LEXINGTON, Ky. — William & Mary volleyball alumna Amy Schwem was named an honoree of the AVCA-USMC Battles Won Award, the organization announced earlier on Friday.

The award, sponsored annually, by the American Volleyball Coaches Assocation, recognizes volleyball players and coaches who overcome significant obstacles both on and off the court during the past year.

Schwem, a four-year setter for the Tribe, finished her career with 2,124 assists, which ranks second-most in the current scoring era in program history (since 2008). The Chicago-area native overcame numerous injuries to lead the Tribe in assists all four years of her career and is one of seven players to reach the 2,000-assist plateau. She also ranks top-10 in career service aces and digs.

Schwem also battled autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. The disease causes a variety of complications, including joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, skin and mouth rashes or ulcers, nausea, and recurring fever.

Off the court, Schwem founded The Autoimmune Athlete, a platform that functions as a support system for athletes who are also battling autoimmune disease, providing them with education and camaraderie. Schwem is also on the board of directors for The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health awareness, education, and support for athletes, and has developed her own merchandise line for The Autoimmune Athlete.

ABOUT THE AVCA-USMC BATTLES WON AWARD
The AVCA presents the stories of 16 individuals — five coaches and 11 players — in the volleyball community who have faced hardships and come back strong. Their stories are being shared over six weeks during the fall.

At the AVCA Convention in Kansas City this December, two of the honorees will be presented with the 2025 AVCA-The Marines Battles Won Award.

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