LEXINGTON, Ky. — The George Mason University men's volleyball team continued their academic excellence this past season, and they have been recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) with the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award, the Association announced Thursday.
 
It marked the third time in as many seasons the Patriots have garnered the team accolade. To receive the honor, a team must maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

The Patriots impressed with a cumulative 3.58 GPA across the program's 18 student-athletes, an improvement from last year's 3.32 mark.
 
"I am very proud of our team! They represent the true meaning of 'student' athlete," said head coach Jay Hosack. "This honor is a direct reflection of their hard work."

This is the seventh time in program history George Mason has received the award (2012, '15, '20, '21, '24, '25, '26).
 
Not only has George Mason now earned the award five times over the past seven seasons, they earned for the first time the additional distinction of being named to the AVCA Academic Honor Roll, which represents the nation's top 20% of GPAs in Division I men's volleyball.
 
The 2026 Patriots had a strong season both on and off the court; they posted 20 regular season wins for the first time since 2006, as well as having 10 Patriot student-athletes named to the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association's (EIVA) All-Academic Team back in April and 11 spring semester Dean's List honorees.