Congratulations to volleyball senior Maya Sands on making the prestigious 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-American second team! 

The 2025 All-American volleyball teams are selected by the College Sports Communicators and recognize top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. An All-American recognition is the highest academic honor a student-athlete can receive. Maya was an honorable mention in 2024.  

Maya earned numerous accolades as a Tiger. She dominated the SEC and was named a three-time SEC Libero of the Year, three-time All-SEC honoree and a three-time All-District team selection. She is also ranked third in program history for number of digs, ending her Tiger career with 1,588. Along with these accomplishments, Maya remained a role model in the classroom and was listed on the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll each season.  

In December, she signed with the League One Volleyball Houston professional team in Houston, Texas to continue her volleyball career. She will graduate in May with her bachelor’s in parks, recreation, sport and tourism: sport management. 

Maya’s accomplishments reflect the drive of all student-athletes to achieve excellence on and off the court. Last Saturday, men’s basketball senior Mark Mitchell reached 1,500 career points. In addition, our No. 7 gymnastics team and No. 18 wresting team continue to advance up the NCAA rankings. 

I’m proud of Maya, Mark and every Tiger for showing their Will to Win in competition, in the classroom and throughout the world. MIZ! 

— Mun