The 2025-26 school year marked continued academic achievement in volleyball, with 1,432 teams earning the AVCA Team Academic Award by maintaining a GPA of at least 3.3. AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon highlighted the commitment of coaches and players to both academic and athletic excellence. Notably, two teams, Jonesboro High School and Ross S. Sterling High School, received the award for an impressive 34 consecutive seasons. Women’s Collegiate Beach and Two-Year College divisions saw record participation with 43 and 75 teams recognized, respectively. Several award recipients also excelled in national championships this past season.

By the Numbers
  • 1,432 teams earned the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award.
  • 34 consecutive seasons awarded to Jonesboro and Ross S. Sterling High Schools.
  • 43 Women’s Collegiate Beach teams recognized, a record high.
  • 75 Two-Year College teams honored, setting another record.
State of Play
  • The award highlights ongoing academic excellence in volleyball across various levels.
  • Recognition for teams continues to grow, with increasing numbers aiming for academic honors.
  • Emerging patterns show a correlation between academic success and on-court performance.
What's Next

Academic commitment in volleyball is likely to foster even greater participation and standards for future teams. Programs may focus on balancing academics with competition as they strive for both awards and championships. Ongoing trends could prompt schools to prioritize academic support for athletes.

Bottom Line

The sustained achievement in volleyball academia reinforces the sport's commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the court. Recognizing these accomplishments could inspire future generations to prioritize academics alongside athletic development, creating a lasting legacy.