The Fayetteville State Department of Athletics recently held an event at the downtown Metropolitan Room to celebrate the achievements of its student-athletes. Five Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships won so far this year were celebrated, along with academic achievements and the upcoming end of the academic year. Attendees were encouraged to wear denim in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

During the fall semester, the department recorded a 3.26 grade point average, with 30 student-athletes earning a perfect 4.0. 138 student-athletes achieved a 3.0 or higher average, and 18 student-athletes were inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society (NCAHS) Chi Alpha Sigma organization.

Aniylah Bryant, a senior digital arts major from Havelock, NC, was named the Broncos’ Female Athlete of the Year, while Logan Atkins, a freshman business major from Dunn, NC, was named the Male Athlete of the Year. Bryant scored her 1000th point this season and was also named the team’s most valuable player. Atkins finished fourth at the CIAA Championships and earned a spot on the All-CIAA and All-Tournament teams.

The women’s basketball program finished the season with a record-breaking 29-3 record and an NCAA Sweet Sixteen berth. FSU won the program’s fifth CIAA title with a 17-1 conference and 12-0 home record. Coach Brown was named the CIAA Coach of the Year and Morgan Graham was the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.

Fayetteville State Cross Country won the men’s and women’s conference titles for the second straight year in Salem, Va. The women claimed their sixth consecutive championship, while the men won their second straight in the program’s existence. Head Coach Inez Turner was named the CIAA Coach of the Year for both programs.

The indoor track and field program won its fourth consecutive title this year. FSU women’s bowling secured its fifth CIAA title. The football program went to a sixth straight championship game, and the men’s basketball team also made a championship appearance. Volleyball excelled in the CIAA semi-finals with three All-CIAA athletes. 

Softball will return to the field on May 3 at the CIAA quarterfinals in Glen Allen, Va.

The complete list of honorees is as follows:

Academic Awards - The academic excellence award goes to the student-athlete going above and beyond in the classroom with the highest GPA on the team. 

• MXC – Brian Kiptanui
• WXC –Nia Gibson
• FB – Joseph Woodard
• VB – Chiara Vittoni
• WBB – Alivia Evans
• MBB – Caleb Simmons
• Cheer – Lue Lucien
• BWL – Denise Brown
• GLF – Logan Atkins
• SB - Camryn Alexander, Aniya Caldwell, Sydney Jackson, Xztashya Porter, Isabella Rumbold, Claira Stone
• ITRK – Tatiana Chigwerewe
• OTRK – Daisy Jerop

The Players' Choice Award is voted on by the players. The PC shows outstanding teammate qualities and represents FSU admirably on the field, around campus and in the community.

The Team's MVP is decided on by the head coach for a high level of success in competition.

Men & Women’s Cross Country 

• Women’s Players’ Choice – Irene Jeptoo
• Women’s MVP – Irene Jeptoo
• Men’s Players’ Choice – Derrick Kipchumba
• Men’s MVP – Hillary Toroitich

Football 

• Players’ Choice – Kolby Merritt
• MVP – Dylan Morris

Volleyball 

• Players’ Choice – Nikole Akamine
• MVP – Chiara Vittoni

Women’s Basketball 

• Players’ Choice – Keayna McLaughlin
• MVP – Aniylah Bryant 

Men’s Basketball 

• Players’ Choice – Sean Tony Hauser
• MVP - Tairell Fletcher

Cheerleading 

• Players’ Choice – Nevaeh Constant
• MVP - Cameron Scales

Bowling 

• Players’ Choice – Denise Brown
• MVP - Paige Rockwell

Golf 

• Players’ Choice – Garrison Dreier
• MVP - Logan Atkins

Softball 

• Players’ Choice – Xztashya Porter
• MVP - Xztashya Porter

Indoor Track & Field

• Players’ Choice – Nia Gibson
• MVP – Shea Seward 

Outdoor Track & Field

• Players’ Choice – Dominique Knowles
• MVP - Janya Moore