BOWIE, MD (November 20, 2025) – Championship weekend has arrived. As eight programs converge at Bowie State University for the 46th CIAA Volleyball Championship, the stage is set for a bracket defined by tradition, momentum, and the pursuit of history. Two-time defending champion Shaw University enters looking to secure a rare three-peat, while several rising contenders aim to disrupt the Bears’ run and carve their own place into CIAA history.
Over the past decade, CIAA volleyball has seen familiar powers and breakthrough programs share the spotlight, from Fayetteville State’s steady championship presence to Elizabeth City State’s 2022 title and Winston-Salem State’s resurgence. Now, in 2025, the field is as balanced and competitive as ever.
Live coverage will be available throughout championship weekend on The CIAA Sports Network.
Before first serve on Friday, the CIAA proudly recognizes the top performers of the 2025 season with the announcement of this year’s All-CIAA Teams and Individual Award winners.
2025 CIAA Volleyball Individual Awards
Coach of the Year – Christa Brown (Winston-Salem State University)
In her first season at the helm of Winston-Salem State University, Coach Christa Brown established the Rams as one of the conference’s most disciplined and complete teams. Under her leadership, WSSU elevated its defensive identity, developed multiple All-CIAA selections, and delivered one of the program’s most impressive seasons of the decade.
Offensive Player of the Year – Holiday Ellis (Winston-Salem State University)
Ellis emerged as one of the CIAA’s most dominant attackers, powering the Rams with consistent, high impact production on the outside. Her ability to score against top competition transformed WSSU’s offense and solidified her as one of Division II’s premier hitters.
Defensive Player of the Year – Kellee Craig (Virginia State University)
Craig anchored Virginia State’s back row with elite instincts and unmatched consistency. The junior libero set the tone for the Trojans defensively, routinely extending rallies and stabilizing serve receive in every major matchup this season.
Setter of the Year – Giovanna Teixeira (Fayetteville State University)
Teixeira directed the Broncos’ offense with poise and precision, orchestrating one of the conference’s most balanced attacks. Her leadership and decision making allowed multiple FSU hitters to shine, continuing the program’s tradition of elite setting.
Rookie of the Year – Aryanna Connell (Claflin University)
Connell made an immediate impact as one of the conference's most complete freshmen. A six-rotation force, she delivered high-level production in both scoring and serve receive, establishing herself as one of the brightest young stars in the CIAA.
2025 All-CIAA First Team
Libero – Kellee Craig (Virginia State University)
Middle Hitter – Nina Edwards (Bowie State University), Kamiyah Wilson (Winston-Salem State University), Sydni Hunter (Shaw University)
Outside Hitter – Makayla Brown (Shaw University), Aryanna Connell (Claflin University), Holiday Ellis (Winston-Salem State University)
Right Side Hitter – Nicole Taylor (Bowie State University), Chiara Vittoni (Fayetteville State University)
Setter – Giovanna Teixeira (Fayetteville State University), Gabby Hale (Bluefield State University)
Utility – Love Riley (Livingstone College)
2025 All-CIAA Second Team
Libero – Maya Morales (Bluefield State University)
Middle Hitter – Callesta Syles (Bluefield State University), Zoe Chesson (Winston-Salem State University), Madison Hill (Virginia Union University)
Outside Hitter – Allyson Martin (Bluefield State University), Gracie Darville (Virginia State University), Symone Morris (Fayetteville State University)
Right Side Hitter – Khamara Steppe (Shaw University), Amaya Cooper (Virginia State University)
Setter – Kya Moore (Shaw University), Ashlee Franklin (Virginia Union University)
Utility – Grayson Graham (Claflin University)
2025 CIAA All-Rookie Team
Aryanna Connell (Claflin University)
Leana Gould (Shaw University)
Kyra Marciniak (Virginia State University)
Angelica Turnage (Winston-Salem State University)
Justyce McKennie (Livingstone College)
Zaniya Harris (Claflin University)
Team Previews
Northern Division
(1N) Virginia State University
Led by Defensive Player of the Year Kellee Craig and supported by All-CIAA standouts Gracie Darville and Madison Hill, Virginia State enters as one of the most complete and defensively sound programs in the field. The Trojans’ disciplined structure and ability to control long rallies make them a top contender.
(2N) Virginia Union University
Virginia Union returns with a strong, physical lineup anchored by middle blocker Madison Hill. The Panthers complement their interior play with steady setting and a service game that can shift momentum quickly, giving them upset potential against any opponent.
(3N) Bluefield State University
Bluefield State brings a high-tempo offense built around First Team setter Gabby Hale. With multiple hitters capable of delivering in big moments, the Big Blue enter as a dangerous, fast-paced team that thrives in extended rallies.
(4N) Bowie State University
With First Team middle Nina Edwards leading one of the conference’s strongest front lines, Bowie State brings size, power, and a home-court advantage. The Bulldogs’ ability to control the net keeps them firmly in the conversation for a deep postseason run.
Southern Division
(1S) Winston-Salem State University
Under Coach of the Year Christa Brown, Winston-Salem State enters as one of the field’s most complete and disciplined programs. With Offensive Player of the Year Holiday Ellis, standout middle Kamiyah Wilson, and All-Rookie outside Angelica Turnage, the Rams combine depth, balance, and firepower across all rotations.
(2S) Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State brings proven championship DNA, guided by Setter of the Year Giovanna Teixeira. The Broncos’ structure, ball control, and experience make them one of the most consistent postseason performers in recent CIAA history.
(3S) Shaw University
The two-time defending champions arrive looking to secure a historic three-peat. With First Team standouts Makayla Brown and Sydni Hunter and rising talent like freshman Leana Gould, Shaw enters with experience, confidence, and postseason composure unmatched in the field.
(4S) Livingstone College
Livingstone returns behind the versatility of First Team utility standout Love Riley and All-Rookie honoree Justyce McKennie. The Blue Bears’ defensive grit, energy, and ability to create scoring runs make them a dangerous first-round opponent.
Championship Preview
The 46th CIAA Volleyball Championship begins Friday, November 21 at Bowie State University, where eight programs will compete for the conference’s most storied volleyball title. With Shaw pursuing a third straight championship and multiple challengers surging at the right time, the 2025 bracket features depth, experience, and emerging stars across every seed line.
“This championship field reflects the competitiveness and pride that define the CIAA,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Our student athletes continue to elevate the level of play each season, and this weekend will showcase the very best of CIAA volleyball.”
2025 CIAA Volleyball Championship Schedule
Bowie State University – A.C. Jordan Arena
Friday, November 21 - Quarterfinals
11:00 AM – (1N) Virginia State University vs. (4S) Livingstone College
1:30 PM – (2N) Virginia Union University vs. (3S) Shaw University
4:00 PM – (1S) Winston-Salem State University vs. (4N) Bowie State University
6:30 PM – (2S) Fayetteville State University vs. (3N) Bluefield State University
Saturday, November 22 – Semifinals
2:00 PM – Semifinal Match
4:30 PM – Semifinal Match
Sunday, November 23 – Championship
12:00 PM – CIAA Volleyball Championship Game
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.