THE HILL | For the first time in program history, the Alabama A&M Women's Volleyball team received the American Volleyball Coaching Association Team Academic Award, the association announced Monday afternoon.

AAMU, in addition to 1,450 collegiate and high school volleyball teams, maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale to earn the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award.

"Earning the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award by Intent is a testament to the unwavering dedication, discipline, and hard work of our entire volleyball family", head coach Dr. Brandon Reeves said. "This honor not only reflects the culture we've cultivated- one that values excellence both on and off the court- but also serves as a remarkable milestone for our school. Achieving this for the first time in our history is a cherished achievement that inspires us to continue striving for greatness in all aspects of our lives."

The Maroon and White will kick off their regular season with the Betty Austin Invitational starting on Aug. 29. The sophomore edition of the Invitational will see Morgan State (MSU), South Carolina State (SCSU) and Delaware State (DSU) take on the Golden Lions of Arkansas Pine-Bluff and the Jaguars of Southern University for a SWAC/MEAC Challenge. Alabama A&M will open play in the Invitational with a Battle of the Bulldogs, facing off against SCSU on Aug. 29 before playing the Bears of MSU. The Bulldogs will round out the Challenge by taking on DSU the following day (Aug. 30).

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