The Missouri State University and Arkansas State University volleyball programs both earned the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, the organization announced Thursday.
To qualify, teams must maintain a yearlong cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Overall, 1,432 teams received recognition this year.
Missouri State earned the honor for the 13th time in the last 14 years after posting a 3.47 cumulative GPA.
The Bears will host an exhibition against Kansas State on Aug. 13. Missouri State officially begins the 2026 campaign Aug. 28-30 at a tournament hosted by Wichita State, followed by its home debut on Sept. 3 against Little Rock. The Bears open their Conference USA schedule at home against FIU on Sept. 25. Season tickets are available at mostate.evenue.net.
Arkansas State achieved the academic feat for the second consecutive season, posting a 3.38 cumulative GPA. The Red Wolves have earned the award 11 times since its inception in 1992.
A-State will host its Scarlet and Black Scrimmage on Aug. 15 inside First National Bank Arena. Two exhibition matches will follow, with the Red Wolves traveling to North Alabama on Aug. 18 and hosting Ole Miss on Aug. 22. Arkansas State opens the regular season at Texas A&M on Aug. 28.
