On July 21, 2025, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that the St. Mary’s volleyball team from St. Mary’s College of Maryland was among 1,450 programs nationwide to receive the AVCA Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT for the 2024-25 season. This prestigious recognition, established in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball teams maintaining a year-long grade-point average (GPA) of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The St. Mary’s volleyball team achieved an impressive 3.670 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year, securing the award for the 12th time in program history and the second consecutive year.
The St. Mary’s volleyball team’s academic success complements its strong athletic performance. Last season, the Seahawks posted an 18-11 overall record, including a 9-1 mark in the United East Conference (UEC). This performance marked their best conference showing ever, surpassing the previous record of seven wins set in 2008. The team advanced to the UEC tournament semifinals for the first time since 2015 and achieved their first winning season since 2016. Additionally, St. Mary’s volleyball recorded its second consecutive season with 10 or more wins, a milestone not reached in eight years.
The AVCA Team Academic Award highlights the commitment of St. Mary’s volleyball players to balancing rigorous academics with competitive athletics. The team’s 3.670 GPA reflects the dedication of student-athletes who excel in the classroom while competing at a high level. This is the 12th time the Seahawks have earned this honor, with previous awards in 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2023-24, and now 2024-25. The consistent recognition underscores the program’s tradition of academic excellence.
The Seahawks’ success in the UEC and their academic accolades reflect the institution’s emphasis on holistic student development. The college encourages community support at games, fostering pride in Southern Maryland.
The St. Mary’s volleyball team’s dual focus on academics and athletics serves as a model for student-athletes across Southern Maryland. Their 2024-25 season demonstrated that dedication in the classroom can coexist with success on the court. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, their latest AVCA award reinforces their reputation as a program of excellence, inspiring both current students and the broader St. Mary’s County community.
