Posted: Jul 22, 2019
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Saint Mary's volleyball program was one of a record-breaking 1,125 collegiate and high school teams to garner the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2018-19 academic year.
It marks the first time in the history of the award that more than 1,000 teams from NCAA Division I, II, III; NAIA; two-year colleges; college men's programs; and high schools were recognized for their academic achievements during this past year by the AVCA. The award was first given in the 1992-93 academic year and honors programs who have maintained at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale or a 4.10 GPA on a 5.0 scale. The Belles posted a 3.694 cumulative GPA for the past academic year.
"I am always excited at this time of year to showcase what the team has done academically during the year," said head coach Denise Van De Walle. "Our success as a team is measured in more than only our win-loss record. We are incredibly proud of receiving the AVCA Academic Team Award for the ninth straight year as it truly is a team effort. As a coach, I am proud of our success both on the court and in the classroom. I am blessed and proud to work at a place like Saint Mary's where our student-athletes can excel academically and athletically."
Saint Mary's was one of 175 NCAA Division III women's volleyball teams to make the list for 2018-19. The Belles were joined by all eight fellow MIAA members Adrian, Albion, Alma, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo, Olivet, and Trine as AVCA Team Academic Award winners this year.
It is the eleventh time overall and ninth consecutive season in which Saint Mary's has earned the AVCA Team Academic Award.
For the complete list of honorees, please visit avca.org/awards.