Peyton McDaniel named Sun Belt Female Athlete of the Year after leading JMU to a 30-6 record and perfect conference season.

Peyton McDaniel of James Madison University was named Sun Belt Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year, recognizing her standout 2024-25 season. She led the Dukes to a program-record 30-6 campaign and a perfect 18-0 conference record. McDaniel averaged 16.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while making 70 or more three-pointers, a rare feat in Division I. Her 1,668 career points rank eighth all-time at JMU, and she is 29 rebounds shy of the school’s top 10 in rebounds.