Bowie, MD. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is delighted to announce the 2024 Volleyball All-Conference selections and superlatives. These exceptional student-athletes have demonstrated extraordinary play, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season.
As voted on by the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association, the CIAA proudly recognizes the following individuals as the best of the best in CIAA volleyball:
2024 CIAA Volleyball All-Conference & Superlatives
Offensive Player of the Year - Jannice Lynch (Bluefield State University)
After a stellar season that saw her help lead the Big Blue back to the postseason, Jannice Lynch has been named the CIAA Volleyball Offensive Player of the Year. Lynch was a force to be reckoned with on the attack, as she led the conference in numerous statistical categories, including kills (361) and total points (460.5). She also had a huge impact with her serve, leading the conference in service aces as well with 70, equating to .63 per set. She was also the week five CIAA Offensive Player of the Week.
Defensive Player of the Year - Jasmine Culp (Fayetteville State University)
After playing a crucial role in Fayetteville State University's success which includes a two-seed ranking in their division, Jasmine Culp was named the CIAA Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year. Culp was the Broncos' leader on the backline, as her scrappy defensive play helped her finish atop the conference in digs per set with 4.53, gathering 308 total digs. She also made her presence felt in the serving game, leading the conference in service aces with .68 per set. She was twice named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Week.
Setter of the Year - Manuela Cripa Nasser (Shaw University)
Manuela Cripa Nasser has been named the 2024 CIAA Volleyball Setter of the Year after a strong senior campaign which saw her lead all setters in assists by a wide margin, totaling 985 assists which was 175 more than the second-place finisher. Her ability to dish out the ball led to the nation's top offensive attack in points, kills, and hitting percentage. Additionally, her 44 services aces was good for sixth in the conference and played a large part in the team ranking first in total service aces. She was named the CIAA Volleyball Setter of the Week four times this season.
Rookie of the Year - Taylor Johnson (Bowie State University)
Despite only being a freshman, Bowie State's Taylor Johnson contributed to the team returning to the postseason for the first time since 2019 and was named the 2024 CIAA Volleyball Rookie of the Year. The rookie libero was all over the court, having gathered double-digit digs in 19 of the team's 29 regular season matches. She compiled an impressive 383 digs which put her fourth in the conference on the season. She was also no stranger to weekly honors, as she earned weekly honors on four occasions this season.
Coach of the Year - Amanda Walker (Virginia State University)
One of the best stories this season came from Virginia State, who saw major improvements from their 2023 campaign. After finishing 10-16 last season and barely squeezing into the postseason, the Trojans were hot out the gate in 2024 and carried that momentum all throughout the season, concluding the regular season at 15-7 and earning the top spot in the northern division with a team comprised of mostly freshmen and transfers. She also accomplished her 100th career win as a coach this season.
Freddie Vaughn Team Academic Award
Winston-Salem State, 3.578 GPA
First Team All-CIAA Volleyball
Libero
Jasmine Culp, Fayetteville State
Middle Hitter/Blocker
Kamille Patrick, Shaw
Nina Edwards, Bowie State
Amihan Johnson, Fayetteville State
Outside Hitter
Jannice Lynch, Bluefield State
Jourdan Page, Fayetteville State
Alana Simmons, Virginia Union
Right Side Hitter
A’Lexus Everett, Fayetteville State
Nicole Taylor, Bowie State
Setter
Manuela Cripa Nasser, Shaw
Gabby Hale, Bluefield State
Utility
Love Riley, Livingstone
Second Team All-CIAA Volleyball
Libero
Kalia Morris, Shaw
Middle Hitter/Blocker
Hailey Hopkins, Shaw
Anya McKinley, Virginia State
Zoe Chesson, Winston-Salem State
Outside Hitter
Talia Emmen, Shaw
Amari Earl, Shaw
Symone Morris, Fayetteville State
Right Side Hitter
Amaya Cooper, Virginia State
Jade Lane, Virginia Union
Setter
Siri Davis, Claflin
Chayse Daniels, Fayetteville State
Utility
Taylor Johnson, Bowie State
All-CIAA Rookie Team
Taylor Johnson, Bowie State
Gabby Hale, Bluefield State
Trinity Loundmon, Bowie State
Gracie Darville, Virginia State
Leanna Beaty, Shaw
Miah Johnson, Livingstone