EDWARDSVILLE - The SIUE volleyball team gained national recognition with the awarding of the Team Academic Award by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

SIUE was one of 131 NCAA Division I programs honored for the 2015 season.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

"There's something exceptional about performance on the court, but when you know the level at which the players perform in the classroom, especially in-season, it separates programs," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

Article continues after sponsor message

The award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale. 

Eleven volleyball Cougars earned a grade point average of 3.3 or better during the 2015-16 school year. They are Emily Harrison, Taylor Held, Taylor Joens, Samantha Knight, Mallory Mangun, Kaitlyn O'Reilly, Carley Ramich, Jackie Scott, Katie Shashack, Alicia Streetar and Kristen Torre. The SIUE volleyball team posted the highest team GPA among SIUE teams in both the fall 2015 semester and the spring 2016 semester.

"I believe we have an outstanding group of young women who are committed to excellence on the court and in the classroom," said Johnson. "They demonstrate that through their hard work and determination."

The SIUE volleyball program opens the 2016 season in late August at the Wright State Tournament in Dayton, Ohio.

More like this:

6 days ago - Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete Of The Month: Jade Williams Excels For Granite City Girls Volleyball In Final Season

Sep 19, 2024 - Senior Libero Kassler Drives Oilers’ 2024 Volleyball Success, She Is A Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of Month

2 days ago - Tucker's Auto Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of Month: Explorers' Senior Athlete Lily Covert Recognized for Volleyball Excellence

Jun 26, 2024 - Fresh Leadership: Eric Wolf Takes Helm of Alton Girls Volleyball

Oct 29, 2024 - BJ's Printables Female Athlete Of Month: Avery Simaytis Was Defensive Standout For MELHS Girls Volleyball