Bobcats Earn Third Straight AVCA Team Academic Award
7/23/2026 10:07:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BOZEMAN, Mont. -- For the 11th time in the history of the Montana State volleyball program, and third consecutive year, the Bobcats have earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic recognition.
Montana State joined 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball programs across the country to earn a spot on the team after maintaining a program-wide GPA of 3.3 or higher. Academic success has been a priority for head coach Matt Houk, who has led the team to the AVCA award in each of his three years coaching the Bobcats.
"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."
The Bobcat volleyball team posted a 3.62 grade-point average and had 12 athletes earning All-Big Sky Conference Academic accolades. Karli Heidemann and Madilyn Siebler each maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during the season, while Joelie Spelts, Elli Tufto, Teagan Jaynes, Alice Steman and Maggie Rhew earned President's List recognition with averages above 3.5.
"We are all very happy with the work that this team did in the classroom," Houk said. "It goes to show that they are focused and energetic in all areas. They take a lot of pride in representing Bobcat Volleyball at a high level on the court, in the community, and in the classroom."
The Bobcats are in the midst of preparations for the impending 2026 season, which will kick off in late August. The 2026 Big Sky Conference slate is set to begin on September 22 with a rivalry matchup against the Grizzlies in Missoula, Montana.
Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's volleyball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsVB and on Instagram at @msubobcatsvb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
Montana State joined 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball programs across the country to earn a spot on the team after maintaining a program-wide GPA of 3.3 or higher. Academic success has been a priority for head coach Matt Houk, who has led the team to the AVCA award in each of his three years coaching the Bobcats.
"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."
The Bobcat volleyball team posted a 3.62 grade-point average and had 12 athletes earning All-Big Sky Conference Academic accolades. Karli Heidemann and Madilyn Siebler each maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during the season, while Joelie Spelts, Elli Tufto, Teagan Jaynes, Alice Steman and Maggie Rhew earned President's List recognition with averages above 3.5.
"We are all very happy with the work that this team did in the classroom," Houk said. "It goes to show that they are focused and energetic in all areas. They take a lot of pride in representing Bobcat Volleyball at a high level on the court, in the community, and in the classroom."
The Bobcats are in the midst of preparations for the impending 2026 season, which will kick off in late August. The 2026 Big Sky Conference slate is set to begin on September 22 with a rivalry matchup against the Grizzlies in Missoula, Montana.
Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's volleyball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsVB and on Instagram at @msubobcatsvb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
Players Mentioned
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