SILVER CITY, NM. — The Western New Mexico University volleyball team continues to make its mark both on and off the court, earning the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award and the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll distinction.
The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes collegiate and high school volleyball programs that maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. In 2026, 1,432 volleyball programs from across the country earned the prestigious academic honor.
In addition to receiving the Team Academic Award, the Mustangs were recognized as part of the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, an additional distinction reserved for programs that rank among the top 20 percent of team GPAs nationally within their respective division.
The recognition highlights the continued commitment of the WNMU volleyball program to excellence in the classroom while competing at the highest level on the court. The Mustangs' academic success reflects the dedication of the student-athletes, coaching staff, and support personnel who work together to emphasize achievement in all areas of the student-athlete experience.
The AVCA Team Academic Award has become one of the association's premier academic honors, recognizing programs that demonstrate a consistent commitment to academic excellence. The Team Academic Honor Roll distinction further highlights the nation's strongest-performing programs academically, with teams earning recognition based on their position within the top 20 percent of GPAs in their division.
For WNMU volleyball, the honors cap another successful year of balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with academic achievement. The Mustangs continue to represent Western New Mexico University with excellence in the classroom, reinforcing the program's commitment to developing student-athletes who succeed both academically and athletically.
The AVCA recognized 1,432 programs with the 2026 Team Academic Award, celebrating the dedication of volleyball student-athletes and coaches across the country who continue to make academic achievement a priority alongside competitive success.
***
Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).
