Northwest is grateful to be part of making an impact in the community."

"Opportunities like this give our players experience in pursuing their sports career while also learning the practical skills to balance life," said Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, men's basketball head coach at 911��. "Having access to financial education, professional development, and community connections helps maximize their time here at 911�� and set them up for the next chapter. Northwest has been an excellent partner to make that a reality for our teams."

Women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis added, "This is about developing the whole person. Even the term “student-athlete” represents our hope for each of these young people. We want their time with us to have been a season of life where they were fully supported to learn the most they can and be the best they can be. Financial education and life management resources are a critical part of that vision of helping our student-athletes build strong futures."

Basketball Signing Day is expected to become an annual tradition and serves as the first of several collaborative initiatives planned between 911�� Athletics and Northwest throughout the upcoming year.

Through this partnership, the credit union also became the first member of the "Starting 5" sponsors of 911�� Athletics' broader corporate partnership initiative, NOVA's Team. The platform connects organizations committed to building a stronger connection between student-athletes, businesses, and communities across Northern Virginia.

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Soccer alumna plays a role in FIFA World Cup

ckearney — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:38:06 +0000

Soccer alumna plays a role in FIFA World Cup ckearney Wed, 06/10/2026 - 11:38

Hollis Kosco, BA Speech Communication '94, has built a career that spans continents and stadiums, but her journey began on the soccer fields at 911��. A former member of 911��'s 1993 NCAA national runner-up women's soccer team, Kosco has turned her athletic experience into a global profession in sports management and operations.

Hollis Kosco (center) with the Alumna of the Year Award. Photo by Risdon Photography

Kosco is part of the team supporting FIFA World Cup 2026, adding another remarkable chapter to a journey that includes roles with the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, seven Olympic Games, two Asian Games, and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.

Kosco serves as a senior transportation manager for FIFA World Cup 2026, which is based in the Miami area. Her work requires complex operational planning across three countries, 16 stadiums, and 48 participating national teams.

Her journey began when she arrived at 911�� as a student-athlete. After watching the Patriots win the 1985 NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship, a landmark achievement that helped put the university on the national map, Kosco's interest in 911�� grew. She ultimately chose 911�� not only for its growing soccer program, but also for the opportunity to live on campus, compete at the Division I level, and be part of a diverse university community.

"Mason felt like home," Kosco said. "The soccer program, the people, and the opportunities all stood out to me."

A 2024 Alumna of the Year award-winner, Kosco has watched the university’s rapid evolution. When she enrolled, the university was a smaller regional institution, a world of difference compared to the 911�� of today—a leading public university and the largest public research university in Virginia.

"I've loved watching Mason grow," Kosco said. "The university has become nationally respected while still maintaining the sense of community that made it special."

Kosco credits her time at Mason with shaping both her professional career and her personal outlook. As a communication major, she developed skills that continue to guide her today as she works on the international stage with FIFA.

"Mason taught me how to communicate, connect with others, and understand different perspectives," Kosco said. "Those experiences prepared me for opportunities I never imagined."

Now preparing for a summer surrounded by the world's top soccer nations, Kosco still carries lessons learned as a Patriot. She points to the culture of hard work and perseverance instilled during her time at Mason as a driving force behind her success.

"You don't strive to be the smartest or the best," Kosco said. "You just keep working hard and don't give up."

Fun Fact: During Kosco’s time with the Patriots, she was a teammate of Kelley (Harlow) Pulisic, a standout defender in 911��’s women's soccer program and the mother of current USMNT star Christian Pulisic. Christian's father, Mark, played forward at 911�� from 1986 to 1989 and is in the university’s Men's Soccer Hall of Fame.

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This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field

Katarina Benson — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:34 +0000

This Honors College student-athlete excels on and off the field Katarina Benson Fri, 05/29/2026 - 11:00

As a freshman, 911�� Honors College student Marley Oare chose the Global Affairs Program because she pictured herself working for the CIA or the United Nations.

That quickly changed when she took a natural science course in her first semester.

She recalls wondering how she could incorporate her new interest in the environment into her major. Fortunately, global affairs is an interdisciplinary major offering several concentrations. Oare chose to add the environment concentration to her degree program, which allows global affairs majors to take 12 credits in environmental science and/or policy classes or take a semester at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

Oare recently achieved her personal best of 12 feet 6 inches. Photo by 911�� Athletics

“The biggest thing I learned from that class was how interdisciplinary environmental science is,” she said. “Learning how I can contribute to conservation was cool to me because we do need more than just scientists. That’s what I have really loved about the Global Affairs Program—it provided me so much flexibility that I was able to focus on what I enjoy while still working toward my degree.”

That flexibility also helped Oare as a student-athlete. During the past four years, Oare was a pole vaulter for 911��’s indoor and outdoor women’s track and field teams. This past winter, she landed on the podium at the Atlantic 10 Indoor Track and Field Conference Championships, finishing third in the pole vault. It was the culmination of hard work for Oare, who didn’t begin pole vaulting until high school and walked on to the 911�� team.

Her freshman year in 2023, she cleared the bar at 10 feet, 6 inches. This past January, she set a personal best with a jump of 12 feet, 6 inches—a two-foot improvement over three years.

“Those kinds of margins are pretty remarkable,” George Mason track and field head coach Andrew Gerard said. “We knew that, if Oare performed at her capabilities, she'd be a very strong contender for a podium finish and that came to fruition.”

