NORTHAMPTON - After capturing the 2024 NEWMAC Championship, the Smith College volleyball program earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award and also earned the additional distinction of AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, representing the top 20% of GPAs nationally by division. Smith student-athletes combined for a 3.68 grade point average. 

The AVCA Team Academic Award honors teams from all three NCAA divisions, NAIA and Junior College and high schools across the country. To be selected, each program must achieve a year-long grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. Additionally, the Bears secured the team honor roll award, given to the top 20 percent of GPAs nationally by division. Smith student-athletes combined for a 3.68 grade point average. 

"We are pleased that the record-setting success of the 2024-25 season on the court has extended to the classroom, too, as evidenced by more programs earning the Team Academic Award than ever before," says AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. "This is a great example of how committed our coaches are when it comes to helping their players reach their full potential as both students and athletes."

The squad put together an impressive 2024 campaign that included a second round appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 31 wins. The Bears open the 2025 season on August 29 against Mount Aloysius hosted by Montclair State. 

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram,