By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) have announced that Willamette University has qualified for the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2020-21 season. A total of 1,275 collegiate and high school volleyball teams received the USMC/AVCA Team Academic designation.

Each volleyball team that received USMC/AVCA Team Academic status achieved a year-long grade point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale or 4.10 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Over 50% of the membership in all three NCAA divisions of womens' volleyball earned the award this past season. The AVCA has been presenting the Team Academic Award since 1992-93.

"The team met during the preseason in August and determined a goal GPA for the group that they then surpassed," Willamette Head Coach Lily Hallock said.

Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference played a reduced schedule of eight matches this spring due to COVID-19 protocols. The Bearcats went 4-4, all against NWC competition. Willamette won its last four matches, including three consecutive 3-0 wins to conclude the season. It was Hallock's first year as WU's head coach.

"It was an incredibly challenging year on so many levels: social distancing, smoke and ice," Hallock commented. "The fact that the team was able to exceed their goal while receiving the AVCA Team Academic Award is a testament to their dedication to learning."