LEXINGTON, KY – The Alfred University women's volleyball team was the only Empire 8 institution to be listed in the top 20% of all NCAA Division III teams for the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.
 
The Saxons are 1-of-46 teams within the top 20% with a 3.73 combined GPA between Fall 2025 (3.62) and Spring 2026 (3.80). The minimum requirement to earn AVCA Team Academic is 3.30 on a 4.00 scale. A total of 1,432 teams between the different levels of collegiate programs and high school teams earned that recognition. The Saxons have posted the GPA requirements for the past 11 years.
 
In the Fall 2025 semester, AUVB had 10 Empire 8 President's List members (3.75 GPA or higher) with four 4.00 students. They totaled 12 Dean's List (3.50 or higher) and 15 Saxon Scholars (3.20 or higher) and all rostered 17 players had a 3.00 or higher.
 
For the Spring 2026 semester, the Saxons had nine Empire 8 President's List athletes, 13 Dean's List and all rostered 14 Saxons earned Saxon Scholar.