CHENEY, Wash. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced Thursday that the Eastern Washington University volleyball team has earned the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, recognizing the Eagles' outstanding achievement in the classroom.

In addition to the team award, Eastern also received the prestigious AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll distinction, which recognizes programs that rank among the top 20 percent nationally in team GPA within their respective division.

"I am incredibly proud of this team and all they have accomplished in the classroom," said head coach Jon Haruguchi. "Our student-athletes take their academic responsibilities seriously, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence beyond the court. This marks the third consecutive year our team has earned Honor Roll distinction, an achievement that reflects the consistent effort and high standards these student-athletes set for themselves. We couldn't be prouder of what they have accomplished, and they have truly earned this recognition."

The 2026 honor marks the 22nd AVCA Team Academic Award in program history and the Eagles' ninth consecutive selection, a streak that began in 2018. Eastern first received the award in 1999 and has now earned Honor Roll recognition for three straight seasons, further highlighting the program's sustained excellence in the classroom.

Join Spokane County's team for all 12 home games at Reese Court in Cheney. For more info, visit https://goeags.evenue.net/list/VB or contact the EWU Ticket Office at 509-359-6059 or tickets@ewu.edu. 

Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access, and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.