ERIE, Pa. - For the third straight year, Gannon has been named a recipient of the Team Academic Award by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) following its classroom success during the 2009-2010 year. A total of 450 college and high schools were honored this year, an increase of almost 100 over the past two seasons.

The award, which was initiated in the 1992-1993 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that displayed excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale.

The Lady Knights, who held a 3.35 cumulative team GPA this year, were one of 52 NCAA Division II programs to be recognized. Gannon was one of five Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) teams, joined by Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Indiana (Pa.) and Slippery Rock.

“We're very excited to receive this academic award, which provides the perfect ending to a successful 2009-10 season for the Gannon volleyball team,” said head coach Matt Darling. “Making the NCAA tournament was great, but we are more proud that Gannon student-athletes succeed in the classroom as well.”

A total of eight Lady Knights earned All-PSAC scholar-athlete accolades this past year including, Chelsea Barrett, Courtney Cook, Lindsey Deitmen, Alex DelPiombo, Shelly Hill, Jenni Jones, Christine Peffer and Maire Prybyl. Gannon student-athletes have received All-PSAC scholar-athletes honors 14 times over the last two seasons.
Over 1,000 different schools have been honored by the AVCA in the program's 18-year history, and over 2,900 awards have been given out in all. To view the complete list of 2010 AVCA Team Academic Award winners, please click here.