Dear Friend of William & Mary Athletics,
 
This week I completed my first 100 days as Director of Athletics.  It's a milestone that arrived quickly yet was years in the making. 
 
Along the way I've had great mentors and my passion for intercollegiate athletics has grown stronger, as has my conviction that everything we do must be for the well-being of our student-athletes.
 
Getting to Know You
The past three months have been an unparalleled education.  I've met with faculty, staff and student groups.   I'm also traveling out-of-state frequently to meet with members of the Tribe community.  Hearing stories about your experiences and why W&M Athletics is so beloved has been a great treat for me.
 
At this point, I've at least said hello to all of our 500 student-athletes at practice, at a competition, via Zoom or in the halls of Kaplan Arena.  Impressive doesn't begin to describe this group of young men and women, and the more I know, the more I'm awed by their accomplishments.  One recent NCAA initiative called the Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign gives our student-athletes an opportunity to raise their voices on this critical topic, which many did.  I couldn't be more proud! .
 
Investing in Us
Our Athletics Department is now meeting monthly as a group to hear updates and break into small groups to identify those areas that can have the most beneficial and direct effect on the success of our student-athletes.  As we identify areas of need and opportunity, we will invest accordingly and I look forward to building a stronger enterprise together.
 
As the university continues its strategic planning process, Athletics is exploring a path toward creating a world-class experience for our student-athletes.  We are committed to making their W&M years as enjoyable, productive and as competitive as possible.  But we are not stopping there.  We want to help prepare them for a lifetime of positive impact and connection with the Tribe. I'm excited about this effort and when it is more fully fleshed out, you will be reading about it in a Mannuscript.
 
Cheering on the Tribe
Speaking of accomplishments, our Men's Cross Country team were victors in the conference championships (Read All About It!)!  I predict this is the first of many for the Tribe. Stay tuned as we finish some of our fall sports and start our winter sports (see full calendar).
 
Our baseball program got a new head coach with the appointment of Mike McRae (learn more here), whose experience, dedication to developing his student-athletes and love of the game make him a great fit for Tribe baseball.
 
We're still interviewing for our new head women's tennis coach and we are getting close to naming the next leader of the program.  William & Mary's stellar reputation, plus the excitement around the construction of the New Mackesy Tennis Center all conspire to make this a great opportunity.
 
With All Our Hearts
With Thanksgiving a week away, all of us in Athletics have much to be thankful for, including the generosity of our alumni and friends.  Tribe coaches and student-athletes are already in the spirit of the season and have embarked on a Thank-a-thon which has them sending handwritten notes to their supporters.  This project also helps us get ready for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30.  In the coming days you will hear much more about this through a flurry of social media messages from Tribe Athletics and the William & Mary Athletic Foundation.
 
Hilary, Russell and I wish everyone a wonderful and peaceful holiday.  We are so grateful to be at home at William & Mary.
 
Go Tribe,
Brian Mann