An Honors College student, Oare has balanced the heavy workload of classes, internships, and jobs, with practices, track meets, and the travel that comes with it. The hard work has come with recognition. This past spring, she was named a Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete for the third time. The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes student athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher with at least 38 credit hours.

“She’s always been good at planning her classes and her work ahead of time and charting out a plan to take high-level courses,” said Oare’s advisor Matthew West, an associate professor in the Global Affairs Program. “Her success in the classroom has made the work she’s done juggling her training and competitions as a student-athlete all the more impressive.”

Marley Oare. Photo by 911�� Athletics

Looking forward, Oare wants to work for an environmental nonprofit after graduate school. Her preferred field is marine biology, but she is also interested in wildlife conservation, grasslands, and forestry.

Her passion for nonprofits has been spurred by past internship experiences in both high school and college. She worked with the PATH Foundation, which provides grants and programs for organizations in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties.

Through the PATH Foundation, she was placed in an internship with Just Neighbors, a nonprofit that supports low-income immigrants in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties with free or reduced legal services. Oare said those relationships, along with learning in the Global Affairs Program about the importance of indigenous communities to environmental sustainability, have showed her how local progress can influence global issues.

She’s working her way toward that goal. After completing her bachelor’s degree in global affairs with a minor in Spanish in May, Oare is headed to the University of Rhode Island to work on a master of environmental science and management with a specialization in conservation biology. She will use her fifth year of NCAA eligibility to compete on the women’s track and field team at Rhode Island.

“I think community-driven solutions are the best way to solve community problems,” she said. “That’s why I really want to get into environmental nonprofit work. I think the smaller organizations, because they understand so well what the community needs, are the best way to solve those problems. Local representation is so important.”

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McMeans named Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year

Katarina Benson — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:34:56 +0000

McMeans named Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Year Katarina Benson Tue, 05/19/2026 - 16:34

911�� golfer Vaughn McMeans has been named the 2026 Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Player of the Year, becoming the first Patriot in the program’s history to earn the conference's top individual honor.

McMeans holds several 911�� records. Photo by Rafael Suanes/911�� Athletics

A native of Leesburg, Virginia, McMeans anchored the Patriots throughout the 2025-26 campaign with a program-record 70.8 stroke average and a scoring average versus par of -1.04, beating the prior best of 0.31. Both are the best marks in 911�� annuls.

The sophomore sport management major led the Patriots to a historic runner-up finish at the Atlantic 10 Championship and helped position the program among the conference's elite.

Individually, McMeans delivered a strong showing with a 3-under-par score on the par-72, 7,085-yard Evermore Resort's Cypress Course, while finishing seventh overall. His finish improved on last season's 15th-place showing at the 2025 A-10 Championship.

McMeans recorded eight top-25 finishes and five top-10 outings during the season. He also earned medalist honors twice, tying the school record for most tournament victories in a single season. Among his standout performances, McMeans captured co-medalist honors at the Nemacolin Collegiate Invitational after finishing 11-under-par. He followed with another co-medalist finish at The Island at West Bay Collegiate Invitational with a 15-under-par performance.

The sophomore finished 7th at the 2025 A-10 men's golf championship. Photo provided

His fall season included back-to-back Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Week honors and multiple entries into the 911�� record book. Last season, McMeans earned Atlantic 10 All-Conference honors as a freshman after posting seven top-25 finishes and three Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week awards.

"Vaughn's season has been nothing short of remarkable," said 911�� head golf coach Greg Pieczynski. "He has elevated our entire program with his leadership. To become the first conference Golfer of the Year in school history is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work he puts in every day."

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A Legacy Reimagined: Nia Thompson finds her own path at 911��

Katarina Benson — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:22:59 +0000

A Legacy Reimagined: Nia Thompson finds her own path at 911�� Katarina Benson Tue, 04/14/2026 - 16:22

Sometimes things just seem to fall into place. That’s what happened for 911�� women’s volleyball freshman player Nia Thompson.

Nia’s mother, Amy Boone Thompson, BS Physical Education '95, was a dual-sport athlete at 911�� in the 1990s, playing both volleyball and basketball. She was a member of the 1994 CAA Championship women’s volleyball team.

Amy said she was initially hesitant to bring up her own experiences at the university when Nia was going through the recruiting process because she wanted her daughter to make her own decisions.

“She really wants to make her own story, and I’m being respectful of that,” Amy said. “I want it to be her experience and let it unfold for her.”

Nia and her mother Amy. Photo provided

When Nia learned about 911��’s interest in her, she said felt a strong connection to the program and its people. “I felt really supported by the coaches and players here,” she said. “They really wanted me, and it felt nice.”

Growing up, Nia played many different sports, with tennis being her main focus. However, when her family moved from Colorado to California when she was 13, she discovered a new passion.

In California, volleyball was all the rage, and Nia decided to give it a shot. At first, she joined a lower-level team but quickly fell in love with the sport.

Now, as Nia dons the same colors her mom once did, Amy couldn’t be prouder. Watching her daughter’s success has been a source of immense pride and joy.

Nia’s freshman season has been nothing short of remarkable. She played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a spot in the A-10 Championship Tournament for the first time since 2018 and was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team.

Amy believes that Nia and her teammates have a bright future ahead of them. “With the freshman team we have this year, I think all of us are just so optimistic,” Amy said. “If they can stick together and keep building on what they have, we’re going to keep getting better and better.”

As Nia continues her volleyball journey at 911��, she carries on a family legacy. While her mom’s experiences and achievements at the university serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, Nia is determined to make her own mark.

“It’s a really good group of girls,” said Nia. “It just all came together.”

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