Revolutionary Roundup with Michael Lipitz: Reflections on Semester One
12/17/2024 1:01:00 PM | General
FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL LIPITZ
Welcome to the second edition of this quarterly communication on the latest news and notes from GW Athletics.
With the fall semester here in Foggy Bottom almost fully in the books, there's much to report on. Please enjoy and be sure to let us know for future editions what you would like to hear about.
FIRST SEMESTER REFLECTION
As I shared with our first-year student-athletes in August, this is my first semester at GW too, and I'm excited to be on this journey together. I remain truly honored to serve them and you.
The fall semester has only further impressed on me this simple fact: There are few schools in the country where a student can combine a world-class education at an elite academic university with competition at the highest level in their sport, while living in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
GW delivers an unrivaled experience and platform for our student-athletes to achieve their dreams.
GRADUATION SUCCESS
It is always gratifying to see our student-athletes reach the academic finish line of graduation. George Washington Athletics registered an overall NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 94 percent in the latest report, marking the eighth straight year that GW has achieved 94 percent or better, with 11 of the Revolutionaries' 20 programs earning a perfect 100 percent score.
This is the clearest reflection of our student-athletes' academic commitment and the enthusiasm with which they pursue their academic endeavors every day. I offer my special thanks for the hard work and dedication of our academic support staff, coaches, faculty, donors, and all those who provide their support and assistance in service to our student-athletes throughout their GW careers.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE: AQUATICS
GW water polo finished in second place in the regular season in the MAWPC and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament. Among the other highlights:
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE: VOLLEYBALL
On the court, volleyball outperformed the preseason polls and advanced to the A-10 Championship tournament. In recognition of the team's successes, Salem Yohannes and Taylor Treahy were selected for A-10 All-Conference recognition, with Yohannes notching First Team All-Conference and All-Academic Team honors, while Treahy was an All-Rookie Team member.
GW HOOPS GEARING UP FOR A-10 PLAY
With 14 wins combined, our men's and women's basketball teams have had success in non-conference play. But now it's time to start playing their Atlantic-10 foes. Get your tickets and cheer them on at the Smith Center or on the road (keep an eye out for tailgate invitations)!
GYMNASTICS SPRINGS INTO ACTION NEXT MONTH
Gymnastics starts the 2025 schedule on the road, beginning with meets in Michigan and North Carolina. Make your plans to see them at the Smith Center, competing against Yale, Fisk, and Penn in the annual Lindsey Ferris Invitational on January 26 at 1pm.
DRIBBLIN' GEORGE'S LAGER
Launched in mid-November, this collaboration between GW and DC Brau emphasizes a community commitment to the Buff & Blue. Available at all Smith Center home games, proceeds received by GW Athletics directly support our 400 Revolutionary student-athletes. It's a fun and tasty way—with a hint of nostalgia—to increase support for our student-athletes at home events this season.
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
Our partners at HOK, the global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm, were on campus last month meeting with students, faculty, staff, donors, and other stakeholders as we develop a comprehensive facilities master plan for GW Athletics. The basketball performance center remains at the center of those efforts, and we look forward to sharing in the spring more information about all future facilities initiatives.
THE FUTURE ON THE HARDWOOD
The next wave of basketball recruits soon to hit the floor in Foggy Bottom signed last month. We extend a warm welcome to Vinny Chaudhri and Jalen Rougier-Roane of the men's team and to Mia James, Charish Thompson, and Payton Dulin with our women's program.
UP NEXT
Don't forget to visit the GW Competition Schedule to keep up with your favorite GW sports. And remember that DC is hosting the 2025 A-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena from Ma‌rch 12‌-16. Make plans to be there for all the A-10 action.
On behalf of our 400 student-athletes and all of us with GW Athletics, we wish you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season and in the new year.
Â
Welcome to the second edition of this quarterly communication on the latest news and notes from GW Athletics.
With the fall semester here in Foggy Bottom almost fully in the books, there's much to report on. Please enjoy and be sure to let us know for future editions what you would like to hear about.
