Classes are back in session next week, and for the Queens women's volleyball team, that means the real balancing act begins again: practice, lifting, film study, travel, and homework, all competing for the same hours in the day. 

Head Coach Matt Stolz has made academic excellence a pillar of the program. "We believe that being a great student and being a great athlete go hand in hand," he says, "and we expect our student-athletes to pursue both with the same level of commitment and discipline." Ask him how the two connect, and he's even more direct: "We don't view academics as something separate from volleyball. We see them as an essential part of being a champion." 

This mindset persists when you talk to the athletes themselves. As Megan Kelly '28 shares, the opportunities for study hall and access to the resources available on campus are paying off.  "Each semester our GPA goal has increased as a result of our good academic performance from the previous semester," she said. "We know that good academic standing is expected of us just like strong athletic performance." 

For Camryn Teasley '28, that support shows up in the calendar. "A great way our program has supported us academically has been setting up study hall," she said. "Every week we have to get around five hours of study hall, even on the road, before we do anything volleyball related." 

The stats back this up. They have earned the AVCA Team Academic Award for nine straight years, and finished in the top 20% of all DI teams last year. 

To be clear—the coaches aren't doing the work for them. "We expect our players to be proactive, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their academic responsibilities while knowing they have the full support of our staff," shares Stolz. And the players have taken him up on it. "Our players have embraced the responsibility of holding themselves and one another accountable," he said. "That shared commitment has created an environment where academic achievement is celebrated just as enthusiastically as success on the court." 

But they aren't doing it alone. Philanthropic investment provides resources that reduce the stress and challenges student-athletes face throughout the year. Whether it's supporting team travel, quality lodging, nutrition, equipment, or other program needs, donor generosity allows these players to focus more of their energy on their academic and athletic goals rather than the obstacles that can distract from them. 

It's a team culture. A commitment to developing future leaders, graduates, and champions. 

With preseason already underway and classes back in session next week, Brooke Thuss '29 isn't worried. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that this program would always have my back in the classroom." 

Get Involved This Year 

This kind of support doesn't happen without a community behind it. Royal Ralliers, our new way for fans, families, and alumni to show up for the Royals jersey, launches this fall: cheer from the stands, share a post, or start a conversation with a fellow fan. Learn more and sign up today. 

We also invite you to mark your calendars for October 2-9, when the Queens Athletics community joins together in support of our student-athletes for Investing In Champions, the annual week of giving. Early giving starts now, and your support unlocks benefit tiers and Royals Club membership. If you're interested in building momentum and increasing the impact of your gift, reach out to us at athletics@queens.edu to set up a giving challenge.