PORTLAND, Ore. — Five members of the Montana State University Billings volleyball team have been named to the 2026 Volleyball Academic All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference team, the conference announced earlier this afternoon.
 
Representing the Yellowjackets are senior Avarey Stuff, junior Izzy Ping and sophomores Allie Dorman, Avarie Gutierrez and Adrienne Magdaleno. The five student-athletes earned conference recognition for their academic achievements while contributing to MSUB throughout the 2026 season.
 
"What an honor to have five of our six returners from last year receive the honor," said head coach Scott Keister. "We greatly emphasize the importants of academics in our volleyball program and I am so proud that their efforts are being recognized!"
 
To qualify for Academic All-GNAC honors, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, be in at least their second season of competition for their team and have competed during the 2026 campaign.
 
Gutierrez, a sophomore from Cheyenne, Wyoming, leads the group with a 3.58 GPA while studying health and human performance. She has contributed on the back row for the Yellowjackets this season, and has collected 102 digs in 60 sets, an average of 1.70 digs per set. Gutierrez has also recorded nine service aces and six assists, providing additional contributions in the back row. Her academic performance and consistent defensive work helped her earn a place among MSUB's five Academic All-GNAC selections.
 
Dorman, a sophomore from Colorado Springs, Colorado, carries a 3.57 GPA while pursuing a degree in criminal justice. One of MSUB's leading offensive threats, Dorman ranks 9th in the conference this season with a team-high 236 kills, averaging 3.03 kills per set across 78 sets played. She has also recorded 183 digs, averaging 2.35 per set, while adding 13 service aces and 16 total blocks. Dorman's combination of offensive production and defensive contributions made her an important presence in the Yellowjackets' lineup throughout the season.
 
Ping, a junior from Billings, Montana, holds a 3.53 GPA while majoring in communications. A contributor on both sides of the net, Ping has recorded 107 kills in 71 sets, averaging 1.51 kills per set. She has also added 102 digs and 27 total blocks, including 17 block assists, while contributing nine service aces. Ping's balanced statistical line reflected her ability to support the Yellowjackets' offense while also helping defensively at the net and in the back row.
 
Magdaleno, a sophomore from San Bernardino, California, maintains a 3.36 GPA while pursuing a degree in health and human performance. She has made an impact in the service game, leading the Yellowjackets with 21 service aces, averaging 0.32 per set across 66 sets. Magdaleno has also recorded 81 digs and 10 assists, contributing to MSUB's defensive efforts and serve-receive game. Her production from the service line provided an additional dimension to the Yellowjackets' play throughout the 2026 campaign.
 
Stuff, a senior from Great Falls, Montana, rounds out the group with a 3.36 GPA while majoring in psychology. A returning Academic All-GNAC selection, Stuff continues to serve as a defensive anchor for MSUB, leading the team with 217 digs across 68 sets. She has averaged 3.19 digs per set while adding 40 assists and 13 service aces. Stuff's experience and steady back-row presence provided an important foundation for the Yellowjackets throughout the season.