WINTHROP, Mass. - The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) unveiled its 2025 women's volleyball postseason honors on Tuesday afternoon, with the Norwich University women's volleyball team earning its first-ever GNAC Institutional Sportsmanship Award and senior Autumn Parkhurst (Parish, N.Y.) being named to the GNAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

The Institutional Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to one women's volleyball program in the conference that exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, respect, fairness, and positive conduct throughout the season.  Selected by votes from opposing coaches, the honor recognizes a program's commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment among players, coaches, and fans.

The Cadets distinguished themselves through their character and leadership in a year defined by perseverance, growth, and team unity.  Norwich's wins came in straight-sets over Vermont State University Lyndon and Lesley University, while a host of other matches saw the Cadets push opponents to tightly contested sets and emotional rallies.

Second-year Head Coach Karin Parkhurst '96 praised her squad's unwavering commitment to sportsmanship through every obstacle.

"Words cannot truly express how proud I am of the 2025 team for earning the Institutional Sportsmanship Award," Parkhurst said.  "This team embodied what true sportsmanship is.  Through the adversities they overcame this season, they responded with integrity, respect, and teamwork.  Their leadership, fair play, positive communication, respect for opponents, and their support for each other and the broader community are a true representation of Norwich and the GNAC's values.  As a coach of such fine young women, I am humbled and appreciate each day that I spend with them."

The Cadets opened the year by hosting the annual Vermont Volleyball Classic, a two-day event that brought together intrastate opponents VTSU Lyndon, VTSU Johnson, and VTSU Castleton for a spirited tournament on the Andrews Hall hardwood.  Norwich later hosted its third annual Dig Pink Rally in partnership with The Side-Out Foundation, raising awareness for metastatic breast cancer during an emotional night against Elms College.  The event featured a pre-match tribute with carnations to honor those impacted by breast cancer and a post-match serving challenge that engaged fans and the community in a shared cause.

Norwich also capped the season with a heartfelt Senior Day celebration against GNAC regular season champion Emmanuel College, honoring the careers of Sarah DeBot (Rochester, N.Y.), Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.), and Autumn Parkhurst prior to opening serve.

The Cadets also celebrated the selection of Autumn Parkhurst to the GNAC All-Sportsmanship Team, a recognition awarded to one representative from each GNAC institution who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship and character on and off the court.

A four-year contributor and steady presence in the Cadet backcourt, Parkhurst appeared in 78 matches and 262 sets during her career.  She compiled 626 digs, 329 assists, 65 aces, and 43 kills, while tallying five block assists across her tenure.  She logged a career-high 30 assists in her final road match at MCLA, while helping mentor a roster throughout the 2025 campaign.

With a foundation rooted in service, leadership, and sportsmanship, the Cadets will look to build forward into the 2026 season while continuing to represent Norwich's values on and off the court.