JMU Celebrates Year at 2018 JMA Awards

James Madison Athletics celebrated a year of achievement by its sport programs with the 2018 JMA (James Madison Athletics) Awards on Monday night at Grafton-Stovall Theatre. The evening included highlight reels, memorable moments and recognizing athletic and academic achievements.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Megan Good, Softball

Female achieving individual success in competition while also significantly contributing to team success
Finalists: Megan Good, Haley Warden, Taylor Austin

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Andrew Ankrah, Football

Male achieving individual success in competition while also significantly contributing to team success
Finalists: Andrew Ankrah, Adam Sisk, Stuckey Mosley

CASEY CARTER FEMALE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Elena Romesburg, Lacrosse

Recognizing a female student-athlete who is balanced success in both academic and athletic achievement
Finalists: Elena Romesburg, Bonnie Zhang, Morgan Cox, Niki Prince

CASEY CARTER MALE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Bryan Schor, Football

Recognizing a male student-athlete who is balanced success in both academic and athletic achievement
Finalists: Bryan Schor, Fernando Casero, Kevin Kelly

FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Alexys Taylor, Track & Field

Presented to a the female student-athlete making a significant impact in their first season of collegiate competition
Finalists: Alexys Taylor, Cambry Arnold, Rachel Yeager

MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Matt Lewis, Men's Basketball

Presented to a the male student-athlete making a significant impact in their first season of collegiate competition
Finalists: Matt Lewis, Fox Semones, Liam Fornadel, Damon Roberts

COURAGE AWARD
Trai Sharp, Football

Awarded to a student-athlete who overcame a significant adversity or hardship to excel in competition

COMEBACK ATHLETE
DeAna Forbes, Track & Field

Bestowed upon a student-athlete who overcame significant adversity to achieve success
Finalists: DeAna Forbes, Rashad Robinson, Quinn MacMillan, Kayla Cooper-Williams

BEST HIGHLIGHT REEL
Ethan Ratke's Game-Winning Field Goal vs. Weber State

The best single defining moment or highlight play of the year

UNSUNG HERO
Emily Poelma, Lacrosse

Awarded to a model student-athlete, who contributes extensively to a team's success without receiving acclaim for their achievements

UNSEEN HERO
Curt Dudley, Athletics Communications

Recognizing the efforts of a JMU Athletics staff member who works outside of the public spotlight

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE
Riley Stapleton, Football

Recognizing a student-athlete who emerged as a starter or key contributor or who performed during a season or game at a level exceeding previous expectations of that individual
Finalists: Riley Stapleton, Kristen Gaudian, M'Kaela White

BEST INDIVIDUAL POSTSEASON
Nora Raher, Cross Country

Given to the student-athlete who excelled in a single postseason game or event or over the course of a postseason tournament
Finalists: Nora Raher, Megan Good, Riley Stapleton

BEST TEAM POSTSEASON
Football

Awarded to a team that achieved at a significantly high level over the course of postseason competition
Finalists: Football, Softball, Lacrosse

DUKE CLUB AWARD
Volleyball

The team that best embraces the mission of the Duke Club and helps with the group's many requests for student-athlete assistance
Finalists: Volleyball, Field Hockey, Softball

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Softball & Volleyball

Given to a team that best exemplifies service to others and helping those in need in our community
Finalists: Softball, Volleyball, Field Hockey

IT'S BEEN A GREAT YEAR, DUKES!