Fayetteville State Named CIAA Bowling Preseason Favorite as Conference Celebrates 25 Years of Championship Excellence
Seven student-athletes earn Preseason All-Conference honors as the CIAA prepares to celebrate a milestone season in women's bowling.
CHARLOTTE, NC (October 29, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) has announced its 2026 Bowling Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-Conference Team, officially setting the stage for a historic season as the conference celebrates the
25th anniversary of the CIAA Bowling Championship.
For 25 years, CIAA bowling has provided a platform for talented student-athletes to compete, represent their institutions, and contribute to the conference's rich tradition of athletic excellence. This milestone season presents an opportunity to honor the programs, coaches, and student-athletes who have shaped the championship's history while celebrating the next generation of competitors carrying that tradition forward.
Fayetteville State University enters the milestone season as the preseason favorite, earning the top spot in the Predicted Order of Finish. Bowie State University follows in second place, while Virginia State University rounds out the top three.
Shaw University was selected fourth, followed by Livingstone College in fifth, Elizabeth City State University in sixth, and Virginia Union University in seventh.
With the championship's silver anniversary on the horizon, the 2026 season brings added significance as seven programs prepare to compete for conference honors and an opportunity to become part of CIAA bowling history.
Fayetteville State Leads Preseason All-Conference Selections
Fayetteville State University leads the preseason recognition with two student-athletes earning All-Conference honors.
Nicole Sarko and Janari Aiken represent the Broncos on the seven-member preseason team.
Virginia State University also earned two selections, with
Janaya Ward and Rylie Banks representing the Trojans.
Bowie State University's
Arianna Clayton, Elizabeth City State University's
Stephanie Smith, and Virginia Union University's
Anela Trites complete the 2026 Preseason All-Conference Team.
The seven honorees represent five CIAA institutions and highlight the talent that will be on display throughout the conference's anniversary season.
2026 CIAA Bowling Predicted Order of Finish
- Fayetteville State University
- Bowie State University
- Virginia State University
- Shaw University
- Livingstone College
- Elizabeth City State University
- Virginia Union University
2026 CIAA Bowling Preseason All-Conference Team
| Student-Athlete |
Institution |
| Nicole Sarko |
Fayetteville State University |
| Janari Aiken |
Fayetteville State University |
| Arianna Clayton |
Bowie State University |
| Janaya Ward |
Virginia State University |
| Rylie Banks |
Virginia State University |
| Stephanie Smith |
Elizabeth City State University |
Celebrating 25 Years of CIAA Bowling Championship Excellence
The 2026 season marks a special chapter in CIAA history as the conference celebrates
25 years of its Bowling Championship, recognizing a legacy of competition, sportsmanship, and opportunities for women in collegiate athletics.
Over the years, the CIAA Bowling Championship has served as more than a competition. It has provided student-athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their talents, build lifelong relationships, represent their institutions with pride, and contribute to the lasting legacy of women's athletics within the conference.
The silver anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the championship's history, recognize those who helped establish and sustain the sport, and celebrate the continued growth of CIAA bowling.
As the conference prepares for this milestone championship, the CIAA looks forward to honoring the past while celebrating the student-athletes and programs who will help shape its future.
Twenty-five years of competition. Twenty-five years of excellence. One championship legacy.
The Road to the 25th CIAA Bowling Championship
As the 2026 season begins, each program will look to build momentum throughout conference competition with its sights set on the 25th CIAA Bowling Championship.
While preseason predictions provide an early look at the conference landscape, the championship will ultimately be decided on the lanes.
This anniversary season will be about more than crowning a champion. It will celebrate 25 years of dedication, determination, and the student-athletes who have helped make CIAA bowling an important part of the conference's athletic tradition.
Fans are encouraged to follow the journey throughout the season as the CIAA prepares to celebrate this historic milestone.
For schedules, standings, championship information, and updates, visit
theCIAA.com.
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee, MBA
Senior Associate Commissioner
Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®)
mlee@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) is the nation's oldest historically Black athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in NCAA Division II athletics. The CIAA conducts 14 championships annually and attracts more than 150,000 fans to its championship events and activities.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is comprised of 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (PA), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information, visit theCIAA.com.