Charlotte, N.C. (September 23, 2025) - From powerful serves to clutch digs, these standout student-athletes rose above the net to claim this week’s CIAA Volleyball Player of the Week honors.
Offensive Player – Soniya Garner, Bluefield State
Garner was everywhere for the Big Blue, dominating the net with 50 kills while adding 26 digs and 6 blocks to spark a 2-2 weekend. She tallied double-digit kills in all four matches, including a seaosn-high 16 in a thrilling five-set victory over Kentucky State.
Defensive Player – Nina Edwards, Bowie State
Edwards dominated at the net for Bowie State, racking up 32 kills and 13 blocks (3 solo, 10 assists) while hitting an outstanding .492 over four matches. She posted a hitting percentage above .400 in three contests, including a standout performance against West Chester with 14 kills, 7 blocks, and a .545 mark.
Setter - Gabby Hale, Bluefield State
From setting up the attack to locking down the back row, Gabrielle Hale did it all for the Big Blue, finishing the week with 119 assists, 40 digs, 10 aces, and 5 blocks. She currently leads the CIAA with 268 assists on the season.
Rookie - Aryanna Connell, Claflin
Aryanna continued to shine as one of the CIAA’s premier offensive threats, leading her team in scoring in both matches this week. She opened with seven kills and two block assists against NCAA Division I opponent South Carolina State, then followed with a dominant 18-kill, two-ace performance at Fort Valley State—falling just shy of a double-double with nine digs.
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, visit theciaa.com and follow the CIAA on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.