Much is expected of the two-time defending CIAA Women’s Basketball champion Fayetteville State Broncos, being selected to win a third straight title in the conference’s predicted order of finish.
Last season, the Broncos recorded their second straight 20-win season, finishing with a 21-8 overall record, including a 13-3 record against the CIAA.
After taking down Bluefield State and Virginia Union in the first two rounds of the CIAA tournament, they claimed back-to-back CIAA titles after defeating Virginia State in the championship game without ever trailing.
Since Tyreece Brown was initially named the interim head coach at Fayetteville State in 2023, since being promoted to full-time head coach, the Broncos hold a combined 30-4 record in CIAA competition.
However, in an interview during CIAA Media Day, Coach Brown made it clear that it is a new day for the Broncos, entering the 2025-2026 season “as if they haven’t accomplished anything.”
In addition to seeking the first CIAA championship three-peat since Shaw in 2013 (eventually won a fourth straight in 2014), Fayetteville State also had national championship aspirations.
After advancing to the Regional Finals in the 2023 Division II National Championship tournament, the Broncos fell short of their goal last year, bowing out in the opening round following a 60-50 loss to Gannon.
CIAA Women’s Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
- Fayetteville State
- Virginia State
- Bowie State
- Virginia Union
- Claflin
- Livingstone
- Winston-Salem State
- Shaw
- Lincoln (PA)
- Elizabeth City State
- Johnson C. Smith
- Bluefield State
All-CIAA Women’s Basketball Preseason Team
Jasmine Jenkins, Bluefield State
Talia Trotter, Fayetteville State
KaNyah O’Neal, Fayetteville State
Mia Smith, Bowie State
Nyah Wilkins, Fayetteville State
Ashari Lewis, Claflin
D’Ayzha Akinson, Shaw
Mahogany Collins, Shaw
Kyshonna Brown, Johnson C. Smith
Jakaiya Mack, Winston-Salem State
