“We came from this program, we know how to win, and we know how to be winners,” said former Mason basketball player Nicole Mitchell about herself and former teammate Chantal Thomas.  

Both athletes were inducted into the George Mason Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball last Saturday evening at an event attended by more than a hundred former and present Mason athletes, teachers, administrators and fans.

In addition to Mitchell and Thomas, who both graduated in 2010,  other inductees included Travis Greene for football, basketball, and track (2006), Susanna Sullivan for cross country and track (2008), David Ray for wrestling (2009), Norma Lanier for coaching girls basketball in the 1960s, and the entire 1966 boys cross country team.

The ceremony began with brief speeches from Superintendent Toni Jones and Principal Matt Hills before each inductee was honored with a speech about their outstanding athletic career.

“[Sports] taught me how to be a winner, but also taught me how to lose,” said Dr. Jones in her speech.

David Ray, the only wrestler in Mason history to go undefeated for a full season, agreed with Jones.

“I think one of the biggest things it taught me was how to lose,” said Ray about his athletics experience at Mason.

One of the most impressive inductees of which was Susanna Sullivan. Sullivan modestly spoke about how she placed 20th in the USA Olympic time trials recently.

Each inductee was introduced by someone who impacted their career greatly. The introducers included coaches, siblings, friends, and parents. After being introduced, each inductee gave a speech about what their career meant to them.

Next time you walk downstairs to the MEH gym, you’ll see these athletes immortalized on the walls for their accomplishments and contributions to Mason athletics.