WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- The United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches' Association recognized the Midwestern State volleyball program with the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for maintaining a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

The Mustangs were one of a record 1,333 collegiate and high school volleyball programs earning the academic honor this season which is the most in the 30-year history of the award.

"The commitment our coaches make to help their student-athletes pursue the best versions of themselves is evident in the academic accomplishments highlighted today," AVCA CEO Jaime Gordan said. "Achievement on the court has always been closely tied to success in the classroom, which is reflected by the number of championship programs honored."

Midwestern State, which also earned the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award in 2007, compiled a team grade-point average of 3.31 during the 2022-23 academic year, including a 3.36 GPA during the fall competition season under the guidance of first-year coach Stephanie Radecki.

The Mustangs open the 2023 season with the Midwestern State Invitational from August 31 through September 2 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

About the United States Marine Corps

Our long-standing partner, the United States Marine Corps, extends its support to AVCA's administrators and coaches. Just as you make every effort to help your student-athletes succeed, the Marine Corps strives to help every Marine reach their potential. Whether engaging local Marines to work with your athletes or recognizing and referring high-achieving students, your support as an influencer ensures the success of our youth and the future of our nation. For more information about the Marine Influencer Program please visit us at connect.marines.com.

About the American Volleyball Coaches' Association

The AVCA, an educationally based nonprofit headquartered in Lexington, KY, is the largest and most diverse volleyball coaches' association in the world. With a broad mandate to develop the sport, the AVCA provides leadership, recognition, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to over 8,200 volleyball coaches. Members include college, high school, club, and youth coaches, and well as a wide variety of product and service providers. Further information is available at avca.org.