ECC Volleyball Earns National Academic Honor

East Central College Volleyball scored a major victory last season — earning the program’s first American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

The prestigious national honor is given to teams that maintain a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

“This award shows the full commitment our student-athletes have made to both their sport and their studies,” said ECC Athletic Director Ryan Good. “They work hard on the court, but they also show up every day in the classroom. It’s a proud moment for the program.”

The AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, honored more than 1,450 collegiate and high school volleyball programs nationwide for their academic achievements in the 2024–25 season. ECC now joins a distinguished list of recipients, including several national champions.

ECC Head Coach Lisa Mathes-Peters said her team takes pride in being well-rounded student-athletes.

“We talk a lot about effort and discipline in volleyball, but that applies everywhere,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of our athletes for putting in the work, supporting one another, and keeping academics a top priority.”

The AVCA began presenting the Team Academic Award in 1992, and it has since become one of the most respected honors in the sport — recognizing programs that excel both on the court and in the classroom.

The AVCA is the leading organization for volleyball coaches at all levels, promoting leadership, professional development, and advocacy for the sport. It represents more than 10,000 members across collegiate, professional, high school, and club programs.