The University of Evansville's women's volleyball team has been recognized with the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, a testament to its sustained academic excellence.
During the latest academic year the Purple Aces maintained a team grade point average of 3.429, while eight of the roster posted individual GPAs of 3.7 or higher, and three seniors — Holland Morris, Sabrina Ripple and Ryan Scheu — finished the year with perfect 4.0 averages.
Award Reflects Program Culture
Coach Zach Weinberg praised the achievement, noting that academic success is woven into the program's identity rather than a distant goal. He highlighted the players' dedication to rigorous majors and their consistent performance both on the court and in the classroom.
Weinberg added that the award is an expectation for the Purple Aces, reflecting a culture that values scholarly achievement as much as athletic competition. The coach expressed pride in the team's ability to thrive in challenging academic environments.
The recognition also underscores the broader impact of the university's support structures, from tutoring resources to faculty mentorship, which enable student‑athletes to excel in demanding fields of study.