Cross Country 4/23/2026 12:54:00 PM

Fayetteville State Athletics Celebrates Excellence at Harlem Nights Awards Ceremony

Cross Country 4/23/2026 12:54:00 PM

Fayetteville State Athletics Celebrates Excellence at Harlem Nights Awards Ceremony

Fayetteville State University Athletics honored a year of championship performance, leadership, and academic excellence during its Harlem Nights Awards Ceremony, celebrating the scholar-athletes who defined the 2025–26 season across competition, campus, and community.

The pinnacle of the evening belonged to three student‑athletes whose impact extended far beyond individual success and into the legacy of Bronco Athletics.

Faith Kiplimo – Co-Female Athlete of the Year

Faith Kiplimo delivered a season that redefined excellence for Fayetteville State University, cementing her place as one of the most dominant distance athletes in program history. A multiple‑time CIAA Athlete of the Week honoree throughout the year, Kiplimo's impact spanned cross country and track & field, earning her recognition as the CIAA Cross Country Female Athlete of the Year after capturing the individual 5K title at the conference championship while leading the Broncos' continued dominance. Her championship pedigree carried seamlessly into indoor track, where she produced one of the most memorable performances of the CIAA Indoor Championships. On Day 2, she authored a signature moment in the 800 meters, overcoming adversity mid‑race before surging back to claim the conference title. She followed with a commanding victory in the 3,000 meters, adding to her Day 1 wins in the mile and as a member of the gold‑medal distance medley relay. By meet's end, Kiplimo, the CIAA Indoor Runner of the Year, amassed the highest individual point total and was named the CIAA Women's Indoor Most Valuable Performer for running events. Across every surface and season, her ability to control races, deliver in championship moments, and elevate team success defined a year marked by sustained dominance and historic achievement.

Paige Rockwell – Co-Female Athlete of the Year

Paige Rockwell's excellence has become synonymous with consistency, composure, and championship success, anchoring one of the most decorated dynasties in CIAA bowling history. Rockwell's leadership and precision were central to Fayetteville State's continued reign atop the conference. She was named CIAA Player of the Year twice during her career and earned All‑CIAA honors in all four seasons, while also being selected to the All‑Tournament Team four times. Rockwell's impact was most evident when the pressure peaked, as she captured Tournament Most Valuable Player honors four times, delivering championship performances frame after frame. Her ability to perform at the highest level year after year not only sustained Bronco Bowling's excellence but helped define the standard for dominance in the sport.

Larry Howell – Male Athlete of the Year

Larry Howell authored one of the most accomplished seasons in Fayetteville State men's basketball history, combining elite production with leadership and consistency that set him apart across the conference and beyond. A multiple‑time CIAA Player of the Week selection, Howell was named CIAA Player of the Year, BoxToRow Player of the Year, and earned recognition as an HBCU All‑Star Player of the Game. He garnered All‑CIAA First Team and CIAA All‑Tournament Team honors, along with national recognition as a BoxToRow All‑American and D2CCA All‑Atlantic Region First Team selection. Howell led the CIAA in scoring and points per game, topped the league in free throws made and attempted, and recorded sixteen games of 20 or more points while scoring in double figures in every contest of the season. Reaching the 1,000‑point milestone in just two seasons and compiling 1,749 career points, Howell consistently delivered in the biggest moments, controlling tempo and elevating his team when it mattered most—an impact that defined his selection as Male Athlete of the Year.

CIAA Championship Hardwell

Fayetteville State continues to establish itself as one of the CIAA's premier athletic departments with seven programs capturing conference championships during the 2025–26 season. Women's cross country secured its eighth consecutive CIAA title, while the men's cross country team reclaimed the championship crown for its second overall. Volleyball turned the table from last season to claim the title and Men's Basketball silenced all the drama with its third crown in program history. Bowling extended its dynasty with a fourth straight CIAA championship, women's indoor track & field delivered its sixth consecutive championship performance, and Bronco Golf program rose above the field to capture the 2026 CIAA Championship.

Several Bronco programs will continue their championship pursuits in the coming weeks. Outdoor Track & Field will compete for the CIAA Championship on May 1–2 in Petersburg, Virginia, as the program looks to add another title to its storied tradition. Softball remains in postseason positioning with a road matchup against Johnson C. Smith on April 25 in Charlotte before returning home to host Claflin and Shaw on May 1 and May 2. The Broncos will then turn their focus to the CIAA Softball Championship, scheduled for May 7–9 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Harlem Nights served as more than a celebration—it was a reflection of sustained excellence, championship culture, and Bronco Pride. From dominant dynasties to season‑defining performances, Fayetteville State Athletics once again demonstrated what it means to compete, lead, and win at the highest level.

Gallery: (4-22-2026) Harlem Nights EOY Excellence Awards

Here is the list of other awards given out during the evening.

The Academic Excellence Award is presented to the student‑athlete on each team who achieves the highest-grade point average during the academic year.

Women's Cross Country – Faith Kiplimo
Men's Cross Country – Romeo Kipkosgei
Men's Cross Country – Dominic Malel
Football – Jaden Butler
Volleyball – Giovanna Teixeira
Women's Basketball – Alivia Evans
Men's Basketball – Omari Byrd
Cheer – Makayla Crawford
Bowling – Lillian Mozzi
Bowling – Nicole Sarko
Golf – Sutton Dreier
Softball – Tiara Stueck
Track & Field – Nia Gibson

The Players' Choice Award is determined by teammates and recognizes a student‑athlete whose consistency, work ethic, leadership, and trust earned the respect of the locker room throughout the season.
The Most Valuable Player Award honors the student‑athlete whose performance, impact, and ability to deliver in crucial moments most directly shaped the team's success over the course of the season.

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