University of Mobile Volleyball Teams Earn AVCA Team Academic Award

MOBILE, Ala. – Excellence on the court and in the classroom continues to define the University of Mobile women’s beach and indoor volleyball programs, which have both earned the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

The award recognizes collegiate and high school volleyball teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement alongside success in competition. This year, the AVCA is celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Team Academic Award, honoring more than 1,400 teams that achieved a team grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale during the 2025-26 academic year.

University of Mobile head volleyball coach Jon Campbell says the recognition reflects a culture intentionally built around developing the whole student-athlete — academically, athletically and spiritually.

“We actively pursue a culture where each player recognizes they are more than their degree choice or their sport,” said Campbell. “Allowing and encouraging them to prioritize being a student ahead of an athlete helps to alleviate some of the pressure they are so prone to place on themselves.”

That culture comes to life in the stories of three of the team’s student-athletes–Hannah Ellis, Gabby Sheffield and Sophie Dorris–who each bring that same commitment to excellence into the classroom.

Sheffield earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in just three years, graduating in May 2026, and returned to the University of Mobile for another year to earn a bachelor’s degree in general studies in May 2027. Balancing two degrees with the demands of collegiate athletics, she said being part of a team that values both academics and athletics makes the award especially meaningful.

“To receive the AVCA Team Academic Award paints a picture of this team. It shows that there is discipline and hard work within the culture we are building,” Sheffield said. “There is something to be said about the reason we put in the effort and for Whom. Bringing glory to the Lord should be the motive for everything we do in life!”

Ellis, a sophomore communications major, said she is grateful for coaches who encourage her to give her best in every area.

“Each day, whatever we are capable of giving–whether it be 100%, 60% or 25%–Coach Jon and Coach Amber ask that we give it-pointing us to the One who kindly gives us the strength for all things,” she said.

For Dorris, a junior pre-physical therapy kinesiology major, the recognition is a testament to the team’s daily commitment to excellence and the example set by its coaches.

“Receiving the AVCA Team Academic Award is such a testament to the excellence that the girls on this team pursue each day and to the culture of hard work and dedication that our coaches foster,” Dorris said. “Most of all, though, it is a reminder of the Lord’s kindness in giving us the abilities and opportunities to succeed in the classroom.”

Assistant volleyball coach Amber Campbell said the team’s academic success is not the program’s sole goal, but rather a reflection of the deeper culture the coaching staff works to cultivate.

“Our goal is not merely to turn out high academic student-athletes, yet it has been a beautiful byproduct of building a culture that helps them grow secure in where their value comes from,” Campbell said.

Tim Adams, vice president of student development and athletics, said the award represents the standard University of Mobile Athletics seeks to establish across every area of the student-athlete experience.

“We are incredibly proud of our volleyball student-athletes for earning the AVCA Team Academic Award,” Adams said. “Our athletes work incredibly hard to compete at a championship level, but we also want them to pursue that same level of excellence in the classroom, in their character, and in the way they represent Christ and the University of Mobile.”

“I’m grateful for the commitment of our student-athletes and coaches and proud of the way Coach Jon and Amber Campbell and this team of amazing young women continue to represent UM so well,” he said.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Ashlyn Mitchell

A 2022 UM graduate and former Miss UM, Ashlyn spent four years as a TV news reporter and anchor along the Gulf Coast, where she discovered the power of storytelling to connect people from all backgrounds. As director of university communications, Ashlyn’s prayer is that every story reflects God’s faithfulness and reminds readers that He is writing the greatest story of all. Outside of work, you can find Ashlyn and and her husband, Hugh, playing pickleball, traveling the world and spending time with their dog, Champ.