(JMU Athletics) – James Madison lacrosse players Ava Bleckley and Maddie Epke have been named to the 2025 Nike Lacrosse Preseason Women’s DI Media All-America Teams, as announced by Inside Lacrosse on Monday. Bleckley was named to the Second Team, while Epke was named to the Third Team. 39 players from 21 teams were honored on the list across Division I. Both Bleckley and Epke were also named to the USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America Teams in January.

Bleckley grabs the nod after one of the most successful freshman campaigns in JMU history. She earned AAC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Conference, having caused 31 turnovers, which is 18th-most in a season at JMU. She was most recently named to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Team ahead of this season.

Epke makes the list after a sophomore season in which she set the single-season record for most draw controls (178), and single-game draw control record (19 at Richmond on April 3, 2024) in JMU history. Epke was also named the AAC Preseason Attack Player of the Year last week, and earned All-American Honorable Mention from Inside Lacrosse at the conclusion of last season.

The Dukes will begin their season this week on Friday, Feb. 7 when they take on North Carolina in Chapel Hill at 5 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —