Here’s a bold statement: excelling in both academics and athletics is no small feat, yet South Dakota’s volleyball program just proved it’s possible—and they’re doing it in style. Three of their standout athletes, Avery Van Hook, Kamryn Farris, and Amanda Loschen, have been named to the prestigious Summit League Volleyball Academic All-League team, announced by the league office on Monday. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: South Dakota claimed three out of the seven spots on the team, making them the only program with multiple athletes honored this year.
Avery Van Hook continues her streak, earning this recognition for the second consecutive season, while Kamryn Farris and Amanda Loschen join her on the list for the first time in their careers. And this isn’t their only accolade—all three were also named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Team, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
But here’s the part most people miss: to even qualify for the Academic All-League team, student-athletes must meet rigorous standards. They need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale, must have completed at least one full academic year at their institution, and must have participated in 50% of their team’s competitions. It’s a testament to their dedication, discipline, and time management skills—qualities that don’t just happen overnight.
Nominations are submitted by sports information directors (SIDs) from participating schools, and voting is conducted by both SIDs and faculty athletics representatives (FARs). The final team consists of the ten student-athletes who receive the most votes, with all ties standing.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Summit League Volleyball Academic All-League Team:
| Name | School | Yr. | Pos. | GPA | Major |
|----------------------|------------------|---------|----------|---------|--------------------------------|
| Ally Barth | NDSU | Sr. | MB | 3.94 | Management Communication |
| Kamryn Farris | South Dakota | Sr. | DS | 3.75 | Business |
| Avery Van Hook | South Dakota | Jr. | S | 3.87 | Kinesiology & Sport Management|
| Kali Jurgensmeier | Omaha | Sr. | OH | 3.82 | Biology |
| Amanda Loschen | South Dakota | Jr. | MB | 3.86 | Medical Biology |
| Lauren Perugini | North Dakota | Jr. | OH | 4.00 | Dietetics |
| Joslyn Richardson | SDSU | Jr. | DS | 4.00 | Construction Management |
Career Academic All-League honors are denoted by *.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Is it fair that athletes with high GPAs are often celebrated more than those who excel solely in their sport? After all, athletics require just as much dedication and sacrifice. Or do you think academic achievements should be given extra recognition because they prepare athletes for life beyond the court? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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