Eagles Men’s Basketball Nets Spirited Send-Off Before Championship Game

With music, cheers and a burst of streamers, the University of Mary Washington community gathered Tuesday evening to send off the men’s basketball team ahead of its first NCAA Division III national championship appearance.

The Soar & Roar Send-Off brought together students, faculty, staff, families and local supporters for a spirited celebration of the Eagles’ historic season. Wearing UMW gear and waving fan-favorite foam fingers, attendees packed the Ball Circle lawn to wish the team well, while members of the UMW Pep Band and Pep Dance team, and the school’s mascot, Sammy D. Eagle, added to the off-court energy.

Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter kicked off the rally with remarks celebrating the team’s accomplishments.

“If you are excited about being a part of this historic moment, make some noise,” said Shorter, who chronicled the team’s season-long journey, listing wins earned across the country. “And guess what, y’all, they’re not done yet.”

University of Mary Washington Men’s Basketball player Jadon Burgess addresses the crowd at UMW’s Soar and Roar Send-Off Party for the team, headed to the national championships in Indianapolis this weekend after a 29-3 season. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

The University of Mary Washington Pep Dance squad pumps up spirit on Ball Circle during Tuesday’s Soar and Roar Send-Off party for UMW Men’s Basketball team, headed to the national championships in Indianapolis on Easter Sunday. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

UMW President Troy Paino addresses a crowd of students, faculty, staff, community members and more during a send-off for Eagles Men’s Basketball, set to compete for the NCAA Division III national championship title in Indianapolis on April 5. Photo by Tom Rothenberg

University of Mary Washington Men’s Basketball Coach Marcus Kahn makes his way to the stage for recognition during a spirited send-off for the team on Tuesday. Kahn is the only coach in history to lead two teams to the NCAA Division III national championship. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

UMW Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Mark Sansone (foreground) heads to the stage for recognition Tuesday during the University’s send-off celebration for the team, set to compete for the NCAA Division III national championship title on Sunday, April 5. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle mingles with fans and works the crowd during a send-off celebration for the Men’s Basketball team, headed to Indianapolis to compete against Emory University for the NCAA Division III national championship title. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

UMW’s Pep Dance and Pep Band teams helped pump up the spirit during Tuesday’s Soar and Roar Send-Off for the Men’s Basketball team. Watch parties for the NCAA Division III national championship game are scheduled locally and across the country. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

The University of Mary Washington Pep Band performs on Ball Circle during Tuesday’s spirited send-off for the Eagles Men’s Basketball team as they head to Indianapolis to compete for the NCAA Division III national championship title. About 300 UMW community members are expected to travel with them. Photo by Tom Rothenberg

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Clint Often followed by introducing players and coaches – including Head Coach Marcus Kahn, who recently earned the 2026 Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year Award – to loud applause.

Then, University President Troy Paino, the Eagles’ “biggest supporter and No. 1 fan,” addressed the crowd, congratulating the team on its remarkable run and wishing them well as they head to Indianapolis.

“The excitement you have brought to Eagle Nation extends well beyond campus. You have made us so proud,” Paino said. “You have brought attention not only to yourselves but to the school and to this entire community, and you’ve done it with class every step of the way.”

Now, the team turns their focus to the NCAA Division III national championship game against Emory University on Sunday, April 5, with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (ET). Fans can keep cheering them on in a variety of ways, including attending a watch party on campus in Ron Rosner Arena or at alumni watch parties around the country.

Full details on all the ways to follow the game are available at umweagles.com.