Are you ready to celebrate outstanding volleyball talent? The AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) has exciting updates for the 2024 AVCA High School All-America Volleyball Program and the prestigious Best and Brightest Awards. These programs highlight the incredible achievements of high school athletes across the country.
Announcement of All-America Teams
On November 18th, 2024, the AVCA will announce its three All-America Teams. The first team will include 24 elite athletes, while the second and third teams will each consist of 48 players. Additionally, 120 players will receive the All-America Honorable Mention designation, totaling 240 talented athletes being recognized. But that’s not all – the All-Region Teams will include the top 50% of players nominated from each region.
Expanded Eligibility for Nominations
For the first time, nominations are open to non-Seniors, including exceptional Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors. These younger athletes will be evaluated with the same criteria as Senior players. Nominations for both All-America and Best and Brightest open on October 11th, 2024, and close on October 21st, 2024.
Introducing the AVCA National Player of the Year
In an exciting new addition to the awards, the AVCA is unveiling the National Player of the Year Award for the first time. Four finalists will be invited to the 2024 AVCA All-America Banquet in Louisville, Kentucky on December 20th, where the winner will be revealed. Travel and accommodation will be covered for the finalists. Also, each of the 10 AVCA Regions will select a Region Player of the Year. While a Watchlist will be published in September, players do not need to be on this list to be selected as a finalist.
AVCA Best and Brightest Award
First introduced in 2021, the Best and Brightest Award honors Senior athletes who excel both academically and athletically. To be eligible, athletes must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 during their junior year and participate in at least 50% of their Senior varsity season. Awards are given out on three levels – First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention – depending on GPA.
Nomination Process and Important Deadlines
If you are a high school coach and an AVCA member, you can submit nominations via the AVCA Awards Portal. Players can be nominated for the All-America awards and not necessarily for the Best and Brightest award. Stats submissions through MaxPreps or the AVCA site are highly recommended for full evaluation but are not mandatory.
Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar:
- October 11, 2024: Nominations open for All-America and Best and Brightest.
- October 21, 2024: Nominations close.
- November 18, 2024: Announcement of the All-America Teams and the Four National Player of the Year Finalists.
National Player and Coaches of the Year
The AVCA National Player of the Year will be announced at the banquet on December 20th, while Region Coaches of the Year will be announced on November 20th, followed by the National Coaches of the Year on November 27th.
Conclusion
If you want to recognize the outstanding achievements of young volleyball stars, make sure to submit your nominations on time. This year’s expanded eligibility for underclassmen, the introduction of the National Player of the Year, and the continued focus on academic excellence with the Best and Brightest Awards ensure that every exceptional athlete can be honored.