LEXINGTON, Ky. – The SWOSU volleyball team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the third consecutive year, the organization announced Thursday.
 
In addition to the team academic award, the Bulldogs also landed on the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll for the second straight year, placing among the top 20% of NCAA Division II programs in team GPA.
 
The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale. SWOSU surpassed that mark with a 3.83 team GPA during the 2025-26 academic year, improving for the third consecutive season after posting a 3.81 GPA in 2024-25.
 
"To be recognized with the AVCA Team Academic Award for a third straight year and earn a spot on the honor roll again is a great reflection of our team's commitment in the classroom," head coach Josh Collins said. "Our student-athletes continue to set a high standard by pursuing excellence both academically and athletically, and I'm incredibly proud of the work they've put in."
 
About the American Volleyball Coaches Association
The association's mission is to advance the sport of volleyball with AVCA coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. The membership includes more than 9,500 collegiate, professional, high school, club, and youth volleyball coaches—primarily in the United States. The AVCA represents women's volleyball, men's volleyball, and beach volleyball coaches, and works to increase exposure and recognition for the sport of volleyball.