CHARLOTTE, NC (August 4, 2025) – Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is proud to announce the addition of Ms. Naiya Dalce as the Coordinator for Championships, Compliance, and Governance. Dalce brings a dynamic blend of legal expertise, leadership, and a passion for collegiate athletics that aligns seamlessly with the CIAA’s mission of integrity and excellence in student-athlete support.
Dalce has already amassed considerable experience across various sectors of sports law and administration. Her background includes legal internships with Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Rise HBCU, and the USPTO Clinic, as well as event planning experience with the Durham Sports Commission. Additionally, she is a proud alumna of Marymount University, where she earned a B.A. in English and served as a men’s basketball manager. Following her time at Marymount, she went on to earn her juris doctorate from North Carolina Central University. She also participated in the Black Sports Business Academy, a development program designed to equip students with the tools, connections, and insights needed to successfully navigate and advance within sports industry careers.
Dalce’s recent participation in the NFL HBCU Experienceship Seed Kit Program where she placed second in a league-sponsored competition highlights her forward-thinking approach to addressing legal and business challenges within the sports industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Naiya to the CIAA team,” said Eddie Weatherington, Senior Associate Commissioner for Governance and Sport Administration. “She brings a wealth of legal knowledge and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Her experience, work ethic, and passion for the student-athlete experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our championships and compliance efforts.” Dalce will play a key role in supporting the CIAA’s championships operations, compliance protocols, and governance initiatives ensuring that member institutions and student-athletes thrive in a well-structured and equitable environment.
Media Contact:
Anna Buzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications & External Partnerships
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abuzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.