Zay Dyer Crowned Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year

Troy University’s senior player, Zay Dyer, has been named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement for her and the team. Announced on Monday, this honor highlights her exceptional performance throughout the season. Dyer is the first Troy athlete to secure an individual conference award since 2021 and the first to claim the Defensive Player of the Year title since 2019.

In addition to this prestigious accolade, Dyer received All-Sun Belt First-Team and All-Sun Belt Defense honors. Her impressive statistics this season include leading the nation with 22 double-doubles and achieving double-doubles in an astounding 14 consecutive games to conclude the regular season. Dyer averages 14.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

Dyer’s rebounding prowess is particularly noteworthy; her total rebounds rank second in the nation, while her rebounds per game are third overall. Both statistics lead the Sun Belt Conference. In setting the Troy all-time Division I rebound record, her 44 blocks this season are also tied for the ninth most in Troy Division I history.

Joining Dyer in recognition are her teammates, Fortuna Ngnawo and Emani Jenkins, who also earned All-Conference honors. Ngnawo, a forward, secured All-Sun Belt Second-Team honors with an average of 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Jenkins was recognized as an All-Sun Belt Third-Team player, averaging 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and one steal per game.

Head coach Chanda Rigby expressed her pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “With a 14-team conference, it’s really an honor to have three players on a 15-person all-conference team. I want to congratulate Zay, Fortuna, and Emani for the postseason honors they earned.”

This recognition not only underscores the individual talent within the Troy team but also reflects the program’s growth and competitiveness in the Sun Belt Conference. As the postseason approaches, the contributions of Dyer and her teammates will be crucial for the team’s success.