The George Mason women’s basketball program stands at what appears to be the dawn of a golden era. Under Blair-Lewis’s leadership, they’ve transformed from a struggling program into a conference contender, with their current 13-3 record. She systematically rebuilt a struggling program in just three years. From a team that won just three games in 2020-21, Mason has evolved into a formidable force, setting program records with 23 regular season wins and 14 Atlantic 10 victories in 2023-24.
The 2024-25 season has already etched its place in George Mason’s record books. The Patriots opened the season in historic fashion, securing an impressive 11-1 record through their non-conference schedule. This remarkable start included signature victories over ACC opponent Wake Forest and maintaining an almost perfect record at home, where they’ve established EagleBank Arena as a formidable fortress for visiting teams. Perhaps most notably, their only loss came against eighth-ranked Maryland in a game where the Patriots held a fourth-quarter lead, demonstrating their ability to compete with the nation’s elite programs.
The current roster showcases a blend of emerging talent and established performers. Kennedy Harris has emerged as a dynamic force, leading the team with 14.7 points per game, while Zahirah Walton contributes 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds. The team’s success is built on a foundation of balanced scoring and defensive prowess, with Nalani Kaysia anchoring the interior with 10.3 rebounds per game. This collective effort has resulted in the Patriots averaging 74.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 55.4 points.
The program’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed within the collegiate basketball community. Blair-Lewis’s coaching excellence earned her recognition as a Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year finalist, placing her among the nation’s top mid-major coaches (Vanessa Blair-Lewis – Head Coach – Staff Directory, 2024). Moreover, the team achieved another significant milestone when three players – Sonia Smith, Zahirah Walton, and Kennedy Harris – earned All-Conference postseason honors in the same year, a feat not accomplished since George Mason joined the Atlantic 10.
As they continue their conference schedule, the Patriots have demonstrated that they’re not just building a team but establishing a legacy that could reshape the landscape of Atlantic 10 women’s basketball. The university’s commitment to the program’s continued success is evident in their recent decision to extend Blair-Lewis’s contract through the 2028-29. This extension reflects not just a recognition of past achievements but an investment in the program’s future. Athletic Director Marvin Lewis emphasized that Blair-Lewis has “positioned our program into being recognized as one of the top teams in the A-10” while “providing a holistic student-athlete experience.”