Fayetteville State Crowned 2026 CIAA Volleyball Champions, Secures Second Consecutive Title
Broncos Capture Ninth Conference Championship as Kemyah Harris Earns Tournament MVP Honors; Record Attendance Highlights Three-Day Event
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (November 11, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) crowned Fayetteville State University its 2026 volleyball champion Wednesday afternoon as the top-seeded Broncos swept third-seeded Livingstone College in straight sets (25–18, 25–22, 25–15) to capture the 47th CIAA Volleyball Championship at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
The victory secured Fayetteville State's second consecutive CIAA volleyball title and ninth conference championship in program history. The Broncos finished their championship run with a 25–4 overall record, while Livingstone concluded its season at 29–6.
The championship also marked a milestone for the conference, with a record championship-day attendance of more than 1,387 spectators and more than 3,761 attendees across the three-day tournament, highlighting the growing excitement and support surrounding CIAA volleyball.
Fayetteville State completed an impressive postseason run without dropping a set, defeating Bluefield State in the quarterfinals, Elizabeth City State in the semifinals and Livingstone in the championship final.
The title marks the third time in program history that Fayetteville State has captured consecutive CIAA volleyball championships, previously accomplishing the feat in 2012 and 2013 and again in 2019 and 2021, following the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Broncos Deliver Championship Performance
Fayetteville State entered Wednesday's championship match determined to defend its title, but Livingstone challenged the Broncos early.
After falling behind 11–8 in the opening set, Fayetteville State responded with a decisive 17–7 run to secure a 25–18 victory. Strong defensive play and timely contributions from McKenna Miller, Mya Hejl and Amori Johnson helped the Broncos establish momentum.
The second set featured the afternoon's most competitive stretch, with Livingstone holding a 17–15 advantage before Fayetteville State rallied behind key kills from Kemyah Harris and Miller. The Lady Blue Bears narrowed the margin to 24–22, but Miller delivered the final kill to give Fayetteville State a 25–22 victory and a commanding two-set advantage.
Fayetteville State carried that momentum into the third set, building a 13–7 lead before pulling away for a 25–15 victory. A service ace from Jasmine Culp sealed the match and sparked the Broncos' championship celebration.
The Broncos finished with 36 kills, six service aces and eight team blocks while limiting Livingstone to a .047 hitting percentage.
Championship Standouts
2026 CIAA Volleyball Tournament Most Valuable Player Kemyah Harris led the Broncos' championship effort with nine kills in the final, while McKenna Miller contributed eight kills and a .278 hitting percentage.
First Team All-Conference selection Mya Hejl added seven kills and two service aces, while Amori Johnson contributed four kills and six block assists.
Second Team All-Conference setter Giovanna Teixeira directed the Broncos' offense with 21 assists, three service aces and 11 digs. Jasmine Culp anchored the defense with a match-high 26 digs and two service aces.
For Livingstone, CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Oliwia Jaroszewicz recorded 13 kills and 12 digs, while Second Team All-Conference libero Tialofa Alofipo contributed 19 digs.
Record Attendance and Community Engagement Highlight Championship Success
The 47th CIAA Volleyball Championship also made history beyond the court, drawing a record championship-day crowd of more than 1,387 spectators to the Rocky Mount Event Center. Across the three-day tournament, total attendance surpassed 3,761, reflecting strong fan support and growing excitement surrounding CIAA volleyball.
Adding to the championship atmosphere, the Rocky Mount Event Center hosted a special pregame Fan Fest that brought together local vendors, cheerleading performances and members of the local Boys & Girls Club.
The festivities provided an opportunity for families, young fans and community members to experience the championship beyond the competition while supporting local businesses and celebrating the connection between athletics and community engagement.
The record turnout and community participation highlighted the continued growth of the CIAA Volleyball Championship and the value of partnerships that connect conference championships with their host communities.
2026 CIAA Volleyball All-Tournament Team
Following the championship match, the CIAA recognized nine student-athletes for their outstanding performances throughout the three-day tournament.
| Student-Athlete |
Institution |
| Kendall Washington |
Elizabeth City State University |
| Payton Swinton |
Bowie State University |
| Mya Dalpiaz |
Livingstone College |
| Tialofa Alofipo |
Livingstone College |
| Hailey Henriquez |
Livingstone College |
| Giovanna Teixeira |
Fayetteville State University |
| McKenna Miller |
Fayetteville State University |
| Mya Hejl |
Fayetteville State University |
| Kemyah Harris |
Fayetteville State University |
2026 CIAA Volleyball Tournament Most Valuable Player
Kemyah Harris | Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State Continues Championship Legacy
The 2026 championship marks Fayetteville State's ninth CIAA volleyball title and its 18th championship match appearance since 1983.
The Broncos have now won back-to-back conference titles for the third time in program history, adding another chapter to their championship tradition.
The victory also represents Fayetteville State's 32nd CIAA championship across all sports over the past five years, continuing an impressive stretch of success for Bronco Athletics.
With the championship victory, Fayetteville State secures the CIAA's automatic qualification to the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship.
The Broncos will learn their regional assignment and first-round opponent during the NCAA Division II Volleyball Selection Show on Sunday, November 15, at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Regional competition is scheduled for November 19–22 at campus sites across the country.
For additional championship coverage and postseason updates, visit theciaa.com and follow the CIAA on its official social media platforms.
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
mlee@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 15 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, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, 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.
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