The USMC-AVCA Battles Won Award recognizes volleyball players and coaches who are overcoming obstacles on and off the court.

As part of this new award, the AVCA gathered nominations and is proud to present the stories of a dozen individuals in the volleyball community who have faced hardships and come back strong. These profiles were shared over six weeks this fall—one player and one coach per week—of the following people who are redefining courage. Click the links to read their stories.

At the AVCA Convention in Tampa this December, Chris Wakefield and Jasy Donald will be presented with the 2023 USMC-AVCA Battles Won Award.

PLAYERS

Jasy Donald, D.W. Daniel High School
Haley Hallgren, UCLA
Halle Julian, Eastern Nazarene
Jenna Schulte, Central Missouri
Grace Tice, Bethany College
Mahalia White, North Florida

COACHES

Ally Coyle, Ohio Christian
Jessica Day, Bryan College
Steve Grotowski, Florida Atlantic
Greg Kimmel, Susquehanna
Lynze Roos, Wofford
Chris Wakefield, Godwin High School and Richmond Volleyball Club