The Northern Arizona University women's volleyball team has been awarded the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 14th time in its history, demonstrating strong academic performance with a GPA of at least 3.30. This recognition marks the seventh time in eight years that the Lumberjacks have received this honor, with previous awards beginning in 1993 and an impressive streak from 2018 to 2022, excluding the disrupted 2020 season. Alongside this, NAU also made the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, acknowledging their place in the top 20 percent nationally for GPA. Nine athletes achieved Big Sky Conference All-Academic honors, further showcasing the team's academic commitment. The volleyball season kicks off on August 29 in Mississippi before the team hosts the Lumberjack Classic in September.

By the Numbers
  • 14th AVCA Team Academic Award in program history.
  • A total of 1,432 collegiate and high school programs earned the award in 2026 for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.30.
State of Play
  • NAU’s success spans over multiple years, holding the award consistently since 2018.
  • Coach Ken Murphy guided nine student-athletes to Big Sky Conference All-Academic honors this year.
What's Next

The Lumberjacks are set to begin their 2026 season on August 29 and will host the Lumberjack Classic from September 9-12. Continued academic and athletic achievements are expected as the season progresses.

Bottom Line

NAU's commitment to both academics and athletics sets a strong precedent, reinforcing the importance of excellence on and off the court, exemplifying how dedication drives overall success.