WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Volleyball has been recognized as a 2022-23 Academic Team of the Year by the NJCAA for its performance in the classroom.

To be recognized, team members must combine for a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better. For the past academic year, Polk State Volleyball players combined for a 3.17 GPA.

"It's all part of our culture," Head Coach Dayanna Barbosa said. "We push them to do well in volleyball and in life."

For the 2022-23 Academic Year, Polk State had five different players earn All-FCSAA Academic Team honors: setter Maria Luiza Barreis, setter/libero Aitza Cruz, outside hitter Carolina Guerreiro, libero Irene Mostardini, and outside hitter Maria Munoz. Guerreiro and Mostardini were each named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team with GPAs of greater than 3.6.

"I knew I never had to worry about much in the classroom with this team," Barbosa added. "They were as dedicated to their academics as they were their volleyball. We emphasize that as student-athletes, the 'student' part has to come first."

Polk State Volleyball was among 65 teams from the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) to earn the recognition. As a whole, Polk State had 31 athletes named to the FCSAA All-Academic Team and 10 named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team.