Beaver Falls, PA –Geneva College has co-head coaches for its women’s volleyball program and each should be extremely proud of the work that is being done by that program on and off the court. The work on the court accounted for a 19-12 overall record in 2009. Off the court, the work was even more impressive. On Thursday, the NCAA recognized over 450 high school and college volleyball programs for academic excellence. The AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) recognizes programs that achieve an overall team GPA that exceeds a 3.3 for the entire academic year. Geneva College’s women’s program was one of 75 NCAA Division III women’s programs to be so honored.

The Team Academic Honor, which was instituted in the 1992-93 academic year, represents one of the fast growing academic programs, seeing a surge over the past several years. The 450 total number of honored schools is up from 409 during the 2008-09 school year. The program has increased over 300% in the last ten years.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our work in the classroom,” said co-head coach Wendy Smith. “Along with Curt (Conser), we take great pride in the work our student-athletes do on and off the court. It is certainly a very rewarding experience to have student-athletes that take pride in all of their work.”

Geneva’s program was just one of 17 NCAA Division III programs to join the ranks this past year as a newcomer to the program. The Golden Tornadoes’ volleyball program along with the other athletic teams at Geneva, are beginning their final year under provisional status with NCAA Division III. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Geneva College will be a full-member of NCAA Division III and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College’s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).