PELLA— The Central College volleyball team received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 26th season in a row, the longest streak of any NCAA Division III program.
             
To receive the AVCA distinction, a team's combined grade point average (GPA) for the preceding year must be 3.30 or higher (4.0 scale). The Dutch secured a 3.60 average for 2025-26 academic year.
           
The AVCA program is in its 34th year and Central is among 233 Division III schools cited this year. Central has achieved the academic standard 26 years in a row and 27 times overall, both records for Division III programs. Only 27 Division III programs have done it at least 20 times.
           
During the course of Central's streak, Dutch volleyball players have twice been named College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans and piled up 23 CSC Academic All-District honors.
           
"Our academic philosophy is to be the best version of ourselves so our team can be the best version of itself as well," coach Jeanne Czipri said. "Each individual has to own their academic commitment through discipline, time management, sacrifice and competitive resilience to navigate the challenges they may meet. Our team supports and pushes each other to put their best foot forward in the classroom. This is a 100% a team effort across the board and everyone is responsible for giving their absolute whole heated commitment to their academics."