Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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28 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER Left to right: Margaret and Marvin Bush, Tony Bennett, Pat Quinn, Scott Andrews, Dirk Katstra, H. J. Barrett and Bob Williams at the Arlington Social. Mia Mooney Bass arrived on Grounds in 1995; however, she knew the University of Virginia was where she wanted to attend college as early as her freshman year in high school. In 1991, she attended the women's lacrosse and field hockey camp and knew that the University of Virginia was the ideal place to attend school and compete athletically. "Even at a younger age I was keenly aware of the opportunities that were there and all under such a wonderful setting," said Mia. "UVA brought energy to athletics that other schools did not have. In the end, it was an easy decision for me." Mia made the most of her experience on Grounds. Athletically, she gained the respect of her teammates and coaches not only with the way she led but also in the way she overcame adversity. Julie Myers, women's lacrosse head coach stated, "Her passion for UVA, lacrosse and her team lit her fire; she played with and led with fire every day. She was intense, hardworking and demanding of herself and teammates. She walked the walk and her team listened. Mia played through an injury for a lot of her third and fourth years and never missed a practice – she is as mentally tough as they come, which helped her gain the respect from every teammate and coach." Academically, Mia was on both the UVA and ACC Academic Honor Rolls during three of her four years on Grounds. While Mia decided to play collegiate lacrosse, she had a passion for studio art she discovered during high school. She would reconnect with this passion dur- ing her second year at UVA under Professor Holly Wright. Mia graduated with her Bachelor's in Studio Art in 1999 as a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the national leadership honor society that recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character. Mia's success continues long after her degree was conferred from the Uni- versity of Virginia. She has had a successful career in development and serves her community in a number of ways. Mia returned to her studies at George Washington University, receiving her Master's in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management in 2009. Her coursework and experiences fostered Mia's passion for assisting underrepresented children. Notably, Mia trained to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate working as a one-on- one volunteer to ensure children's safety and well-being. Mia embodies Uncompromised Excellence in her commitment to her athletic and academic excellence, as well as through her com- mitment to ser vice in her community. In 2017, she joined the Virginia Athletics Foundation Board of Trustees. Mia continues to give back to Virginia Athletics, providing guidance and financial support. She shared, "I want to continue to help others have the opportunities I had in the classroom and on the playing field; I happily feel an obligation to support other student- athletes." CAVS FOR LIFE SPOTLIGHT: MIA MOONEY BASS EVENT RECAPS