Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Volleyball program was recognized for its excellence in the classroom, earning the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, as announced by the AVCA. The Patriots have now earned the honor for the eighth consecutive season and the 10th time in program history. Cumberlands was one of 62 NAIA programs to receive the distinction in 2026.
 
In addition to the Team Academic Award, the Patriots also earned the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll distinction, recognizing programs that rank in the top 20 percent nationally in team GPA within their respective divisions. Cumberlands was one of just two Mid-South Conference programs to receive the Team Academic Award this season, joining Cumberland University.
 
The Patriots are coming off the most successful season in program history. Cumberlands compiled a 36-1 overall record, including a perfect 12-0 mark in Mid-South Conference play, while sweeping the MSC Regular Season and Tournament Championships for the first time in program history. The Patriots also hosted and captured their first-ever NAIA Opening Round match to advance to the NAIA Final Site, where they earned a straight-set victory over No. 17 Midland.

In total, more than 1,432 collegiate programs from the NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA, and two-year institutions were recognized with the AVCA Team Academic Award. The honor, presented in partnership with INTENT, recognizes volleyball programs that demonstrate outstanding academic success by maintaining a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale).

The Patriots are set to open the 2026 season on August 14, when they travel to West Palm Beach, Fla., to compete in the Keiser University Invitational.

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