LEXINGTON, Ky. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that 191 teams, and clubs earned the 2020 AVCA Community Voting Award. The Salem volleyball team and head coach Bouaketh Chanthavisouk were the lone unit from the USA South Conference to receive the honor.
This new award was started to encourage eligible coaches and student-athletes to exercise their civic duty through participation in the democratic process. In order to win the AVCA Community Voting Award, 100 percent of eligible student-athletes and staff had to vote in the 2020 November election.
"Our goal as leaders of young people is to model responsible behavior and to instill good habits," said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer. "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."
Winning teams will receive a congratulatory letter, a frameable certificate and the AVCA will send a letter of acknowledgement to the institution's director of athletics and president.
"Voting is not to be taken for granted," said Chanthavisouk. "It's a right that is sometimes denied to others. Our team believes that one of the ways we can affect change is to educate ourselves on the issues we face and make the time to vote for those people that will do what is right for all people. I'm very proud of my team and their efforts to spread the word about registering and voting."
The recognition by the AVCA marks the second time in the calendar year that the Salem Department of Athletics has received a major community service award. On January 15, 2020, the department received the NADIIIAA Community Service One Time Project / Activity Award from NACDA. NACDA, which is the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, recognized Salem for its commitment to Day of Service activities which took place in the Winston-Salem community in 2019.
By subgroup, NCAA Women's Division I led the way with 96 recipients, followed by NCAA Women's Division III with 41. In total 10 collegiate men's programs received the award. A total of 14 club and high school staffs also qualified based on their participation.
The AVCA Community Voting Award will be offered again in November of 2022, the next national election day.
The AVCA, with its headquarters in Lexington, Ky., is managed by Associations International. The mission of the AVCA is to advance the sport of volleyball with the AVCA coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. With a membership of over 8,000 and counting, the AVCA provides a professional network for those individuals and companies dedicated to enhancing and promoting the sport. Members include collegiate, high school, club, youth, and Olympic coaches, as well as volleyball club directors. The AVCA provides education to volleyball coaches, recognition of elite players and coaches, promotion of volleyball competitions throughout the world, and networking opportunities for volleyball products and services providers. Further information is available at www.avca.org.
CLUB TEAMS
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