Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

2026 AVCA Team Academic Award List

July 23, 2026 - For the seventh straight season, the North Central College women's volleyball team has been recognized for its academic excellence after earning the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, the organization announced Wednesday.

Established during the 1992–93 academic year, the award honors volleyball programs that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Sponsored by the AVCA and INTENT, 1,432 collegiate and high school teams received the honor this year.

The Cardinals finished 17-9 last season with a 7-2 record inside Gregory Arena. Lauren Benson and Sarah Harvey earned All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin honors. That duo joined Katie Godo and Sarah Lezon as College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections. Kylie Hanson, Abby Buban and Danni Moser were also named to the Academic All-CCIW list along with Benson, Godo and Harvey.

North Central opens the 2026 season on Tuesday, Sept. 1 as the Cardinals seek their 27th straight win over Concordia University Chicago, the longest winning streak North Central has recorded against any opponent. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside Geiseman Gymnasium.