LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team was one of 164 NCAA Division I institutions to be awarded the American Volleyball Coaches' Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.
 
"Our academic philosophy is that our players are STUDENT-athletes; student comes first," said UIW head coach Samantha Dabbs. "After college, I want my players to be as prepared as they can be for the real world. During their time here at UIW, we pride ourselves on being present in the classroom, being very proactive with each professor, and not being afraid to ask for help."
 
To earn the recognition, a team must have had a cumulative 3.30 GPA or greater during the 2017-18 academic year. UIW helped AVCA set an all-time record for number of institutions, with 973 teams recognized in NCAA Division I, II, III women; NAIA; junior college; collegiate men; collegiate beach; and men's and women's high school. The previous high of 835 was set last season.
 
The Cardinals registered a team GPA of 3.3980 and was highlighted by four 4.0 semesters: Hope Kelley (fall), Brittany Muller (fall), Allison Waits (fall), and Imani Stewart (fall and spring).
 
UIW was one of four Southland Conference schools to be recognized, as the Cardinals joined Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas, and McNeese.
 
The Cardinals are scheduled to open the 2018 season Aug. 24-25 at the I-10 Challenge in New Orleans versus UTEP, Louisiana-Lafayette, and host Tulane.
 
To purchase tickets to any home event, contact the ticket office at 210-805-3000.
 
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