Central receives volleyball academic award for 17th straight year

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA—For a record 17th straight year, the Central College volleyball team has received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

It’s the most consecutive years any Division III college has received the honor. Central has been cited 18 times overall. 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 program is in its 25th year and Central is among 150 Division III schools cited.

Central had nine players earn academic all-Iowa Conference recognition last fall, which requires a 3.50 or better cumulative GPA. Current seniors Jenna Dille (Carlisle), Kylie Gerstein (Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS), Gretchen Kistenmacher (Holstein, Ridge View HS), Emily McDonald (Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) and Josie Youel (Traer, North Tama HS) were honored, along with Chapel Carter (junior, Colorado Springs, Colo., Coronado HS) and Madison Egger (junior, Lincoln, Neb., Southwest HS) as well as May graduates Nicole Ewoldt (Hull, Boyden-Hull HS) and Shannon Stuart (Buckingham, North Tama HS).

“I’m inheriting a program with a lot of high standards and this is the highest standard that Central has set for future volleyball teams and for the nation,” new coach Jeanne Czipri said. “To have the record for the most consecutive academic awards is something to really be proud of. It’s a testament to the coaches who preceded me and certainly to Central’s players. It shows that you can win at a high level and still have a great academic experience, study abroad and be involved in other campus activities. That’s what I love about Division III and Central does it as well as any school I’ve ever seen.”