LEXINGTON, Ky. - Following its inaugural season of competition, the Northwest volleyball program has picked up another academic achievement, this time from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Along with its presenting sponsor, The United State Marine Corps, the AVCA released its Team Academic Awards for the 2020-21 season. Northwest was one of only 22 NJCAA programs to receive the honor and was also the only representative honored from Region 23.

Created during the 1992-93 academic year, the award honors volleyball programs that maintain a year-long grade-point average between 3.30 and 4.00.

"Even though teams might not have played during their usual season or may not have competed at all during the past year, coaches still found ways to lead their players to academic excellence," said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer. "This is a testament to the important role volleyball coaches play in their players success both on and off the court."

For the year, Northwest posted a 3.43 team GPA and saw four of its student-athletes labeled for NJCAA All-Academic honors, which were announced earlier this month. Additionally, the Lady Rangers had eight of its student-athletes qualify for Academic All-MACCC accolades, helping Northwest set a new school record with 92 total student-athletes selected.

Northwest opens the 2021 regular season at home against Pearl River on Friday, August 20. The match is slated for a 5 P.M. start time and will be streamed live on nwccrangers.com/watch.