Dear Friend of William & Mary Athletics,
 
I've always loved a campus during the first few weeks of a semester. So many things are new… roommates and teammates, classes and professors, and the sense that the coming weeks and months are full of possibility.  
 
I know our student-athletes share that sense of optimism and excitement as they prepare to compete.  The last year was challenging on so many fronts that there is now a palpable excitement for their new seasons. We couldn't ask for a better start than when our women's soccer team launched the term with a road win over American University! I know the fans, coaches, staff and student-athletes who have joined me to cheer on women's soccer and field hockey (our only home contests so far) agree that we are ready to go!
 
Two great W&M events have really ramped up my anticipation of what's to come. A couple of weeks ago Coach Mike London and his staff hosted its annual women's football clinic. About 50 participants turned out for the fun, including President Katherine A. Rowe, my wife Hilary and son Russell.  On Sunday night I took part in freshman orientation at Zable where all new students gather and show their Tribe pride. The place was rocking and loud…check out @mannbriand for the video evidence!
 
As many of you know, William & Mary has been engaged in a year-long review to determine if our female and male athletes receive equitable treatment in Athletics, including availability of scholarships, opportunities for participation and access to facilities and services. It has been a thorough assessment and we have developed a thoughtful plan for making improvements where needed. The plan does not include adjusting sport sponsorships at the present time.
 
The takeaway is while we are doing well in some areas, such as providing equipment and supplies, in some areas, such as providing equitable facilities, we need to do better. The good news is that many of the areas identified have already been modified or are in the process of being amended. In addition, we will accelerate Phase 1 of the Kaplan project to enhance the locker room, medical and support facilities. Also, to ensure we are accommodating the interests of our current underrepresented population (women), we are assessing whether there is any unmet interest in a particular sport.
 
Title IX and its requirements are vitally important to our department, and all of us are committed to implementing what is necessary to achieving equitable treatment.  President Rowe's leadership and insight have been instrumental in developing the plan.  She has endorsed it and pledges that William & Mary will move quickly forward with it.
 
Another person critical to the work on gender equity is Jeremy Martin, who has been by my side during every conversation with our coaches, athletics staff and student-athletes as we explain the plan.  As interim Director of Athletics for nine months, Jeremy was a key figure in the plan's development and his counsel has been, and will continue to be, enormously helpful.  
 
I have some good news to report on the staffing front. W&M legend Bobby Dwyer will be partnering with our own Julie Leach to continue our fundraising efforts while we search for new leadership in that area. With Bobby's more than three decades of W&M knowledge, and Julie's background as an alumna and women's basketball player and her current work with the W&M Athletics Foundation, we are in great hands.
 
As I finish my first month at William & Mary, it has been wonderful to have met so many of you, both virtually and personally.  You've generously invited me to barbeques, parties and coffee dates. Soon, I will hit the road to visit alumni, parents and friends in Richmond, New York, Washington, D.C, and my old stomping ground Boston. I'm looking forward to talking with you about the Tribe and to hearing your thoughts about why athletics is so essential to the ethos of William & Mary.  
 
One of my new friends is Staci Vincent, whose creative approach to the name for my regular messages is illustrated above. All kudos to Staci, mom of current student Ryan, who came up with "Mann-uscript." Thanks, Staci and be on the lookout for some W&M swag in the coming days!
  
Our first football game is this week! On Sept. 4 the team will be at UVA and our first home game is Sept. 11 vs. Lafayette. I will be walking through the tailgate area to meet our fans as we get ready for the game. Season tickets are on sale now and I'd love to see you at Zable Stadium. 
 
Before I sign off, I'm looking for inspiration for my future game day outfits and am open to receiving any apparel suggestions.
 
Go Tribe!

 
Brian Mann 
Director of Athletics