Volleyball Champs With 3.8 GPA Honored at State Capitol

When you win your school's first national volleyball championship and maintain a 3.8 GPA, lawmakers take notice.

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners volleyball team received a special tribute at the Colorado State Capitol on Monday. Colorado legislators honored the athletes for their historic 32-3 season and the school's first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference national volleyball title.

But the celebration wasn't just about athletic prowess. Senator Chris Kolker emphasized what made this team truly exceptional: their dedication to academics alongside athletics.

"These student-athletes also dominate in the classroom," Kolker told the assembled group. The team earned recognition as Academic All-Americans, with two players receiving individual honors for their scholarly achievements.

For junior player Alivia Huxoll, standing in the Capitol felt surreal. "It made us feel special, and the recognition was such an honor," she said. "I am super grateful for getting the opportunity to be here and be honored for our volleyball championship, the first one in Colorado."

The day extended beyond celebrating athletic achievement. MSU Denver students, faculty, and alumni spent the afternoon meeting with state legislators to discuss higher education priorities and workforce development.

Kyle Piccola, director of Government Affairs at MSU Denver, watched as students shared their experiences with lawmakers. "You never know the power of a conversation," he said. "Students, faculty and staff all bring unique perspectives, and turning those voices into advocacy at the Capitol has a significant impact."

Why This Inspires

This story reminds us that success isn't one-dimensional. These student-athletes didn't choose between excellence on the court and achievement in the classroom. They pursued both with equal dedication and proved that young people can thrive when given proper support and opportunity.

Their recognition at the state level also sends a powerful message to other students: hard work in all areas of life gets noticed. When lawmakers pause their busy schedules to honor a team's academic achievements alongside athletic victories, it reinforces that education remains a priority worth celebrating.

The Roadrunners showed Colorado what's possible when universities invest in student success both on and off the field.