Defiance Women’s Volleyball earns 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The American Volleyball Coaches Association released the 2026 Team Academic Awards on Thursday with the Defiance College women's volleyball team among this year's distinguished academic performers.

Teams were recognized across all levels of college volleyball, in addition to high school teams, by maintaining a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher.

The Yellow Jackets accumulated a team GPA of 3.73 during the 2025-26 academic year to lead all DC athletic programs. As a program, it is the ninth time DC has received the AVCA Team Academic Award, the second year in a row, and the fourth time in five years. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, 10 Yellow Jackets were honored as Academic All-WHAC, carrying a 3.25 GPA or higher.

Defiance is among the high-performing academic women's volleyball teams in the following categories: 861 college teams, 72 NAIA programs, 5 WHAC teams, and 35 college teams in the state of Ohio.

"This award reflects the commitment our team has made to being the best they can be in all facets of being a student-athlete here at Defiance College," says head coach Jeremy Thornburg. "Not only have we shown progress on the court, but we've maintained a high standard in the classroom. This award is so significant because it represents the countless hours they spend away from the court, prioritizing their academics, and that people do not necessarily see in person. As a coach, I am very proud of their dedication and hard work. "

Defiance College women's volleyball opens its regular season in three weeks on Aug. 14 at the Karl H. Weaner Center, hosting a tri-match against Governors State and Indiana East.

-JACKETS-