Champions Again: FSU Celebrates Three CIAA Championship Teams with Consecutive Titles
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University celebrated the Women’s Basketball, Cross Country and Indoor Track teams for winning CIAA Conference Championships on Wednesday, March 5, in the Rudolph Jones Student Center, each team capturing consecutive conference titles.
Most recently, the basketball team secured back-to-back championships with their 64-56 victory over Virginia State at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore on March 1. In the championship match, the Broncos were led by standout performances from Keayna McLaughlin and Talia Trotter, each contributing 15 points. McLaughlin, who was named the Food Lion MVP of the Game, also added eight rebounds and three steals. Trotter filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks.
Nyah Wilkins with CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker, after winning 2025 CIAA Basketball Tournament MVP
Junior Nyah Wilkins was named the CIAA Tournament MVP after averaging 9 points and 6.7 rebounds over three games. She was a major factor in the victory over Bluefield State with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Even more of a factor with a double-double against Virginia Union. She produced 11 points, 10 rebounds, and an assist. Wilkins and McLaughlin were both named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tyrece Brown praised the team’s resilience and dedication. “After last season, this was expected but it takes a consistent group to go back-to-back,” he said. “The growth of this group has been amazing and we’re a team full of confidence.”
His sentiments apply directly to FSU’s track teams who were also celebrated. Under the leadership of the CIAA Track Coach of the Year, Inez Turner, the Broncos secured a total of 150 points to win the CIAA Indoor Track Championship in February, which marked their fifth consecutive title. Senior Ronee Tudor led the charge by winning the 60 meters finals with a time of 7.58 seconds, earning 10 points for the team.
In the 200 meters finals, sophomore Janya Moore secured first place with a time of 24.87 seconds, adding another 10 points to Fayetteville State's tally. Moore's outstanding performances throughout the season earned her the title of CIAA Female Runner of the Year. The team continued to excel in the 400 meters, where Moore finished second with a time of 56.63 seconds.
“We aim to be the best from the day we get to campus to start training,” said Turner. “I am filled with joy and gratefulness thinking about the team’s performance through the year.”
Earlier in the year, the women’s cross-country team won its seventh consecutive CIAA Championship. Coach Turner was also inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame for her consistent success in her career at FSU and Winston-Salem State University.