Lawrence volleyball team earns AVCA academic honor

The Lawrence University volleyball team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 2011-12 season.

The award is given to teams that display excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average. Lawrence was one of 90 NCAA Division III teams to receive the award. The Vikings posted an impressive 3.398 team grade point average.

“We are proud of our team’s academic accomplishments,” Lawrence coach Matt Schoultz said. “Our players are motivated to be great in the classroom. They truly represent the balance that NCAA Division III student-athletes are meant to have.”

Members of the Lawrence volleyball team were recently honored by the Midwest Conference for their academic achievement as well. The Vikings had 11 players earn Academic All-Midwest Conference honors. To be eligible for that award, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.33 grade point average during the academic season.

Lawrence opens its 2012 season when it travels to compete in the Virginia Wesleyan Tournament in Virginia Beach, Va., on Aug. 31.