Winston-Salem, NC – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is delighted to announce the 2023-24 Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Year. These exceptional athletes have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and sportsmanship throughout the season.

As voted on by the CIAA Track and Field Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, the CIAA proudly recognizes the following individuals as the best of the best in CIAA Indoor Track and Field. These premier student-athletes were recognized during Day 1 of the 2023-24 CIAA Indoor Track & Field Championship at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, NC.
 
Freshman sensation Sprinter, Hayleigh Bryant left an unforgettable mark with her extraordinary performances throughout this season. Bryant got off to an incredible start to the season at the HBCU Showcase where she secured a personal record in the 200m with a first-place finish at 24.95. Continuing her winning streak at the JDL Flat is Fast Invitational, she claimed another first-place finish in the 200m with a swift time of 25.00. Bryant’s 25.00 mark, when converted, stands at a 24.62, propelling her to the top of the CIAA standings. Not only a solo force, but Hayleigh also showcased her team spirit as a crucial leg in the victorious 4x400 relay. Determined to reach new heights, she soared at the Camel City Invitational, achieving a personal best in the 400m with a time of 57.94, converting to an electrifying 57.18. This exceptional performance solidifies her position at #3 in both the CIAA and Atlantic Region standings for the 400m. Bryant enters today's Championship undefeated in the 200m and looks to continue her dominance. 

M'Smrya “Shea” Seward continues her excellence in field athletics, securing her second consecutive Women's Field Athlete of the Year title. A senior long jumper of undeniable talent, Seward possesses remarkable records as a three-time NCAA All-American. Currently ranked fourth in the Division, she consistently demonstrates her prowess on the field. Notably, at the USC Invite in SC, Seward not only clinched victory in the women's long jump but also dominated the overall competition with an impressive leap of 6.11. This extraordinary mark not only secured her first place in the conference but also established her as the frontrunner in the Division II Atlantic Region. Seward will enter today’s contests ready to leave her everlasting mark as the CIAA Women’s Long Jump Champion.  

Sophomore Terrell Robinson continues to showcase his dominance on the track, winning his second consecutive Men's Track Athlete of the Year title. The HBCU Showcase proved to be a stage for his dominance, with Robinson securing a spectacular victory in the 60m finals with a lightning-fast time of 6.64 seconds. This notable performance not only ranks him second in NCAA Division II but also earned him a well-deserved qualification for Indoor Nationals. Gaining ground with each stride, Robinson not only set a new meet record but also established a new school record. The magnitude of this achievement becomes even more impressive when considering that seven out of the nine finalists represented Division I Universities. Robinson enters the Indoor Championship ready to lead his Falcons to victory. 

Markus White, a promising freshman jumper, has burst onto the collegiate track and field scene with an impressive start to his career. Notably, he secured a victory at the HBCU Showcase in the men's Long Jump, showcasing a season’s best leap of 7.10m (23'3’’). His skill was further evident at the VMI Invitational, where he claimed the third spot in the men's Long Jump with a 7.03m (23'0’’). However, it was at the Liberty Open that White truly shined, earning the top position in the men's Long Jump with a personal best mark of 7.39m (24'2 ¾”). This remarkable achievement not only stands as a NCAA Provisional Mark but also places him at #13 in the Division II rankings and secured his position as the top performer in the CIAA. Markus enters today’s Indoor Championship hungry for a Trojans’ victory. 

The CIAA extends its gratitude to all the athletes, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support and dedication to CIAA Indoor Track and Field. Stay tuned for exciting updates and announcements as we continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our conference's outstanding athletes.

For more information and to stay updated on CIAA news and events, please visit 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.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 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, Saint Augustine's University, 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.