CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 20, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has announced its 2026 Bowling All-Conference Awards, recognizing the conference’s top student-athletes, coach, and team achievements following an outstanding regular season.
The honorees reflect the CIAA’s continued commitment to excellence in competition and academics, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 CIAA Women’s Bowling Championship in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Shaw University was recognized for its academic excellence, earning Freddie Vaughn All-Academic Team honors. Virginia State University secured the Northern Division title, while Fayetteville State University claimed the Southern Division crown following a dominant regular season.
2026 CIAA All-Conference Bowling Team
Fayetteville State led the way with a perfect 48-0 season, placing five student-athletes on the All-Conference team and sweeping the top individual honors. Paige Rockwell was named Player of the Year after leading the conference with a 191.37 average, while teammate Hannah Cunningham earned Rookie of the Year honors following an impressive freshman campaign.
Head Coach Robert “Bobby” Henderson was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Broncos to an undefeated season and a Southern Division title.
Virginia State’s Northern Division title highlights a strong and competitive field across the conference, while Shaw’s academic recognition underscores the CIAA’s continued emphasis on success both on the lanes and in the classroom.
“The CIAA proudly celebrates the accomplishments of our bowling student-athletes and coaches,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Their dedication, performance, and commitment to excellence have defined this season and will make for an exciting championship competition.”
The 2026 CIAA Women’s Bowling Championship will take place March 20 through 22 in Mechanicsville, Virginia. All matches will be streamed live on the CIAA Sports Network. Fans can watch the championship live at https://theciaasn.com/.
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, 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.