RAPID CITY, SD – For the eighth straight season, South Dakota Mines Volleyball has won the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

To earn the prestigious award, the entire team must achieve a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.30 during the 2025-26 academic year. The Hardrockers compiled a 3.6 GPA during the 2025-26 academic year.

“It comes as no surprise to see our sport have more than 1,400 teams earn the AVCA Team Academic Award again this season,” said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. “We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs.” 

A total of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams were awarded this past season. The Hardrockers have earned the award for eight straight years, marking the longest streak in program history. 

“I am so proud of our women for continuing to excel in the classroom and in their careers,” head coach Lauren Prochazka said. “They continue to raise the bar set by the brilliant women before them who have made academic excellence such a huge part of Hardrocker Volleyball’s identity.”