PORTLAND, Ore. – Led by veterans and accounting majors Eve Stephens and Ellen Floyd, the University of Alaska Anchorage landed five players Tuesday on the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Volleyball Academic All-Academic Team, presented by Barnes & Noble College.

Stephens, a junior right-side hitter from Palmer (Colony HS), earned the award for the second year in a row, posting UAA's top overall grade-point average at 3.95. The All-GNAC and All-America performer was a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection as a sophomore in 2019 as well.

Floyd, a junior from Pensacola, Fla., also earned her second consecutive GNAC all-academic honor with her 3.82 overall GPA. The All-GNAC setter is a double major in accounting and economics.

Senior middle blocker Vera Pluharova earned her third straight all-academic nod with a 3.37 overall GPA. The Nechanice, Czech Republic, native is a natural sciences major.

Junior libero Talia Leauanae, an art major from Wailuku, Hawaii, picked up repeat honors with her 3.34 GPA, while sophomore outside hitter Hannah Pembroke earned the award in her first year of eligibility. An English major from Chico, Calif., Pembroke carries a 3.73 overall GPA.

Despite not having an official conference season in 2020-21 due to the global pandemic, the GNAC is continuing to honor its student-athletes for their continuing accomplishments in the classroom.

A student-athlete must have a minimum 3.20 overall GPA and at least one year of playing experience at a GNAC institution to qualify for the team.