Extending the longest streak in NCAA Division III history, the Central College volleyball team has received the U.S. Marine Corps/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for a record 21st consecutive year.

To receive the AVCA distinction, a team’s combined grade point average (GPA) for the preceding year must be 3.30 or higher (4.0 scale). The Dutch secured a 3.43 average for 2020-21, led by spring graduate DaLana Kron who recorded a perfect 4.0 average. The AVCA program is in its 29th year and Central is among 233 Division III schools cited this year.

Central had 10 players earn academic all-American Rivers Conference recognition last fall, which requires a 3.50 or better cumulative GPA. That group also included Lexie Buls, Natalie Gaszynski, Kron, Krissa Larson, Landry Luhring, Kate Pachner, Rachel Pella, Taylor Richards, Amanda Smith and Sam Worley.

Central has achieved the academic standard 22 times, also the most for any Division III team. Only five Division III programs have done it at least 20 times.