BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University volleyball team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2017-18 school year.

The Vikings were one of four Great Northwest Athletic Conference schools and among 128 Division II squads to receive the honor by posting a team grade point average over 3.30.

“I’m really proud of this team and the efforts they made not only on the court, but also in the classroom,” said head coach Diane Flick-Williams. “This was a great year for Viking Volleyball: a GNAC championship, a West Regional Final, the AVCA Team Academic Award, all three seniors received their degrees and numerous hours reaching young women through the vehicle of volleyball. This group exemplifies the comprehensive student-athlete that represents the values we prioritize in the WWU Volleyball program.”

WWU earned its fourth AVCA Team Academic Award in program history, also winning the prestigious award three consecutive seasons from 2010-2012.

The Vikings maintained the high level of academic success while posting one of the best seasons in program history. Western won the 2017 GNAC Championship with a 19-1 league record and were 27-4 overall. The team advanced to the NCAA Division II Championships for the sixth consecutive season and played in the West Regional championship match for the third consecutive season.

Northwest Nazarene, Central Washington and Saint Martin’s were the three additional GNAC member schools to earn the AVCA Academic Team Award for the 2017-18 season. A record 973 teams across the nation at all levels were recognized by the AVCA for academic success.

The Vikings are set to open the 2018 season August 24-25 at the West Florida Invitational, matching up against top national competition Wheeling Jesuit, Southwest Minnesota State, Regis and West Florida. WWU’s first home match inside Carver Gymnasium will be Thursday, September 6 hosting Seattle Pacific at 7 pm.