The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's volleyball team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2014-15 season, the group recently announced. It is the third year in a row for the Mocs.
The award honors programs that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average.
"This award truly represents all of the hard work our student-athletes put into their studies and the way in which they are striving for academic excellence," coach Travis Filar stated.
"I could not be more proud of them and their efforts. It is our program's third year in a row that we are being recognized for success in the classroom. This truly displays the growth of Chattanooga Volleyball, the development of our student-athletes, and their competitive mindset to be successful in all areas of their lives while they are here at UTC."
UTC recorded an impressive 3.40 team GPA in 2014-15. The Mocs are one of 148 NCAA Division I women's volleyball teams to receive the team academic award.
The Mocs return with a veteran team of five seniors, in addition to one of the country's best recruiting classes according to PrepVolleyball.com. UTC opens the season at the Chattanooga Classic against Valparaiso in the Maclellan Gym August 28 at 6 p.m.
"A hearty congratulations to all the volleyball coaches whose teams won the AVCA Team Academic Award," said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer. "Teams do not succeed in the classroom by accident any more so than they do on the court. The same coach who taught them volleyball skills cared enough about their academic achievement to gather their grades, calculate their GPA, and submit a nomination on their behalf. In doing so, these coaches sent a clear message that classroom success is just as important as volleyball success. All involved should celebrate this award!"