LEXINGTON, Ky. — Bryant University women's volleyball redshirt junior Nadine Abdat has been named a recipient of the 2026 AVCA-The Marines Battles Won Award by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the organization announced Thursday.  

The award celebrates volleyball coaches and athletes across the country who have overcome significant physical or mental challenges in the past year. Only 15 individuals, five coaches and 10 players, are selected for the honor.  

Abdat has battled through multiple serious lower-leg injuries and dealt with the loss of a close friend during her time at Bryant, but continues to take on every day with a smile on her face, inspiring her coaches, teammates and classmates.  

The North Andover, Massachusetts native has also begun providing color commentary for Bryant volleyball broadcasts on ESPN+ and AmericaEast.TV.  

"I'm so proud of Nadine for finding ways to tell her story and keep her love for athletics alive through giving back by advising our young student-athletes and commentating on-air during our matches," said head coach Theresa Garlacy. 

As part of her recognition, the AVCA has released a digital profile chronicling Abdat's journey that can be accessed here.  

"Earning this award means more to me than I can put into words because this journey has tested me in ways I never could have imagined," said Abdat. "Through it all, I've learned that resilience isn't always about being strong on your own; sometimes, it's about allowing the people around you to help you keep going when you feel like you have nothing left to give. I would not be where I am today without my village: the people who have supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me, and reminded me of who I am on the days when I struggled to see it for myself. This award is not just a reflection of my journey, but also of the love and support that has carried me through it. I'm so incredibly grateful to have my story recognized, and I hope it reminds others facing adversity that our setbacks do not define us, but rather how we choose to rise from them. Even when our journeys look different than we imagined, there is still purpose, growth, and strength to be found along the way, and we don't have to navigate our hardest seasons alone."