AVCA Team Academic Awards

REDLANDS, Calif. - The University of Redlands Volleyball program has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence both on and off the court, earning the prestigious 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the second straight season. 

Presented annually, the AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain a year-long cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher. The Bulldogs joined 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball programs that met and exceeded this standard, posting a cumulative GPA of a 3.45, reflecting the team's strong academic culture and dedication to student-athlete success.

"Earning the AVCA Team Academic Award is a reflection of the discipline and commitment our student-athletes bring every day," stated Head Coach Savannah Cox. "They challenge themselves to excel in the classroom while competing at a high level, and I'm incredibly proud of the balance they've achieved."

The 2026 honor marks another milestone in the program's growing legacy of academic achievement earning recognition for the second straight season and the third since 2022-23. The University of Redlands Volleyball program continues to foster a supportive environment where academic responsibility is a shared priority among athletes, coaches, and staff.

The Bulldogs are coming off a historic 2025 season where they upset No. 1 and undefeated University of La Verne, then upset No. 17 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps before earning a spot in the SCIAC Tournament Semi-Finals after stunning the No. 4 seed California Lutheran University.  With the added recognition from the AVCA, the team enters the upcoming year with momentum both athletically and academically. As they prepare for their fall schedule, this award affirms the program's continued emphasis on developing well-rounded student-athletes.

"We emphasize that being a student-athlete starts with being a student," Cox explained. "This recognition speaks to our team's dedication to the values of the University of Redlands and to the culture we've built—one that celebrates excellence both academically and athletically." 

With their sights set on continued success on the court and in the classroom, the Bulldogs are poised for another promising year.