Charlotte, NC (November 12, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces the official bracket for the 46th CIAA Volleyball Championship, set for November 21–23 on the campus of Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. The three-day event will feature the conference’s top eight programs competing for the CIAA title, with two-time defending champion Shaw University returning to the field in pursuit of a third consecutive crown.
Parity defined the 2025 regular season, as co-champions emerged in both divisions. Virginia State and Virginia Union shared the Northern Division title, while Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State finished atop the South. Each of the eight qualifiers earned its place through consistent play, key divisional wins, and standout performances across one of the most competitive volleyball seasons in recent CIAA history.
2025 CIAA Volleyball Championship Field
Northern Division
Virginia State University (8–2)*
Virginia Union University (8–2)*
Bluefield State University (7–3)
Bowie State University (5–5)
Southern Division
Winston-Salem State University (8–2)*
Fayetteville State University (8–2)*
Shaw University (7–3)
Livingstone College (4–6)
Quarterfinal Matchups – Friday, November 21 | A.C. Jordan Arena (Bowie, MD)
11:00 AM – (1N) Virginia State vs. (4S) Livingstone
Virginia State captured the North’s top seed with a disciplined, veteran-driven roster and one of the most physical front lines in the CIAA. The Trojans lead the conference in blocks per set (2.02), anchored by Celene McLean (0.91 blocks per set) and De’Mya Robinson, while Gracie Darville (3.11 kills per set) provides steady offense on the outside. All-CIAA libero Kellee Craig (4.96 digs per set) sets the tone defensively and is among the most reliable passers in the league. Livingstone, led by Love Riley (3.10 kills per set) and libero Mackenzie Morgan (3.53 digs per set), brings balance and grit, with a lineup that thrives in long rallies. The Blue Bears enter battle-tested, having gone five sets in multiple late-season matches.
1:30 PM – (2N) Virginia Union vs. (3S) Shaw
The nightcap features two programs that know how to win in November. Virginia Union has surged into the postseason with four straight wins, riding the all-around play of setter Ashlee Franklin (6.91 assists per set) and middle Madison Hill (.301 hitting percentage). The Panthers also boast one of the CIAA’s most effective serving units (2.18 aces per set) and a balanced defense anchored by Alana Simmons, who ranks among the top servers in the league. Shaw, the two-time defending champion, remains the standard until someone proves otherwise. The Bears rank third in hitting percentage (.201) and kills per set (10.96), powered by MaKayla Brown (2.92 kills per set) and Sydni Hunter (.303 hitting percentage). With two titles under their belt, the Bears enter with confidence, experience, and the patience to handle the moment.
4:00 PM – (1S) Winston-Salem State vs. (4N) Bowie State
Winston-Salem State stormed into the postseason on a five-match win streak and shared the South Division crown behind one of the conference’s most efficient attacks. The Rams lead the CIAA in hitting percentage (.213) and digs per set (15.46), powered by the dominant play of Holiday Ellis (3.33 kills per set) and Zoe Chesson, who leads all players with a .411 hitting percentage. Setter Celina Johnson and libero Kalyn Cuthbertson (3.88 digs per set) provide tempo and stability. Bowie State, the tournament host, will look to ride the energy of its home crowd inside A.C. Jordan Arena. The Bulldogs are anchored by All-CIAA performer Nina Edwards, who ranks second in hitting percentage (.374) and first in total blocks (0.98 per set), while Lyric Snowden (2.57 kills per set) offers offensive spark from the wing.
6:30 PM – (2S) Fayetteville State vs. (3N) Bluefield State
Fayetteville State, the South’s co-champion and perennial contender, enters as the CIAA’s most consistent program; organized, efficient, and difficult to disrupt. The Broncos rank first in opponent hitting percentage (.103) and second in team assists (10.56 per set). Symone Morris (3.29 kills per set) and Chiara Vittoni (3.16) lead an experienced offense directed by Giovanna Teixeira (7.44 assists per set), while Jasmine Culp (3.71 digs per set) anchors one of the most reliable back rows in Division II volleyball. Bluefield State, meanwhile, brings power and intensity. The Big Blue rank second in total blocks (1.97 per set), led by Callesta Styles and Nnea Williams, with Soniya Garner (2.47 kills per set) serving as a dynamic finisher. FSU’s precision meets BSU’s power in what could be one of the tournament’s most physical matchups.
The semifinal round will take place on Saturday, November 22, followed by the CIAA Volleyball Championship match on Sunday, November 23, inside A.C. Jordan Arena at Bowie State University.
The full championship bracket is available here: 2025 CIAA Volleyball Championship Bracket.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@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 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.