LEXINGTON, Ky. - Volleyball programs from across the country continue to
enjoy widespread success off the court as 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams earned the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award by maintaining a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale).
 
"It comes as no surprise to see our sport have more than 1,400 teams earn the AVCA Team
Academic Award again this season," said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. "We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs."
 
Mulerider Volleyball claims its seventh Team Academic Award from the AVCA, as the Blue and Gold also tallies back-to-back years on the association's list amongst NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball programs. As a team, the unit combined for a team grade point average of 3.64 with 12 members recording GPAs of 3.0 or better, three Dean's List members, and eight President's List members.