Volleyball Southern Conference

Western Carolina Volleyball Honored For Academics

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina volleyball team posted a cumulative 3.44 grade point average, to be recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and Molten U.S.A., Inc., as the recipients of the 2001-02 AVCA/Molten Team Academic Award. The team tied for 16th on the list among a national field of top academic programs.

The award honors college and high school teams that displayed excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale during the school year. Nominating coaches must be AVCA members.

The 10 athletes on the 2001 WCU volleyball team made their studies a top priority amidst a rigorous practice and match schedule.

"Achieving success in the classroom is always a goal of ours," said team co-captain Sara Komosinski. "We didn't quite reach the goal we had set for ourselves, but it's still nice to be recognized among the best and it really feels good to know that we're on top in the Southern Conference."

Co-captain Shari Harder also understands the importance of hard work in the classroom. "We worked hard to get all upperclassmen on the team out of study hall by the end of the year (by posting an individual cumulative GPA of at least a 2.3 - all freshmen are required to attend study hall the entire year)."

"Consistency is definitely a sign of success," praised Director of Athletics Jeff Compher. "To be recognized among the best academic programs in the country two years in a row means a lot for the program. The athletes and coaches are certainly to be commended for this achievement."