CHARLOTTE, NC - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has announced its 2025 volleyball postseason honors, as voted on by coaches and sports information representatives from each program. Three Fayetteville State standouts—
Giovanna Teixeira,
Chiara Vittoni, and
Symone Morris—earned well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances this season.
Setter of the Year - Giovanna Teixeira
Giovanna Teixeira, a junior psycholgy major from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, anchored Fayetteville State's offense with 629 assists (7.6 per set), adding 58 kills, 23 aces, 177 digs, and 18 blocks. She posted a season-high 49 assists vs. Mars Hill and 17 digs vs. Winston-Salem State, while recording double-digit assists in every match. Her ability to run the offense and contribute defensively made her a key leader for the Broncos.
First Team Right Side Hitter - Chiara Vittoni
Chiara Vittoni, a senior accounting major from Brescia, Italy, was a dominant offensive presence for Fayetteville State in 2025, finishing with 199 kills and a .249 hitting percentage across 62 sets. She averaged 3.2 kills per set and added 16 service aces, 79 digs, and 15 blocks, making her a well-rounded contributor. Vittoni's season featured standout performances, including 22 kills vs. Winston-Salem State and 20 kills against Virginia State, cementing her role as one of the Broncos' most reliable scorers.
Second Team Outside Hitter - Symone Morris
Symone Morris, a graduate sports management major from Tyler, TX, dominated as Fayetteville State's top scorer, finishing with 276 kills, 25 aces, and 227 digs. She earned multiple CIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors and delivered clutch performances, including 20 kills vs. Shaw and 23 points vs. West Alabama. With 17 matches of double-digit kills and strong back-row play, Morris was the Broncos' offensive spark all season.
2025 CIAA Volleyball Individual Awards
Coach of the Year – Christa Brown (Winston-Salem State University)
Offensive Player of the Year – Holiday Ellis (Winston-Salem State University)
Defensive Player of the Year – Kellee Craig (Virginia State University)
Setter of the Year – Giovanna Teixeira (Fayetteville State University)
Rookie of the Year – Aryanna Connell (Claflin University)
2025 All-CIAA First Team
Libero – Kellee Craig (Virginia State University)
Middle Hitter – Nina Edwards (Bowie State University), Kamiyah Wilson (Winston-Salem State University), Sydni Hunter (Shaw University)
Outside Hitter – Makayla Brown (Shaw University), Aryanna Connell (Claflin University), Holiday Ellis (Winston-Salem State University)
Right Side Hitter – Nicole Taylor (Bowie State University), Chiara Vittoni (Fayetteville State University)
Setter – Giovanna Teixeira (Fayetteville State University), Gabby Hale (Bluefield State University) Utility – Love Riley (Livingstone College)
2025 All-CIAA Second Team
Libero – Maya Morales (Bluefield State University)
Middle Hitter – Callesta Syles (Bluefield State University), Zoe Chesson (Winston-Salem State University), Madison Hill (Virginia Union University)
Outside Hitter – Allyson Martin (Bluefield State University), Gracie Darville (Virginia State University), Symone Morris (Fayetteville State University)
Right Side Hitter – Khamara Steppe (Shaw University), Amaya Cooper (Virginia State University)
Setter – Kya Moore (Shaw University), Ashlee Franklin (Virginia State University)
Utility – Grayson Graham (Claflin University)
2025 CIAA All-Rookie Team
Aryanna Connell (Claflin University)
Leana Gould (Shaw University)
Kyra Marciniak (Virginia State University)
Angelica Turnage (Winston-Salem State University)
Justyce McKennie (Livingstone College)
