News

Dakota Wesleyan Tiger Volleyball Honored as 2026 NAIA Women’s Team Academic Champions

Dakota Wesleyan Tigers court logo Photo: Contributed/Dakota Wesleyan Athletics


Dakota Wesleyan Volleyball has earned the distinction as 2026 NAIA Women’s Team Academic Champion by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for their efforts in the classroom and commitment to excelling as true student-athletes.

Following a historic 2025 campaign, and approaching a fresh 2026 schedule, the Tigers earned top honors in the NAIA Women’s category with the highest GPA from the school year, posting a 3.84 team mark on a 4.0 scale. This marks the first time in program history that Dakota Wesleyan Volleyball has earned the champion designation from the AVCA. Along with highlighting the team’s excellent standing academically, the award also signifies the sustained success of both the program’s on-court and off-court efforts, and with a pair of All-Americans and All-GPAC players returning, the Tigers will be prepared for the upcoming season of competition.

DWU was one of 1,432 total collegiate and high school volleyball teams to earn a 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award by maintaining a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and achieved Academic Honor Roll for the third-consecutive year as a top 20% academic program in the NAIA.

Recent Headlines

7 hours ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local

Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party Returning to Mitchell in Early August

Music, food, vendors, and Wild West-themed entertainment will take over Main Street on Thursday, August 6th.

9 hours ago in Business, Government, Local

Closing the Childcare Gap: New Options Coming Soon to Mitchell

Three residents in Mitchell are going before the planning commission on Monday to seek approval to run a daycare out of their homes.

10 hours ago in Local, Weather

UPDATE: Extreme Heat Warning for Entire Region Until 9 p.m. Sunday

The National Weather Service says the advisory will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m.