SALISBURY, N.C. — The Livingstone College women's volleyball team has once again demonstrated that excellence extends beyond the court, earning the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award. This marks the second consecutive year the Blue Bears have received the prestigious honor.
Announced by the AVCA on Thursday, July 23rd, a total of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams earned the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award by maintaining a year-long team grade-point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.10 on a 5.0 scale).
"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."
The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes volleyball programs that have achieved excellence in the classroom while competing at a high level on the court. Since its inception in 1992, the award has served as one of the sport's premier academic honors.
"We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for their hard work and determination in the classroom," said Head Coach
Ericka Charleston. "This award is a testament to their resilience, focus, and the culture of excellence we strive to build every day."
Receiving the honor for the second straight year reflects Livingstone's continued commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of its student-athletes. The recognition embodies the program's motto of representing excellence on and off the court, showcasing the dedication and discipline displayed by the Blue Bears in every aspect of the collegiate experience.
For more information about the AVCA Team Academic Award and to view the complete list of recipients, visit
www.avca.org.
For the latest news, schedules, and updates on Livingstone College Volleyball, visit www.bluebearathletics.com and follow the program on Instagram at @LivingstoneCollegeVolleyball.
