Fayetteville State Aims for Historic Three-Peat in CIAA Women’s Basketball
As the 2025-2026 CIAA women’s basketball season tips off, excitement is running high. Six new head coaches are in the mix, and a bunch of returning talent means the competition’s going to be fierce.
All eyes are on Fayetteville State University (FSU) as they chase a historic three-peat. This season’s shaping up to be a wild ride, packed with passion, strategy, and teams chasing greatness.
The Reigning Champions: Fayetteville State University
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Fayetteville State University has dominated CIAA women’s basketball for two straight seasons. Head coach Tyreece Brown led the team to back-to-back titles and now they’re aiming for a third.
Coach Brown wants to build a dynasty. He keeps reminding everyone that the team starts fresh each year and stays hungry for more wins.
Key Players to Watch
FSU’s roster features three All-CIAA Preseason players: Talia Trotter, KaNyah O’Neal, and Nyah Wilkins. These three will play huge roles in the team’s push for another title.
FSU has had a top-two defense for the last two seasons. Their defense and offensive firepower could keep them on top again.
New Leadership Across the League
This season brings a big shakeup in the CIAA with six new head coaches. Each one brings their own style and ideas, which should make things interesting.
Winston-Salem State University: Old Blood, New Tricks
Tierra Terry, a former player and assistant at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), returns to lead her alma mater. Terry’s passion for WSSU is obvious, and with last season’s CIAA Rookie of the Year, Maia Charles, the team could easily outplay their middle-of-the-pack preseason ranking.
Terry says preseason rankings don’t matter as much as how you finish. Hard to argue with that.
Virginia State University: Keep Competing
Millette Green, Virginia State University’s (VSU) new coach, wants the team to focus on daily improvement. She’s got a talented group and is all about building a competitive spirit.
Virginia Union University: Experience Returns
Alico Dunk is back in the CIAA to coach Virginia Union University (VUU). Dunk leans on consistency and experienced players, which could make VUU a real threat in the Northern Division.
His championship background and success might just push VUU to the next level.
Teams to Watch
Besides the new coaches, a few teams look ready to shake things up. Each one has its own strengths and challenges, so the title race feels wide open.
Shaw University: Interim, But Intentional
Lou Hamilton, the interim coach at Shaw University, focuses on accountability and preparation. With the nation’s top shot blocker returning, Shaw’s defense could anchor their season.
Hamilton knows the system and wants the team to get better every day. Shaw might surprise people.
Johnson C. Smith University: New Era, Steady Work
Vanessa Taylor, a CIAA legend, steps in as Johnson C. Smith University’s (JCSU) third head coach in just two seasons. Taylor’s all about building a lasting program through steady, consistent work.
Even though preseason polls have them near the bottom, Taylor’s message of daily improvement seems to be catching on with her squad.
Lincoln University (PA): Identity Reset
Lincoln University (PA) brings in a new coach and gets a chance to hit the reset button. This clean slate gives them room to build something strong in the tough Northern Division.
Returning Powerhouses and Rising Stars
Some teams with returning talent and solid results last year are still in the hunt for the championship. Experience and depth could give them the edge.
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Bowie State University: Blueprint to Win
Bowie State University finished 19-10 last season and brings back nine players. That’s a strong foundation.
Coach Shade Swan needs to fill the gap left by a top scorer, but the core group knows what’s expected. They’re ready to step up.
Livingstone College: Building Momentum
Queen Smith leads Livingstone College, who return eight key players. They had the best offense in the conference last year.
If they can tighten up defensively, they might make a big leap this season.
Claflin University: Steady Growth
Coach Jenkins has led Claflin University to back-to-back winning seasons. Seven players return, plus some solid portal additions.
Claflin’s known for defense, but they’ll need more consistent scoring from different players to really contend.
Rebuilding and Potential Surprises
Some teams are in full rebuild mode, trying out new talent and strategies. You never know—one of these squads could shock the league.
Elizabeth City State University: Total Reset
Elizabeth City State University adds 12 new players, basically creating a whole new team. Coach Ebony Tanner embraces the unknown and dares opponents to meet them on the court.
With so many new faces, it’s tough to predict how things will go. Anything could happen.
Bluefield State University: Find Balance
Bluefield State University, coached by Paul Davis, is famous for shooting threes—over 650 attempts last season. But their defense needs work.
With Jasmine Jenkins, an All-CIAA preseason pick, back in the lineup, Bluefield State wants to balance their fast-paced offense with stronger defense. If they figure it out, they could be dangerous.
The Road Ahead
The CIAA women’s basketball season looks like it could be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory. New coaches are stepping in, and plenty of experienced players are back on the court.
Teams are hungry for the championship. The journey to the top? It won’t be predictable.
Fayetteville State probably has the target on its back. Still, this historic HBCU league is packed with contenders who seem more than ready to shake things up.
If you want to keep up with the action, follow @LivForHoops for coverage, interviews, and HBCU breakdowns all season. For a deeper dive and team-by-team previews, check out HBCU Gameday.