ATLANTA — Georgia State beach volleyball has once again been recognized for its excellence in the classroom, earning the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, the organization announced Thursday afternoon.

The honor marks the 13th consecutive AVCA Team Academic Award for the Sandy Panthers, extending the longest streak in AVCA collegiate beach volleyball history.

The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes volleyball programs that maintain a year-long team grade-point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale. This season, 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams from across the country earned the distinction, highlighting the sport's continued commitment to academic excellence.

Georgia State has become the standard for academic success in collegiate beach volleyball, earning the award every season since 2014. The Sandy Panthers' 13-year streak remains unmatched in the sport and reflects the program's sustained commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on the sand and in the classroom.

The 2026 award also comes during a record-setting year for Women's Collegiate Beach Volleyball, as 43 beach programs received AVCA Team Academic Award recognition—the most in the division's history.

The recognition continues a tradition of academic achievement for the Sandy Panthers, reinforcing Georgia State's commitment to excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience.