Dear Friends of Tribe Athletics, 

There's a different cadence to the campus once the Spring semester ends - it's quieter and of course the parking is easier!  It also means we are quickly approaching the end of our fiscal year on June 30, and our focus is squarely on finishing strong.

As we close another remarkable year for Tribe Athletics, I hope you will consider making a gift and giving as generously as you can. Your investment in our student-athletes allows us to provide the resources they need to compete at the highest level and thrive in every aspect of their William & Mary experience.  From scholarships, equipment, and cutting-edge technology to enhanced travel opportunities, championship-level resources, and so much more.  If you'd like to see your favorite team's fundraising page for an update,  click here, and thanks for all that you do for our student-athletes!

Getting It Done, Again!
Our student-athletes have wrapped up the academic year, but the good news about their strong showing in the classroom keeps coming. I'm very proud to let you know that they have produced nine consecutive semesters with a term GPA above 3.25 and as a whole, the department has posted a cumulative GPA above 3.3 for each of the last five years.  Plus, for the third straight semester, all 23 programs had a cumulative GPA above 3.0, with the departments' cumulative GPA at 3.36 following the spring semester.

Just looking at the numbers is impressive but two things really stand out.  First, it's the consistency of achieving these grades year after year.  Then, when you take into consideration the number of hours our student-athletes spend training, practicing, competing and in the classroom, you understand what a wonderful accomplishment it is for these young men and women to be among the nation's leaders among student-athletes at Division I institutions.  Well done everyone!

Notable

• Track & Field closes out its 2026 outdoor season at the 2026 USATF U20 Outdoor Championships today (6/18) and tomorrow (6/19) at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.  Amelia Bawcombe, pictured below, will compete in the women's hammer throw, Kennedy Reynolds in the women's 400m hurdles and Finn Middleton in the men's 110m hurdles.  Good luck to all!

• Women's Tennis was ranked No. 8 in the Atlantic Region by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

• Men's Tennis was ranked No. 10 in the Atlantic Region by the ITA.  Oliver Hague, pictured below, earned a No. 17 regional singles ranking and he and Gur Trakhtenberg were accorded a No. 7 ranking in doubles in the Atlantic Region.

ICYMI
There are so many great stories that regularly come out of Tribe Athletics, it's easy to miss one or two, particularly when we all have such busy schedules.  I was looking back at some of the stories we've posted recently and thought that I'd bring them back for another look, or possibly even a first look:

• Whether your favorite sport is baseball (Owen Pierce); women's soccer (Ivey Crain); field hockey ( Erin Griffin); or swimming ( Will Glass), these feature stories about four student-athletes who recently graduated give insight into how their years at W&M have made indelible marks on their lives.

• We have been lucky enough to add several stellar leaders to our department recently including, Kellie Catanach Johnson (Volleyball Head Coach); Lisa Liotta (Deputy Director of Athletics); and  Lindsey Brinza (Associate AD for Sports Medicine).

• We continue to bolster our mental health services for our student-athletes thanks to the foundation laid by Dr. Deidre Connelly and our current Director of Mental Health and Performance, Zellessia Ejalonibu.  Check out the story we recently published on the new Dr. Deidre Connelly Mental Health Performance Suite and all who made it possible.

• Ten former student-athletes have been elected to the Tribe's 2026 Hall of Fame Class.  Reading about them will surely bring back great memories.

Friday Night Lights 
I know many of you are counting the days until football season begins, so here's some good news--you have one day less to wait! Our home opener vs. Villanova has moved to Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. after it was originally scheduled for Aug. 29.  This historic game marks the start of our inaugural season in the Patriot League and if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, now's the time. The team will play all nine of our league opponents, with five of the contests at home.  In addition to the new league, the Tribe will be going for its sixth consecutive winning season.  Don't miss it!
 
Mark Your Calendars!
Tickets for the 2026 Lord Botetourt Affair go live on July 7! The funds raised from this annual event have provided vital support for thousands of student-athletes, helping to enhance both their academic and athletic experiences. Now entering its 37th year, the Lord Botetourt Affair (LBA) remains the premier fundraising event of the William & Mary Athletics Foundation. This year, the LBA will take place on Sept. 18 at the new, state-of-the-art Mackesy Sports Performance Center on the first night of Family Weekend. Please join us!
 
One Last Time…
Thank you again for considering a gift to Athletics after reading about all the great things happening in the department.  Hope you are enjoying the summer!

Go Tribe!




Brian D. Mann
Director of Athletics