OSHAWA, Ont. - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has named Peyton Jones the overall female rookie of the year for the 2024-25 season.

Jones comes off of an incredibly well-decorated season, leading the women's softball team at Durham College to an undefeated season. 

The Lords won their 22nd OCAA championship on home turf this fall, the most provincial gold medals of any program at any school in Ontario. Additionally, Durham won its first ever CCSA national championship title.

"We are fortunate to have Peyton on our team and we incredibly proud of Peyton and this well-deserved recognition," said Jamie Baker, Head Coach. "This award is a great example of how talent, hard work and dedication can lead to her success and aid in the teams overall results"

A force in the batter's box and on the mound, Jones led the OCAA in home runs (6), RBI's (37), doubles (11), strikeouts per nine innings (14.4) and WHIP (0.89). She also finished the season with 32 runs, the third most in the league, along with 36 hits and a .480 batting average, placing fifth in both categories. Peyton threw the second most strikeouts in the OCAA with 68, picking up five wins with a 1.46 ERA.

As a result, the OCAA recognized Jones as the women's softball player of the year, rookie of the year, championship MVP, a first team all-star and a member of the all-rookie team. Peyton was also named the championship MVP at the CCSA nationals.

Peyton would go on to win the "Margaret Greenley" Overall Female Athlete of the Year and "Richard Snowden" Women's Softball MVP awards at the year-end Durham College varsity banquet.

Jones has been praised for her remarkable composure and maturity through her first season, quickly earning the respect of upper-year teammates and coaching staff through her humility, coach ability, and positive attitude.

"Peyton has made an immediate and profound impact in her rookie season, emerging as a cornerstone of her team's success both on and off the field," said Scott Dennis, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "We are incredibly proud of Peyton for all of her accomplishments this season."

This is the second time in three years that a DC athlete has taken home the award. Women's rugby star Emily Cooper won the inaugural award following the 2022-23 season.

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