Nia Gibson, a dedicated mid- to long-distance runner for the track and field team at Fayetteville State University, stands at 5'4" and hails from Springfield, IL. A graduate of Glenwood High School in June 2022, Nia excelled in cross country, track and field, and bowling. She is currently a junior majoring in Nursing, following in the footsteps of her mother, Beverly Gibson, who is an alumna of Fayetteville State, while her father, Nathan Gibson, graduated from Tennessee State.
Nia's high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including All-Conference, All-Regionals, and All-Sectionals honors in cross country, and being part of the 2020 State Championship team. In track and field, she was an All-Conference and All-Sectionals athlete and a State Finals qualifier in 2022. She also played varsity bowling during its inaugural year at her high school.
At FSU, Nia has continued to shine, contributing to the women's cross country team's CIAA All-Conference Championships from 2022 to 2024 and serving as team captain in 2023. She has also been a key member of the women's track and field team, helping them secure CIAA Indoor and Outdoor All-Conference Championships in 2023 and 2024, and serving as team captain in 2024.
Nia Gibson was inspired to pursue nursing from a young age, particularly since intermediate school, when she developed a strong interest in healthcare. Her passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives motivated her to choose a career in nursing. Additionally, her mother's background as an alumna of Fayetteville State University and her own experiences as a student-athlete have reinforced her desire to work in a field where she can provide care and support to others. Nia's goal is to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where she can assist in bringing new life into the world and support mothers during one of the most significant moments of their lives.
She also aspires to use her experience as a runner to inspire, train, and coach other female athletes. In her free time, Nia enjoys traveling and reading. She chose FSU for its excellent nursing program and the sense of community it offers. Her most memorable sports experiences include winning championships and traveling with her team, which have been highlights of her athletic journey.
AWARDS: National Honors Society Member, CNA Student of the Year, Capital Area Preps Cross Country Female Runner of the Year, Channel 1450 Prime Time Performer, 2025 CIAA Women's Scholar Athlete of the Year
