The Rockhurst University women's volleyball team has once again been recognized for its excellence in the classroom, earning the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award released Thursday (July 23). The honor marks the 19th consecutive season the Hawks have received the prestigious academic distinction.

The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes volleyball programs that maintain a year-long team grade-point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale. This year, 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball programs earned the award, showcasing the continued commitment of student-athletes across the country to academic and athletic success.

The academic recognition caps another successful season for the Rockhurst women's volleyball program. The Hawks finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 22-11 (11-2 GLVC). Rockhurst advanced to the GLVC Tournament semifinals before earning an at-large berth into the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional.

In the NCAA Tournament, the Hawks opened regional play with a first-round victory to advance to the regional semifinals, where they fell to nationally ranked Ferris State, a top-20 program that would continue its postseason run.

Rockhurst's 19-year streak of AVCA Team Academic Awards reflects the program's longstanding commitment to excellence beyond the court. Year after year, the Hawks have demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level while maintaining the academic standards that define the program.