Five Gulf South Conference volleyball programs that competed during the 2025 season were named recipients of the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

Representing the GSC was Christian Brothers, Montevallo, Valdosta State, West Alabama and West Florida. Christian Brothers earned its first recognization since 2006 and West Alabama returned for the first since 2017. Montevallo meanwhile received the program’s 18th consecutive academic honor.

In addition, West Alabama earned the distinction of Team Academic Honor Roll, which celebrates program in the top 20 percent of GPAs of their division. The Tigers are the first active GSC program to be recognized since Montevallo in 2021.

In order to qualify, team must maintain a year-long grade point average of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 scale and the head coach of each team must be a AVCA member in good standing. 

2026 AVCA Team Academic Award
Christian Brothers
Montevallo
Valdosta State
West Alabama*
West Florida
* AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll