Monday, Monday, Monday! We know that Mondays are typically slow moving, even more so coming after a shortened week.

But today, we are AMPED UP!

That’s right, we are officially one week into a new era and less than 40 days away from the return of Mason athletics!

We’ll get you all ready for that return and pumped up for the new era today!

What else is stirring in today’s edition of the Brew? Check it out!

🌠 Mondays With Marvin
⚽️ Countdown to Kickoff
⭐️ Academic Aces
​⭐ And much, much more!

🌠 LET’S GO! MONDAYS WITH MARVIN

The Dawn Of A New Era. Each Monday this summer, we’ve brought you some facts, tidbits and insight int our new leader, Marvin Lewis.

We are now officially one week into his reign as the George Mason Athletic Director and we wanted to give a look back to his introductory press conference and what Patriots have to look forward for the future in Fairfax!

🏀 US TOO COACH, US TOO.

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Patriot Pressure Engaged. Each Friday this summer, the Mason men’s basketball team is taking on a new physical challenge.

This past Friday’s challenge, a spin session.

Who was the best? We’ll have to check back later and ask the fellas.

🔼 Academic Aces. Six Patriots (and many more) are putting the student in “student-athlete.”

We’ve talked about the success that so many Mason athletes had in the classroom this past year.

This week, six of those Patriots were recognized for their hard work in their studies by being named to the Academic All-State squad.

Jacquee Clabeaux (Women's Swimming & Diving), Maddy Baldwin (Rowing), Nicole Bechtel (Softball), Annabelle Eastman (W. Track & Field), Omar Hoyos (Men's Volleyball), and Rishab Sardana (Men's Tennis) earned the honor.

To qualify, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore with a minimum grade point average of 3.25. VaSID selected 220 student-athletes for All-Academic honors across 37 schools in Virginia.

🔼 Court General to Sideline General. One of Mason’s most beloved women’s hoopers is taking her talent to the sidelines.

Rachel Balzer, who played three seasons for the Patriots before moving to a student coaching intern role, was recently hired as the Director of Operations and Player Development for the Longwood women’s basketball program.

Battling injuries throughout her career, Balzer played in 27 games in two seasons, including a sizzling 2020-21 campaign in which she led the team in 3-pointers with 35.

Congrats Rach! Good luck!

🔼 Saving The Best For Last. Nothing like leaving it all out on the field.

Mason senior midfielder Shannon Tuozzo did just that in her final season in Fairfax, starting all 15 games and leading the team in goals, assists, points and draw controls.

Her hard work was honored this week when she was named to the All-State Second Team. She finished her senior year with 41 goals, seven assists, 48 points and 65 draw controls. She also added 12 ground balls and eight caused turnovers.

🤔 PATRIOT TRIVIA

Fairfax’s Friendly Confines. It all started with a 4-0 victory over nearby rival Catholic on beautiful Saturday afternoon in Fairfax.

That victory started a home winning streak that still stands today as the program’s record.

How long did that home winning streak last?

Think you got it?

Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

⭐️ COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 38 DAYS

38 years ago. It was a moment that will live in Patriots history forever.

Nov. 24, 1985. A highly decorated Mason women’s soccer team that had made waves nationally, lifted the ultimate prize, a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

Facing off against perennial power North Carolina, the Patriots powered their way to a 2-0 win and the first national championship in Mason’s history.

It was a day that so many will never, ever forget.

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you the Patriot Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here and get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: 18!

That’s right, the Patriots went on to not lose at home the rest of 1981 and until the final home game of 1982, a tough 3-2 decision to nationally-ranked Virginia.

Even more impressive? Mason outscored its opposition 50-4 during that stretch, including 14 shutouts.

That’s right, the Patriots gave up ZERO goals for 14 of those 18 games.

Let’s have a great Monday y’all!