James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Epke Named Tewaaraton Award Nominee
4/17/2025 1:01:00 PM | Lacrosse
WASHINGTON - James Madison lacrosse attacker Maddie Epke has been named one of 25 Tewaaraton Nominees, the foundation announced Thursday.
The nod follows Epke's inclusion in the initial watchlist released in February, and marks four consecutive years of a Duke making the list of 25. Most recently, Isabella Peterson was a nominee in 2023 and 2024, and a finalist in 2023.
Epke is the sparkplug of JMU's attack, leading the team in goals (48) points (64), assists (16), and draw controls (173). The native of Guilford, Conn. has outdrawn opponents by herself in eight games - against Virginia Tech (14-10), Richmond (15-5), Florida (18-13), Vanderbilt (20-6), Old Dominion (14-4), Johns Hopkins (15-11), Charlotte (23-4), and Temple (15-7). Her new single-game record of 23 against Charlotte pushed her into first nationally in draws per game (12.36), while putting JMU into sixth in draws per game (17.43) and fourth in draw control percentage (.656). Against Vanderbilt on March 15, Epke passed Isabella Peterson as the all-time leader in draw controls (329), and has since become the first player in JMU history to surpass 400 draw controls in her career. In 2024, Epke became the JMU single-season record holder for draw controls (178), and is on pace to top that record again this season, as she has notched 173 through 14 games.
The junior has received several conference awards this season, being recognized as the American Athletic Conference Attacker of the Week five times, the IWLCA and ILWomen Player of the Week twice, and most recently the USA Lacrosse Player of the Week on April 15. She was also tabbed an Inside Lacrosse Midseason Second Team All-American. Prior to the start of this season, Epke garnered Preseason All-American Honors from Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse Magazine. Additionally, she was named the AAC Preseason Attack Player of the Year and selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team.
Epke and the Dukes will continue their season on Saturday, April 19 at noon, as they celebrate seven seniors and welcome USF to Sentara Park. Â
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The nod follows Epke's inclusion in the initial watchlist released in February, and marks four consecutive years of a Duke making the list of 25. Most recently, Isabella Peterson was a nominee in 2023 and 2024, and a finalist in 2023.
Epke is the sparkplug of JMU's attack, leading the team in goals (48) points (64), assists (16), and draw controls (173). The native of Guilford, Conn. has outdrawn opponents by herself in eight games - against Virginia Tech (14-10), Richmond (15-5), Florida (18-13), Vanderbilt (20-6), Old Dominion (14-4), Johns Hopkins (15-11), Charlotte (23-4), and Temple (15-7). Her new single-game record of 23 against Charlotte pushed her into first nationally in draws per game (12.36), while putting JMU into sixth in draws per game (17.43) and fourth in draw control percentage (.656). Against Vanderbilt on March 15, Epke passed Isabella Peterson as the all-time leader in draw controls (329), and has since become the first player in JMU history to surpass 400 draw controls in her career. In 2024, Epke became the JMU single-season record holder for draw controls (178), and is on pace to top that record again this season, as she has notched 173 through 14 games.
The junior has received several conference awards this season, being recognized as the American Athletic Conference Attacker of the Week five times, the IWLCA and ILWomen Player of the Week twice, and most recently the USA Lacrosse Player of the Week on April 15. She was also tabbed an Inside Lacrosse Midseason Second Team All-American. Prior to the start of this season, Epke garnered Preseason All-American Honors from Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse Magazine. Additionally, she was named the AAC Preseason Attack Player of the Year and selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team.
Epke and the Dukes will continue their season on Saturday, April 19 at noon, as they celebrate seven seniors and welcome USF to Sentara Park. Â
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Players Mentioned
Attacker
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Attacker
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