George Mason Athletics remembers Carolyn Marsh

The George Mason University Athletics Department mourns the loss of long-time men's basketball administrator Carolyn Marsh, who passed away on Thursday, May 15.

The “matriarch” of the George Mason men's basketball program, and one of the foundational titans of George Mason's rise to national prominence, Marsh proudly served the department for 46 years. She primarily worked as the executive assistant for the program and its head coaches.

"Carolyn Marsh was the godmother of George Mason basketball,” said men’s basketball head coach Tony Skinn, who was a guard on the team from 2003-06. “She was truly one of the sweetest and kindest souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can still picture her smile lighting up the office. While her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, I know Mason now has a special angel watching over us." 

Alongside her husband, Jay, who served as an administrator in the department for 45 years, Marsh left an indelible mark on hundreds of George Mason student-athletes over her decades of service.

"The players," Marsh said, when asked what gave her the most satisfaction from the job when she retired in 2021. "I just feel like I'm a mom."

That feeling was mutual as players, such as guard Ricky Wilson (1982-86), noted. 

"Carolyn Marsh was 'my mom away from mom.' I would have never graduated from George Mason in four years without her,” Wilson said. “She advised me, guided me, nurtured me, and loved me. I was not alone. There are countless former Mason basketball players who would tell you the same.”

Marsh began working for George Mason Athletics in 1975 as a sports information assistant, before assuming her role as executive assistant soon after.

"Carolyn Marsh was simply wonderful. She touched so many lives with her amazing personality. Although she worked for me for 14 years, she was the one who was always in charge,” said Jim Larrañaga, men’s basketball head coach from 1997-2011. “I valued her opinions and welcomed her advice." 

In addition to the Marshes' years of service to George Mason, “the first couple of George Mason Athletics,” as they’re often referred to, also provided significant support to the department through the Patriot Club.

In addition to funding an endowed scholarship in their name, the Marshes provided a signature gift of $50,000 to renovate the George Mason men's and women's basketball locker rooms. The gift also funded the creation of the men's basketball film room, known as the Carolyn Marsh Film Room.

"Carolyn was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life,” said Rick Barnes, who served as men’s basketball assistant coach (1980-85) and then head coach (1987-88). “She had an incredible spirit and made everyone who came in contact with her a better person.”

Tom O'Connor, who served as athletic director at George Mason from 1994 to 2014, agreed. “Anyone who had the great pleasure to have met Carolyn at Mason or anywhere knew that she was special. She was quiet, loving, and loyal. The coaches and student athletes and I always felt at ease knowing she would help them in any way she could. All of us who knew her will never forget her kindness.” 

Lamar Butler, former guard (2001-02, 2003-06) and director of player development since 2023, also remembered Carolyn’s kindness to players.  “After I graduated, she would always call to check in and see how I was doing. She loved seeing pictures of my daughters. Her big smile and warm spirit will be greatly missed.” 

"Mrs. Marsh was a wonderful person who I always enjoyed spending time with,” said Otis Livingston II, guard from 2015-19. “We had many conversations about basketball and life. She always put a smile on my face, and I considered her a friend. She encouraged me to strive for greatness both on and off the court. I want to offer my deepest condolences to Jay Marsh. I saw firsthand the connection, love, and relationship they had.” 

Funeral services will be held  Thursday, May 22, at noon at Woodward Funeral Home, 200 Fredericksburg Ave., Louisa, Virginia.  A reception will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Callie Opie’s Orchard, 4533 Zachary Taylor Highway, in Mineral, Virginia. 

Burial will be private.  

In honor of Carolyn's passion and pride for Patriot basketball, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to George Mason Basketball. Donations can be made online. Please check the box for additional comments and include "Memorial Donation/Carolyn Marsh."  Contributions may also be mailed to George Mason University Foundation Inc., 4400 University Drive, MS 1A3, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please make checks payable to GMU Foundation Inc. and write "Memorial Donation/Carolyn Marsh" in the memo line.