AVCA Release
 
LEXINGTON, Ky.—After Bethel University's unforgettable finish to the 2015 volleyball season, the Royals were rewarded with their highest AVCA Top 25 ranking in program history at No. 11. Their national respect continued throughout the offseason and into the new year, as BU was voted No. 12 in the preseason AVCA Division III Coaches Top-25 Poll.
 
The Royals, who received 615 points, finished 2015 with a 25-10 record, which marked the most wins in a single season since the 1987 campaign. BU was not only voted ahead of UW-Whitewater, UW-Stevens Point, and Hope, but also ahead of all other MIAC institutions.
 
Head Coach Gretchen Hunt, who enters her 16th season, and her squad arrive on campus Friday, August 19 with the first day of practice slated for Saturday, August 20. The team will then volunteer at the Special Olympics Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 21 before jumping into a full week of preseason camp.
 
The Royals then host five teams on the opening weekend of play for the 2016 Bethel Volleyball Invitational. BU will play Nebraska Wesleyan and Willamette University on Friday, September 2, followed by Wartburg College and Wheaton College on Saturday, September 3.
 
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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 AVCA coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy and professional development. With a membership of over 6,400 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.