RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced the 2022-23 Sportsmanship Awards on Thursday where both SWOSU Volleyball and Softball earned team recognition in their respective sports.

It's the third consecutive year SWOSU Volleyball has earned the conference's sportsmanship accolade. Meanwhile, SWOSU Softball notched its first honor dating back to the formation of the conference in 2012.

The awards are chosen by the league's head coaches based on a points system.

"These awards emphasize the NCAA Division II focus on sportsmanship and game environment," GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said.  "We could not be prouder of what these programs have put forth on the field and in ways that aren't necessarily reflected in the outcome."

In 2012, The GAC's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated a sportsmanship award to be presented for all team sports. The winning school will receive a banner similar to the one presented to GAC tournament championship winners. The goal of the program is for member institutions to promote good sportsmanship among its teams, fans, and all involved with the events.