Becky Hartley, Mason Assistant Track and Field Coach Passes Away

By Press release submission

Nov 28, 2022

Rebecca (Becky) Hartley, who served as an assistant track and field coach since 2004 and as Assistant Vice President, Research Integrity & Assurance, in the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact since 2015, died on October 16, at age 58.

Under her tutelage, Mason student-athletes have registered over 50 all-time marks in Mason's record books, highlighted by school records from Jaylen Simmons (shot put, hammer) and Michelle Wallerstedt (discus).

"On behalf of Mason Athletics, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Coach Hartley's family and friends," said Nena Rogers, Interim Director of Athletics. "Coach Hartley joined our Mason track & field program during a very pivotal time. Her tireless work and commitment elevated our track & field program - while her passion for our student-athletes helped guide them in achieving success both academically and athletically.

Coach Hartley will be sorely missed - but her immeasurable impact will be felt by the countless student-athletes who were coached and mentored by her."

She coached three-time Atlantic 10 Most Outstanding Field Performer Simmons. He is a three-time A-10 shot put champion, and a three-time NCAA East Preliminary qualifier (2019, 2021, and 2022). He currently holds the Mason records in the indoor shot put, weight throw, and discus.

She was instrumental in the development of NCAA Woman of the Year semifinalist Michelle Wallerstedt to Second Team All-America and Academic All-America honors in 2017. Wallerstedt finished 15th in the discus throw at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and was a two-time A-10 champion in the event. Wallerstedt was also a three-time NCAA East Region qualifier and is atop the Mason's all-time list record in discus.

"Becky's impact on our team and program cannot be understated," said Head Track and Field Coach Andrew Gerard. "She was a fierce advocate, a tireless mentor and an amazing teacher to a whole generation of student-athletes. She reached beyond her event group to connect with everyone; if you want an example of a coach that was totally invested in student-athletes betterment as people, Becky is the one. As a colleague, I could always count on her to give unfiltered advice that kept our teams core values and the best interest of the student-athletes at the center of every consideration. Her legacy is one which will stretch forward for generations to come."

She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1985, going on to earn a master's degree in 1988 and a JD in 1994, both from the University of Virginia. She was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Law and Politics at University of Virginia Law and elected member of the Raven Society. She spent 20 years in private practice at several Washington, D.C., law firms.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Ammann, who is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Mason, and her son, Matthew Ammann, who is a firefighter with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, December 10, at Mason's Fairfax Campus. All who knew her are welcome. Details for the celebration and additional remembrances about Becky are available at rememberingbeckyhartley.com.