University Southern California Trojans
USC Beach Earns Seventh Straight AVCA Team Academic Award
July 23, 2026 | Women's Beach Volleyball
The Women of Troy were one of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams chosen for the honor
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The USC beach volleyball team earned its seventh consecutive AVCA Team Academic Award, the American Volleyball Coaches Association announced on Thursday, July 23.
The Trojans were one of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale).
"It comes as no surprise to see our sport have more than 1,400 teams earn the AVCA Team Academic Award again this season," said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. "We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs."
The Women of Troy (29-12) made their 10th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2026 and reached the quarterfinal round before falling to Florida State. USC finished tied for third in the MPSF with a semifinal finish at the conference championship. Two Trojans—junior Zoey Henson and sophomore Kennedy Coakley—were named to the AVCA All-America second team and were joined by junior Ashley Pater and freshman Sarah Wood on the All-MPSF first team. Wood was named the MPSF's Freshman of the Year. Seventh-year head coach Dain Blanton reached 198 career wins at the close of the season.
For more information on the USC beach volleyball team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/beach. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCBeach.
The Trojans were one of 1,432 collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale).
"It comes as no surprise to see our sport have more than 1,400 teams earn the AVCA Team Academic Award again this season," said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. "We are grateful for the dedication of the coaches and players who make both classroom and on-court success the lifeblood of their programs."
The Women of Troy (29-12) made their 10th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2026 and reached the quarterfinal round before falling to Florida State. USC finished tied for third in the MPSF with a semifinal finish at the conference championship. Two Trojans—junior Zoey Henson and sophomore Kennedy Coakley—were named to the AVCA All-America second team and were joined by junior Ashley Pater and freshman Sarah Wood on the All-MPSF first team. Wood was named the MPSF's Freshman of the Year. Seventh-year head coach Dain Blanton reached 198 career wins at the close of the season.
For more information on the USC beach volleyball team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/beach. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCBeach.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
Monday, May 04
Saturday, May 03
Friday, May 02
Monday, April 14
