ARLINGTON, Va. – Marymount University women's swimmer Payton So has been named the 2025-26 Atlantic East Conference Woman of the Year, recognizing an exceptional senior season highlighted by academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership.

The Atlantic East's highest individual honor is presented annually to a graduating female student-athlete who has distinguished herself through success in competition, the classroom, and service throughout her collegiate career. So's selection caps off a remarkable 2025-26 campaign and further solidifies her legacy as one of Marymount's premier student-athletes. So continued to excel in the classroom during her senior year, earning the Atlantic East Elite Scholar Award for the second consecutive season. The award recognizes the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average competing at the Atlantic East Swimming Championships.

Her academic accomplishments also earned statewide recognition as she was selected to the 2026 VaSID Academic All-State Team, honoring the Commonwealth's top student-athletes for their combined success in academics and athletics.

The Atlantic East Woman of the Year award serves as a fitting conclusion to So's collegiate career, recognizing a student-athlete who represented Marymount University with distinction in every aspect of the student-athlete experience. Her impact on the swimming program, commitment to academic success, and leadership within the department have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future Saints.