CIAA Announces Four Students Selected for NFL Future Leaders in Football Fellowship
Four CIAA students will gain hands-on professional experience through NFL initiative supporting HBCU students pursuing careers in football
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®), in partnership with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), is proud to announce four CIAA students selected to participate in the Future Leaders in Football Fellowship, an initiative designed to provide HBCU students with meaningful professional experience and exposure to career opportunities within the football industry.
Representing the CIAA are JaQwestn Little of Fayetteville State University, Ja'Miah Elliott of Winston-Salem State University, Aaliyah Dalrymple of Livingstone College and Divija Manneni of Johnson C. Smith University.
“Creating pathways for our students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience is central to how we prepare the next generation of leaders,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “The Future Leaders in Football Fellowship allows these four outstanding students to take what they are learning in the classroom and on our campuses and apply it in an environment that can open doors throughout the football industry. We are proud of JaQwestn, Ja'Miah, Aaliyah and Divija, and we appreciate the NFL’s continued investment in HBCU students and the opportunities that help position them for success beyond graduation.”
The Future Leaders in Football Fellowship provides select participants interested in careers in football with a stipend to work within their institution’s football program in the areas of athletic training, scouting and recruiting, football operations, equipment and video. Highly evaluated fellows will also have the opportunity to attend an NFL tentpole event and be placed in the pipeline for future opportunities with the league.
Fellows are selected through their respective HBCU conferences and will work for the duration of the football season, gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting football operations on their campuses.
CIAA FUTURE LEADERS IN FOOTBALL FELLOWS
JaQwestn Little | Fayetteville State University
Classification: Senior
Major: B.S. Sports Management, Pre-Athletic Training Minor
Current Role: Student Athletic Trainer
Area of Involvement: Athletic Training
Little has been an outstanding member of Fayetteville State University’s Sports Medicine Student Internship Program, gaining extensive hands-on experience supporting the health and well-being of Bronco student-athletes.
He has served as a lead student during the football and basketball seasons, attending practices, scrimmages and games while also contributing to the volleyball, softball and track and field programs. Little has dedicated more than 150 hours each fall to developing his clinical skills and expanding his knowledge in the athletic training room.
His experience has also extended beyond campus, including working the CIAA Basketball Tournament and traveling with the Fayetteville State men’s basketball team to the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament. Throughout his experience, Little has demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a commitment to continued learning.
Ja'Miah Elliott | Winston-Salem State University
Classification: Senior
Major: Exercise Science
Current Role: Student Athletic Trainer Aide
Area of Involvement: Athletic Training
Elliott has been an integral part of the Winston-Salem State University athletic training program for four years, distinguishing herself through dedication, leadership, professionalism and a commitment to WSSU Athletics.
As the lead student athletic trainer aide, Elliott has demonstrated initiative and maturity while working independently with several Rams athletic teams. Her reliability, strong work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond in supporting student-athletes have earned the trust and respect of athletic training staff and coaches.
Elliott has also maintained strong academic performance while balancing the significant responsibilities of her role within athletics. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Athletic Training and continue building a career in the profession.
Aaliyah Dalrymple | Livingstone College
Classification: Junior
Major: Sports Management
Current Role: Athletic Intern
Area of Involvement: Athletic Training
Dalrymple has established herself as an invaluable member of the Livingstone College football program through her passion, dedication and strong work ethic.
In her role, she has developed meaningful relationships with student-athletes and consistently demonstrated a commitment to their well-being, development and success both on and off the field. Her confidence, compassion and dependability have helped distinguish her as an emerging leader with aspirations of building a career in the football industry.
Through the Future Leaders in Football Fellowship, Dalrymple will have an opportunity to continue developing professionally while gaining additional mentorship, exposure and experience that can help prepare her for future opportunities throughout the football industry.
Divija Manneni | Johnson C. Smith University
Classification: Junior
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance; Minor in Sports Medicine
Current Role: Athletic Intern and Tennis Student-Athlete
Area of Involvement: Athletic Training
Manneni is a Johnson C. Smith University student-athlete who has distinguished herself through professionalism, responsibility, academic achievement and a strong work ethic.
As an international student-athlete, Manneni balances the demands of competing in tennis, pursuing a rigorous academic program and serving as a member of the athletic training team. Her work supporting the JCSU football program has made her a trusted member of the athletics operation, where she has demonstrated initiative, attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
Her ability to successfully manage her responsibilities as a student, athlete and intern reflects the determination, resilience and character she will bring to the Future Leaders in Football Fellowship.
ABOUT THE FUTURE LEADERS IN FOOTBALL FELLOWSHIP
The Future Leaders in Football Fellowship is part of the NFL’s Strength of HBCUs, Impacting Pro Football Since 1948 program. Launched in May 2016 in partnership with the MEAC and SWAC, the initiative has since expanded to include the SIAC, CIAA and HBCUs across the country.
The initiative seeks to increase opportunities for students and athletic administrators throughout the HBCU community. The NFL has a longstanding history with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and remains committed to strengthening its ongoing partnership with HBCUs while creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals within the football industry.
Through initiatives such as the Future Leaders in Football Fellowship, students receive opportunities to develop practical experience, build professional relationships and gain exposure to career pathways across football.
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 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been recognized as one of the largest collegiate basketball events in the nation and has made a significant economic impact in its host cities.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (Pa.), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.