Taylor Washington honored at George Mason University

Rookie defender Taylor Washington returned to his alma mater on Tuesday to accept the Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award at George Mason University.

Washington played three seasons for the Patriots, appearing in 53 matches after transferring from Boston University, where he played one season in 2011. He became the first player - not counting Leo Stolz, who transferred out of the program to UCLA - since 2002 to be chosen in the MLS SuperDraft from the northern Virginia school when he was picked 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Union in January.

The left back from Somers, New York earned a spot on the first team when he signed a contract in February and made his professional debut with Bethlehem Steel FC on March 25. While he hasn't played or made the game day roster for the Union yet, he has played in all six games for Steel FC this season. His 517 minutes are currently second on the team behind right back and captain Ryan Richter.

Washington received the top male student-athlete honor at a ceremony held at the on-campus EaglePoint Arena in Fairfax, Virginia on Tuesday night.

Taylor Washington - George Mason Male Student Athlete of the Year Award! #WeareMason #SeniorSalute pic.twitter.com/toLzwFo5jb

— Mason Men's Soccer (@masonmsoc) May 3, 2016