AVCA T.E.A.M. COMMITTEE | AVCA T.E.A.M. AWARDS
The AVCA is committed to amplifying Togetherness, Empowerment, Accessibility, and Mentoring (T.E.A.M.) within the volleyball coaching community.
The AVCA T.E.A.M. Committee focuses on open, meaningful dialogue and data-informed action aimed at improving access to coaching, professional development, and networking relationship building. We are dedicated to removing the barriers that result in a disproportionate need for support among historically under-resourced demographics.
By grounding our decision-making in data points relevant to participation gaps and career pathway hurdles, the Committee seeks to elevate the sport of volleyball through the AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards Initiative. This coach development initiative focuses on recognizing and developing excellence within populations that face statistically significant obstacles to advancement.
The AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards are a demonstration of the Association’s commitment to the volleyball coaching profession and the sport of volleyball. The AVCA, in collaboration with the newly established AVCA T.E.A.M. Committee1, is committed to fostering a strong sense of community, delivering meaningful value, and empowering coaches as leaders at all levels of the sport of volleyball—while also supporting their growth and long-term success in their coaching careers.
The awards program, through an online application process, seeks to identify targeted volleyball coach recipients who will receive a complimentary pre-convention & full convention registration package along with up to five nights of lodging to attend the AVCA Convention. *
Club, High School, and Collegiate (indoor and beach) volleyball coaches are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to first-time AVCA Convention attendees. At the conclusion of the application process the AVCA T.E.A.M. Selection Subcommittee will oversee the review of the submissions and the selection of the award recipients.
The award recipients will have a curriculum of coaching education programming and mentoring functions specifically targeted at them during their time at the convention. Dedicated programming sessions and Convention sessions will be facilitated by veteran volleyball coaches and industry leaders. The objective of these sessions being to provide relevant and timely information and best practices to empower and assist in the recipients’ development as on-court tacticians and off-the-court managers and mentors. Recipients will also be integrated into the Program’s alumni engagement program that consists of continuing education, relationship building, and mentoring upon completion of the initial programming.
In May of 2016, the AVCA Board of Directors affirmed the Association’s commitment to eliminating barriers to advancement in the volleyball coaching profession. This affirmation was in response to the suspension of prior grant funding and support from the NCAA. It was decided that proceeds from the annual AVCA Silent Auction and individual donations would fund programming at the AVCA Convention that supports the coach development initiatives of the Association.
Two overarching objectives of this program are to integrate each of these selected recipients and residually impact this same target audience with sustained engagement in the larger volleyball community that includes demonstrated involvement with their national coaches’ association, the AVCA, and ultimately impact the sport by being teachers and champions of the game. Secondly, it is important that because of this program the sport realizes tangible and quantitative evidence of increased opportunities at all levels of the sport (notably “Power 4”, NCAA D-I women’s volleyball programs, and professional volleyball).
CLICK HERE FOR THE AVCA T.E.A.M. AWARD APPLICATION – APPLY BY OCTOBER 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM EASTERN TIME
The AVCA will contact all applicants and nominees on or before October 19 regarding the selection process for 2026. Selected recipients will receive instructions and orientation regarding their participation in the AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards initiative.
The AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards Program is generously supported with proceeds from the AVCA Convention Silent Auction and private donations.
If you have any questions, please contact AVCA Staff Liaison Mr. Kennedy Wells, by e-mail, kennedy.wells@avca.org or by phone, 866-544-2822.
#BeAMovement #WeAreAVCA
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1On July 14, 2025, a recommendation(s) to establish the AVCA Ad Hoc T.E.A.M. Committee was submitted to the AVCA Board of Directors. On July 16, 2025, a vote of the board of directors approved the recommendation(s) to establish the AVCA Ad Hoc T.E.A.M. Committee. The AVCA Ad Hoc T.E.A.M. Committee was established by recommendation to the AVCA Board of Directors on July 14, 2025. The term for the Ad Hoc Committee’s task to 1) address barriers to advancement and participation in the sport of volleyball and 2) sustain a meaningful path for recognition and programming associated with the AVCA Convention and beyond will end on April 30, 2026.
On April 29, 2026, the AVCA Board of Directors adopted the recommendation(s) coming from the Ad Hoc T.E.A.M. Committee and the permanent AVCA T.E.A.M. Committee was established effective May 1, 2026.
To learn more about the AVCA Ad Hoc T.E.A.M. Committee or to donate, click here.
*Hotel accommodation at the AVCA Convention is subject to double occupancy based on availability.
