Happy Friday Patriots! How the heck are we already a week into July?

We know, we know… we don’t want to rush the rest of the summer, but before we know it, campus will be filling back up and the good news, that means our Patriots will be back in action.

Today, we’re checking in on that countdown clock, celebrating some off the field successes, and much more!

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

⚽️ Countdown to Kickoff
⭐️ Academic Aces
📸 Can’t Miss Flicks
​⭐ And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 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!

🔼 Friendly Faces Reunited. There is truly nothing like seeing old friends and family that you haven’t seen in a while, and it’s even more special when it happens in a place you all fell in love with together.

That’s exactly what this past weekend was about as Coach Skinn and the Patriots hosted a men’s basketball alumni weekend, which brought back some of the greats that ever donned the Green & Gold like George Evans, Jai Lewis and much more!

ONCE A PATRIOT, ALWAYS A PATRIOT!

The foundation on which this program was built back at home. We can’t wait to have them back on campus for a game this year!

ONCE A PATRIOT, ALWAYS A PATRIOT!

🔼 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.

🔼 In Good Company. Any time you can be in the company of players like Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson and Gilbert Arenas, you’re doing alright for yourself.

That’s exactly what 11 members of the George Mason men’s hoops program will be doing over the next few weeks as they suit up as part of the legendary Kenner League in Washington, D.C.

All games are played at McDonough Gym on the campus of Georgetown, with games beginning this past weekend and running through early August.

🌠 FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL!

No, we didn’t make him hold a sign and make him take a picture out front (although we thought about it).

The Marvin Lewis era kicked off on July 1st when the newly appointed Athletic Director stepped into his role for the first official day.

GoMason.com sat down with him to talk about his first day and what it means to take on this new role.

🤔 PATRIOT TRIVIA

Young Guns. Last year, the Mason women’s soccer team was full of young, hungry talent.

This year, the squad will kick off the 2023-24 for all Patriots when they host ODU on Aug. 17 in Fairfax.

Leading the returners will be the top two scorers, who both were freshman last fall.

Can you name either one of the freshman that led the team in scoring last year?

You get bonus points if you can name both!

Think you got it?

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

⭐️ COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 41 DAYS

The date: Sept. 10, 1995
The location: Greenville, N.C.
The opponent: East Carolina

On a sunny September afternoon in North Carolina, the Mason women’s soccer team put on quite a show, demolishing the Pirates to the tune of 14-0.

In that contest, Mason tallied 41 points to set a single-game program record that stands til this day.

📬 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: Zoë Vidaurre and Sophie Davidson.

The youngsters both scored three goals apiece last fall for the Patriots.

Both are Maryland natives (Vidaurre - Clarksburg, Davidson - Fulton) and will be leaders this season for Mason again. Each won A-10 Rookie of the Week once last fall as well.

Let’s finish the week strong and enjoy the weekend!