50 Years of Women’s Basketball at George Mason University

The Mason bench tries to rally their on-court team while defending their court against the Marshall University players. George Mason played Marshall in a close game that ended, 84-77.

As the 2024 basketball season tips off, George Mason University is set for a historic season, commemorating a remarkable milestone: 50 years of women’s basketball. In the winter of 1974, Mason made groundbreaking progress by introducing women’s basketball as one of its first women’s varsity sports. Since this milestone, women’s athletics at Mason have flourished and evolved into an empowering force in college sports today.

The movement was made possible by the passage of Title IX in 1972. This transformative act not only allowed women in athletics the right to equal opportunities but also banned any type of sex discrimination in college sports. Title IX opened the door for many women who dreamed of a career in sports.

Mason’s head women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis is a huge advocate of women’s sports at Mason and a promoter of the pathway that Title IX gave to women’s athletics.  

“It shows support and dedication to women in sports,” Blair-Lewis said. “We didn’t always have, in this country, the ability to play basketball for scholarships like the men have had over the years. But we are proud of the women who paved the way for us, the pioneers, who played when they didn’t get paid and there weren’t any resources.”

From left, Paula Suárez (14), Vanessa Blair-Lewis, and Nalani Kaysia (42) watch on as the ball goes into the basket. Nalani Kaysisa shot a three-pointer early in the first quarter against Bowie State University to increase their lead.

Mason women’s basketball team played their first season just one year after Title IX’s passage, in the 1973-74 season, led by Coach Kevin Colgate. The team lost their first game against the Catholic University of America in a low-scoring game, 19-13. But they ended their first season with a win against George Washington University, 32-27. The Patriots finished their first year with three wins and four losses.

Years after the formation of the basketball program, the women’s team finally became a Division 1 program before the 1982-83 season. Being a part of this division meant that they were able to compete in the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Mason joined their first basketball conference, the Colonial Athletic Association, in 1985. This allowed them to have a fixed schedule with other conference-affiliated teams. After 28 years in the CAA, Mason made the switch to the Atlantic 10 Conference. The team left for a higher level of competitiveness that the new conference offered.

Throughout these 50 years, many student-athletes have been able to grow women’s basketball at Mason and build it into what it is today.

Mason Guard, Paula Suárez, looks for an open teammate as Bowie State, Anii Harris, guards her during Mason’s possession of the ball. Suárez led the team with five assists against Bowie State.

Paula Suárez, junior basketball guard, said, “It’s inspiring to be a part of [this program]. Women’s basketball hasn’t been as big as men’s basketball. But seeing that there have been 50 years of women who have gone through a lot so that we can be here, it’s inspiring to be a part of that history.”

Throughout these 50 years, women’s basketball has not only improved at Mason, but it has become a prominent force nationwide. The 2023 edition of Women’s March Madness drew its highest viewership in the tournament’s history.

According to SportsPro Media, the championship game between Louisiana State University and the University of Iowa drew 9.9 million viewers on ABC. By contrast, the men’s game drew 14.7 million viewers on CBS. This year’s tournaments showed that women’s basketball is starting to close the gap to the men.

Broadcasters and publications have also started to show more support for women’s basketball, which has increased the visibility of the sport to the public. Now more than ever people have avenues to support the basketball players and help the sport grow to new heights. 

CBS Sports journalist Isabel Gonzalez, who has covered women’s basketball for years, agreed with the trajectory of the sport.

“It’s looking very positive. People are embracing the fact that basketball is basketball,” Isabel Gonzalez said. “The women have a lot to give as well. Women can be very athletic and can shoot very well. People are starting to see that. It’s about visibility. It starts with covering it and letting people know what’s going on. If you put the content out there people will watch it.”

A group of students cheer as the Mason team scores, increasing their lead by 32 points before halftime.

The college basketball landscape has evolved since Mason played their first game in 1974. To honor the alumni who paved the way for today’s athletes, Mason will celebrate these players and coaches throughout the season. The basketball organizers will highlight alumni players and staff before home games showcasing their achievements throughout their careers.

With Mason celebrating the past this season, the future is also something to look forward to. In the 2022-23 campaign, the Patriots had a winning record under Blair-Lewis for the first time in four years. This year, they are off to their best start in 23 years. 

This will be a special season for the players and staff as they will look not only to honor the past but also set the standard for future women’s basketball players at Mason. 

“I think it’s going to be so exciting to watch because these girls are passionate,” said Blair-Lewis. “They play with passion. And that’s what you are going to see. Us out there on the floor not caring who gets the credit, but just being passionate about the game we love. They just want to win and win together.”

The crowd roars as Paula Suárez scores a 3-pointer to extend Mason’s lead against Pittsburgh University.

Mason’s Green Machine marching band plays the university’s fight song as the women’s team secures a victory over Pittsburgh.