The award is presented to teams and coaches that have prioritized civic engagement by achieving 100% voter participation in the last election. The award is a brand-new offering by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and will be offered as a bi-annual award in the coming years.
Eastern New Mexico is one of just 19 Division II programs across the country to receive the honor.
To win the award, 100 percent of eligible student-athletes and staff had to vote in the 2020 November election. Winning teams receive a congratulatory letter, a frameable certificate, and a letter of acknowledgement to the institution’s director of athletics and president.
“Our goal as leaders of young people is to model responsible behavior and to instill good habits,” said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer in a release made by the AVCA. “Whether it’s the court, the classroom, or the voting booth, coaches matter in the lives of their players. This award is another way to highlight that fact.”
Head coach Sia Poyer and his program continued to illustrate the program’s continued focus on community and civic engagement during this year’s voting period, and have been commended for their efforts.
