PLAINVIEW, Texas – Wayland Baptist University's indoor volleyball and beach volleyball programs have once again proven that success extends far beyond competition, as both teams have been recognized with the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award. In addition to earning the prestigious academic honor, both programs also received the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, recognizing them among the top 20 percent of team GPAs nationally in their division.
The recognition marks the second consecutive year that both Wayland Baptist volleyball programs have earned the AVCA Team Academic Award, highlighting the university's commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics. Wayland Baptist is also one of the few colleges and universities in the nation to have both its indoor and beach volleyball programs receive both distinctions in the same academic year.
The achievement caps off another remarkable season for Wayland Baptist Beach Volleyball. After capturing the AVCA Small College Beach National Championship, the Pioneers have now added academic excellence to an already historic year. The national championship showcased the team's dominance on the sand, while the AVCA Team Academic Award and Honor Roll demonstrate the same level of commitment in the classroom.
For the indoor volleyball program, the honor carries additional significance as it came during Lucie Mahelova's first season as head coach. While leading the program through a coaching transition, Mahelova and her student-athletes continued the strong academic tradition established at Wayland Baptist, ensuring the program remained among the nation's elite both on the court and in the classroom.
"This shows how much effort these girls put in not only on the court but everywhere else and I couldn't be more proud of every single one of them," said head coach Lucie Mahelova. "They continue to prove that being successful as a student-athlete means giving your best in every aspect of life. This recognition reflects their discipline, dedication, and commitment to representing Wayland Baptist the right way."
The AVCA Team Academic Award honors volleyball programs that maintain outstanding team grade point averages throughout the academic year, while the Team Academic Honor Roll recognizes the nation's highest-performing programs academically within each division.
By once again earning both honors, Wayland Baptist's volleyball and beach volleyball programs continue to set the standard for what it means to excel in every arena. Whether competing for national championships on the sand, building a new era of indoor volleyball under Mahelova's leadership, or achieving elite academic success in the classroom, the Pioneer student-athletes continue to demonstrate the well-rounded excellence that defines Wayland Baptist University athletics.
