The Owls Volleyball team has achieved the prestigious AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2025-26 season, marking their seventh consecutive honor since 2020. This success reflects the team's commitment to excelling academically while balancing the demands of athletics. Director of Athletics Buddy Foster commended the team's achievements, highlighting the strong character and dedication of its members. The AVCA recognized 1,432 volleyball teams nationwide for maintaining a GPA of 3.3 or higher, underscoring the overall academic excellence within the sport.

By the Numbers
  • The Owls Volleyball team achieved a GPA of 3.60 for the year.
  • 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams earned the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award.
Yes, But

While the Owls continue to excel academically, the competitive balance with other programs may present challenges to maintaining this level of success in the future, particularly as more teams aim for similar honors.

State of Play
  • The Owls' roster also included four SLIAC All-Academic Team selections.
  • There were four College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honorees from the team.
  • Nine players made the Athletic Director Honor Roll.
What's Next

As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Owls aim to continue their streak of academic excellence while competing at a high level on the court, potentially attracting more talented recruits committed to both academics and athletics.

Bottom Line

The Owls' seventh consecutive AVCA Team Academic Award not only showcases their academic prowess but also sets a benchmark for future teams, reinforcing the importance of balancing academic success with athletic performance.