Completed Event: Volleyball at Florida Gulf Coast on August 31, 2025 , Loss , 2, to, 3 , (17-25, 27-25, 23-25, 26-24, 11-15)
VB
Final
James Madison
2
at Florida Gulf Coast
(17-25, 27-25, 23-25, 26-24, 11-15)
3
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
The Ray V. Sonner Spirit Award is presented annually to an individual or group who embodies JMU spirit and contributes to the passion that we exhibit as supporters of James Madison University.
Dr. Ray V. Sonner served as vice president for university relations and installed several elements of spirit and tradition for athletics, such as creation of the Duke Dog mascot that we still enjoy today.
Previous Winners
2012 – JMU Cheerleaders – NCA National Champions
2013 – Phil Cockrell – Started Streamer Tradition
2014 – Pat & Glenda Rooney – Director of JMU Bands (1994 Sudler Trophy)
2015 – Showalter Family – Legacy family with significant long-term history of giving to athletics and ticket holders
2016 – JMU Dukettes – NDA National Champions
2017 – Jack Cavanaugh – Bridgeforth Stadium Public Address Announcer
2018 – Boyd Family (Rebecca, Elliott and Brooke) – Spirit, support and attendance across all JMU sport programs
2019 – Kathy Landis - JMU Dining
2022 - Bill Posey - Assistant Director of the Marching Royal Dukes
Pat & Glenda Rooney, standing next to Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne, receiving the Sonner Spirit Award in 2014.
