The Linfield College volleyball team was recognized for scholarly achievement this week when the American Volleyball Coaches Association presented its Team Academic Awards for 2018-19.
 
More than 1,100 high schools, colleges and universities from all levels of competition were named to the list, breaking an all-time record. A total of 175 NCAA Division III programs, including Linfield, were represented.
 
The AVCA Team Award honors collegiate and high school volleyball programs that display excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Linfield's players have maintained a combined 3.38 GPA.
 
"I am extremely proud of the accomplishments our student-athletes have achieved in the classroom," said Linfield coach Josh Davis. "There are always many distractions, but this team embodied the true essence of being a Division III student-athlete, and were a representation of the ideals all Linfield student-athletes should strive for.  Congratulations to them and their hard work!"
 
Davis expects as many as seven veteran players to report for training camp next month. They'll be joined by 11 newcomers. The Wildcats being the 2019 season August 30-31 when they compete at the Oregon Trail Classic, hosted by George Fox University and Lewis & Clark College.