The University of Mary Washington men’s basketball team is making history. For the first time in program history, the Eagles are heading to the NCAA Division III national championship, set for Sunday, April 5, in Indianapolis.
A big part of this story is the remarkable bond among three players: juniors Kaden Bates, Jay Randall, and freshman Ethan Kacou. All three share roots that trace back to Patriot High School in Bristow, Virginia. For Kaden and Jay, their connection goes even further—they’ve been playing basketball together since elementary school.
Over more than a decade on the court together, these three teammates have developed a chemistry that has helped propel Mary Washington to the biggest stage in Division III basketball.
“It’s crazy,” said Kaden Bates. “I feel like Jay and I, when we were kids, never imagined we’d be playing together this long, but to get to this point, it’s surreal.”
The trio has not only shared a court, but a college experience shaped by basketball. Ethan Kacou described the team as a core part of his Mary Washington life. “It’s just been so easy to meet people and have a community on campus,” he said. “I always have somebody to talk to—15 teammates that are always there for me—and a great group of people at Mary Washington.”
This year’s Eagles have thrived under strong coaching and support from past alumni, Kaden said, helping the team prepare and stay motivated for every matchup. “I feel like giving credit to the coaches is important—they always have us game-ready—and also the previous year’s alumni giving us pointers and motivation,” he said.
Amid their historic run, the Eagles not only juggled college courses with basketball practices and games but also volunteered with the Fredericksburg United Methodist Upwards Basketball program, which introduces elementary and middle school students to the game. “It means everything to me,” said Jay Randall. “I remember being a kid, having older people teach me the game. To give back like that, and have them come to our games, it was really amazing.”
The energy across campus and the Fredericksburg community has been electric. The team enjoyed a heartfelt send-off event that brought out parents and local supporters. Roughly 300 UMW students are expected to travel to Indianapolis, with additional watch parties planned locally.
Mary Washington enters the championship game with a 29-3 record, including a thrilling 64-61 victory over last year’s national champion, Trinity (CT), in the Final Four. The Eagles will face Emory University at 4:30 p.m. ET on April 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the game available to watch live on ESPN+.
As these longtime teammates from Bristow step onto the national stage, the whole city — and generations of Mary Washington alumni — are behind them.
Kelly Seinkowski is a regional editor of Potomac Local News and a University of Mary Washington alum (Class of 2007)
