IRVINE, Calif. – This summer marked the first time all three volleyball programs at Concordia University Irvine earned the AVCA Team Academic Award in the same year.  

The CUI beach volleyball, women's volleyball and men's volleyball squads all achieved at least a 3.3 Team GPA during the 2023-24 school year.  That means CUI was one of just three colleges to hit the trifecta with all three programs represented along with Stanford University and fellow Division II program, Emmanuel University (located in Georgia).

In addition, the CUI beach volleyball team (3.71 GPA) made the short list for the AVCA Academic Team Honor Roll. This is a special list for programs in the Top 20 percent of GPAs in their entire division.

Under the leadership of Chris Seiffert, the men's volleyball team earned this AVCA academic honor for the first time in the NCAA DII era with a 3.32 Team GPA. It is the second straight time both women's teams at CUI hit these high marks and the third year in a row the indoor women's squad (3.38 GPA) received this award.

The women's volleyball team will open up its regular season – and a new era under recently hired head coach Eryn Leja-Martin – on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. against Colorado Christian. That home opener is part of the three-day tournament called the Golden Eagle Classic, which features over half a dozen NCAA DII schools competing in non-conference matches.

Long-time head coach and former Olympian Paula Weishoff retired this summer after leading CUI to more than 280 wins over the course of 14 seasons in Irvine.

CLICK HERE for the upcoming 2024 women's volleyball schedule

About INTENT
INTENT, which is in its first year of sponsoring the prestigious award, is a game-changing, digital platform that links student-athletes (along with military special ops veterans) to a powerful network of candidate-seeking employers. The tech, information and internet company guides student-athletes and service members toward professional and personal success in life after sports and service.

About the American Volleyball Coaches Association

The association's mission is to advance the sport of volleyball with AVCA coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. The membership includes more than 9,500 collegiate, professional, high school, club, and youth volleyball coaches - primarily in the United States. The AVCA represents women's volleyball, men's volleyball, and beach volleyball coaches, and works to increase exposure and recognition for the sport of volleyball.