UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Senior middle blocker Michael Hatch was honored with the Elite 90 award for the 2016 NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball Championship, the association announced Wednesday.
Hatch, who has maintained a 4.0 GPA in his business major, was presented the award during the AVCA Championship Banquet held Wednesday evening at Penn State's Beaver Stadium. In addition to his academic achievements, he has been a major defensive presence on the court. Hatch ranks third nationally in blocks per set with 1.40 and has the second-highest hitting percentage on the team, hitting at a .413 clip.
The award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships. It recognizes the true essence of a student-athlete who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in academic and athletic standing and be an active member of his or her designated squad at the championship site.