LEXINGTON, KY. – Austin Peay State University's Beach Volleyball Team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association 2026 Team Academic Award for maintaining at least a 3.3 GPA for both the fall and spring semesters. 

"Our athletes really embodied what it means to be a student athlete this past year," said Governor's head coach Michael Hobson. "They worked extremely hard in the sand and in the classroom. Being named among the top 20% nationally for team GPA is a tremendous achievement and an award well earned by the Sandy Govs!"

The Governors posted at least a 3.8 GPA across both the fall and spring semesters, with all student-athletes earning at least Athletic Director's Honor Roll honors during both semesters. The team also combined for 17 Dean's List selections during the 2025-26 academic year.

This is the second straight year the team has won the award, earning it in both seasons under head coach Hobson. Hobson and the Govs orchestrated an 11-win improvement from 2025 to 2026, the biggest one-year improvement in program history.