The American Volleyball Coaches Association honored the women’s volleyball team for academic excellence in the 2018-2019 school year. 

“The AVCA honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale,” the AVCA lists on its website. 

The women’s volleyball team has been honored in eight of its past nine seasons. According to the AVCA, the team held a top 25 ranking in team GPA each of the last two seasons in all of Division III athletics. Out of the 15 players on the roster, there are nine freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors, and one senior. 

“With the players we recruited this year, I actually think a lot of them might bring up the team GPA,” head c coach Ben Read said. “It’s a little bit of a learning curve for the freshmen but I expect us to have another good year academically.” 

Sophomore outside hitter Carolyn Vaimoso said the team’s positive attitude and leadership will make for another strong season. 

“We have a ton of freshmen and so everyone is working hard to gel and step up,” Vaimoso said. “We already have a really positive mindset as a team and have bonded over the preseason. Everyone supports each other so much, and I’m sure with classes starting that positivity and support will continue.”

The AVCA also honored the team for reaching its fundraising goal for the Dig Pink Fundraiser. Dig Pink works in the volleyball community to raise money for breast cancer research and support. 

“Meeting our goal for Dig Pink was awesome for us last year, it’s a good way to use our sport to help fight breast cancer and keep in perspective what’s most important,” Vaimoso said. “Hopefully, we meet that fundraising goal again this season.”

The Lions started their season with a 3–0 sweep of New England College and a 3–2 victory against University of Massachusetts Boston. The Lions will play their first home game against Wellesley College on Tuesday, Sept. 17.