Women’s Volleyball Team Shines On and Off the Court Winning the AVCA Team Academic Award

The Illinois Central College (ICC) women’s volleyball team has scored another impressive achievement, earning the prestigious American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2023-24 school year. This award is presented to volleyball teams that excel not just in their sport, but in their academics as well. To qualify, the entire team maintained an impressive grade-point average of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale, showing that they are as dedicated to their studies as they are to their game.

The ICC volleyball team’s success goes beyond just academics. They dominated the court with a 29-10 season record, won the District Tournament, and were ranked seventh nationally by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Their remarkable season is a testament to their hard work, both on the court and in the classroom.

“We are incredibly proud of our volleyball team for their hard work and dedication, not only on the court but in the classroom as well. ICC is committed to fostering a supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive academically and athletically.”

Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, ICC President expressed her pride in the team’s achievements’

The team’s success is also a reflection of the outstanding support they receive from the entire ICC community, including their head coach, Tracy Heffren, who was honored as the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame Female Coach of the Year in 2024.

AVCA CEO Dr. Jaime Gordon also praised the recipients, noting that the record-setting achievements of the 2023-24 season extended to the classroom as well. “This is a great example of how committed our coaches are to helping their players reach their full potential as both students and athletes,” said Dr. Gordon.

The ICC women’s volleyball team has set a high standard for what it means to be a successful student-athlete, proving that with hard work, dedication, and support, you can achieve excellence in all areas of life.