LOUISVILLE, Kentucky— The Mount Union women's volleyball team has earned its 18^th straight American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT announced on Thursday afternoon.
 
Over 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball teams maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale), to earn the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award.
 
"It comes as no surprise to see our sport have more than 1,400 teams earn the AVCA Team Academic Award again this season," said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. "We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs."
 
Teams that have received the award for 10 or more years are highlighted on the list of honorees for their consistent commitment to academics.
 
Mount Union remains one of just 15 Division III teams with 18+ year streaks.
 
The Purple Raiders will open its 2026 season on Friday, September 4th hosting the Mount Union Invitational taking on DePauw at 7 p.m.