RALEIGH, N.C. – Shaw University is picked to make its eighth consecutive finals appearance and take the CIAA volleyball crown this season according to the CIAA Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish, which was released along with the preseason All-CIAA team on Monday, Aug. 28. Two Lady Bears – outside hitter Noelani Beard and middle blocker Kamille Patrick – made the 12-player preseason All-CIAA squad.

The CIAA Predicted Order of Finish and preseason All-CIAA team were selected by the conference coaches and sports information directors.

Last season, the Lady Bears won the Northern Division and earned the conference tournament top seed with a 15-1 mark before finishing as CIAA runners-up. Shaw posted a 23-8 overall record.

Beard was tabbed CIAA Offensive Player of the Year and was an All-CIAA selection a year ago. She led the conference in kills per set and points per set. Patrick was an All-CIAA pick in 2022 after leading the conference in hitting percentage.

The Lady Bears have won the CIAA volleyball championship in 2018, 2016, 1995 and 1994.
 
2023 CIAA Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish

1. Shaw University
2. Elizabeth City State University
3. Fayetteville State University
4. Winston-Salem State University
5. Bluefield State University
6. Claflin University
7. Virginia State University
8. Bowie State University
9. Saint Augustine's University
10. Johnson C. Smith University
11. Virginia Union University
12. Lincoln (PA) University
13. Livingstone College

 
2023 Preseason All-CIAA Volleyball Team 

Libero
Naijya Leggett, Elizabeth City State

Middle Hitter/Blocker
Clarke Blakemore, Elizabeth City State
Kamille Patrick, Shaw
Madison Jones, St. Augustine's

Outside Hitter
Noelani Beard, Shaw
Victoria White, Elizabeth City State
Jada Rouse, Elizabeth City State

Right Side Hitter
Elizabeth Kellum, Elizabeth City State
Amaya Cooper, Virginia State

Setter
Kayleigh Sullivan, Elizabeth City State
Sydney Moore, St. Augustine's

Utility
Kennedy Hoge, Virginia State