FIRST SEMESTER REFLECTION
As I shared with our first-year student-athletes in August, this is my first semester at GW too, and I'm excited to be on this journey together. I remain truly honored to serve them and you.
The fall semester has only further impressed on me this simple fact: There are few schools in the country where a student can combine a world-class education at an elite academic university with competition at the highest level in their sport, while living in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
GW delivers an unrivaled experience and platform for our student-athletes to achieve their dreams.
GRADUATION SUCCESS
It is always gratifying to see our student-athletes reach the academic finish line of graduation. George Washington Athletics registered an overall NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 94 percent in the latest report, marking the eighth straight year that GW has achieved 94 percent or better, with 11 of the Revolutionaries' 20 programs earning a perfect 100 percent score.
This is the clearest reflection of our student-athletes' academic commitment and the enthusiasm with which they pursue their academic endeavors every day. I offer my special thanks for the hard work and dedication of our academic support staff, coaches, faculty, donors, and all those who provide their support and assistance in service to our student-athletes throughout their GW careers.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE: AQUATICS
GW water polo finished in second place in the regular season in the MAWPC and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament. Among the other highlights:
- Junior defender Adonis Vlassis (pictured) was named to the MAWPC All-Conference First Team.
- Graduate goalkeeper Luca Castorina and senior attacker Andrija Sekulic were selected as Second Team honorees.
- First-year attacker Antonio Florena was recognized as an Honorable Mention.
- Ava Topolewski (2x Performer of the Week)
- Connor Rodgers (2x Performer of the Week)
- Olivia Paquette (Performer of the Week)
- Gage Boushee (Rookie of the Week)
- Holden Thomas (Rookie of the Week)
- Natalie Sens (Rookie of the Week)
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE: VOLLEYBALL
On the court, volleyball outperformed the preseason polls and advanced to the A-10 Championship tournament. In recognition of the team's successes, Salem Yohannes and Taylor Treahy were selected for A-10 All-Conference recognition, with Yohannes notching First Team All-Conference and All-Academic Team honors, while Treahy was an All-Rookie Team member.
GW HOOPS GEARING UP FOR A-10 PLAY
With 14 wins combined, our men's and women's basketball teams have had success in non-conference play. But now it's time to start playing their Atlantic-10 foes. Get your tickets and cheer them on at the Smith Center or on the road (keep an eye out for tailgate invitations)!
GYMNASTICS SPRINGS INTO ACTION NEXT MONTH
Gymnastics starts the 2025 schedule on the road, beginning with meets in Michigan and North Carolina. Make your plans to see them at the Smith Center, competing against Yale, Fisk, and Penn in the annual Lindsey Ferris Invitational on January 26 at 1pm.
DRIBBLIN' GEORGE'S LAGER
Launched in mid-November, this collaboration between GW and DC Brau emphasizes a community commitment to the Buff & Blue. Available at all Smith Center home games, proceeds received by GW Athletics directly support our 400 Revolutionary student-athletes. It's a fun and tasty way—with a hint of nostalgia—to increase support for our student-athletes at home events this season.
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
Our partners at HOK, the global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm, were on campus last month meeting with students, faculty, staff, donors, and other stakeholders as we develop a comprehensive facilities master plan for GW Athletics. The basketball performance center remains at the center of those efforts, and we look forward to sharing in the spring more information about all future facilities initiatives.
THE FUTURE ON THE HARDWOOD
The next wave of basketball recruits soon to hit the floor in Foggy Bottom signed last month. We extend a warm welcome to Vinny Chaudhri and Jalen Rougier-Roane of the men's team and to Mia James, Charish Thompson, and Payton Dulin with our women's program.
UP NEXT
Don't forget to visit the GW Competition Schedule to keep up with your favorite GW sports. And remember that DC is hosting the 2025 A-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena from Ma‌rch 12‌-16. Make plans to be there for all the A-10 action.
On behalf of our 400 student-athletes and all of us with GW Athletics, we wish you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season and in the new year.
Â
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