Charlotte, NC (January 13, 2026) – With the indoor season underway across the conference, CIAA programs opened the 2026 calendar year with competitive performances and national level marks. Four student athletes earned recognition for their results during the week of January 4 through January 10.
WOMEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Brea Childs, Claflin University
Sophomore sprinter Brea Childs delivered a standout performance at the Gamecock Opener, winning the women's 400m dash in 56.23 against a field that included multiple Division I competitors. Her time met the NCAA Division II Indoor provisional qualifying standard and provided a strong early result for the Panthers sprint group.
WOMEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Destiny Ross Bates, Livingstone College
At the UNCA Collegiate Opener, sophomore jumper Destiny Ross Bates placed fifth in a Division I heavy field with a long jump mark of 5.55m. The performance currently ranks first in the CIAA and gives Livingstone momentum in the horizontal jumps early in the indoor season.
MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jaevon Riley, Claflin University
Senior sprinter Jaevon Riley opened 2026 with a national leading performance at the Gamecock Opener, winning the men's 400m dash in 46.74. His time meets the NCAA Division II Indoor qualifying standard and stands as the top mark in the nation. Riley claimed the event over a field that included Division I competitors and positioned himself as one of the premier early season sprinters on the national stage.
MEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Kobe Mack, Johnson C. Smith University
Kobe Mack produced a strong effort at the Clemson Invite, placing third in the men's long jump with a mark of 6.66m. His finish came against a competitive field and provides promising momentum for the Golden Bulls as the indoor season progresses.
CIAA Indoor Track and Field competition continues as programs prepare for the 2026 CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, scheduled for February 15 through February 16 at Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
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 United States and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150000 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 on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.