MARSHALL, Texas – In their first year of competition, the East Texas Baptist University beach volleyball program is a USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award winner. ETBU is just one of four beach volleyball teams to make the list joining Berry College, Huntingdon College, and Stevenson University.
 
In their first full year, the team finished with a 3.48 grade point average under head coach Allison Kuster. They also qualified for the AVCA Small College Championship Tournament in Florida.
 
There were over 1,333 collegiate and high schools earning the award which marks an all-time record or programs honored. The award, initiated in the 1992–93 academic year, honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.
 
About the United States Marine Corps
Our long-standing partner, the United States Marine Corps, extends its support to AVCA's administrators and coaches. Just as you make every effort to help your student-athletes succeed, the Marine Corps strives to help every Marine reach their potential. Whether engaging local Marines to work with your athletes or recognizing and referring high-achieving students, your support as an influencer ensures the success of our youth and the future of our nation. For more information about the Marine Influencer Program please visit us at connect.marines.com.
 
About the AVCA
The AVCA, an educationally based nonprofit headquartered in Lexington, KY, is the largest and most diverse volleyball coaches' association in the world. With a broad mandate to develop the sport, the AVCA provides leadership, recognition, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to over 8,200 volleyball coaches. Members include college, high school, club, and youth coaches, and well as a wide variety of product and service providers. Further information is available at avca.org.