Golden Bulls Compete as Student Leaders Represent JCSU at CIAA Tournament
- billydupree3
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Mar 29, 2026 | Billy Dupree
On Feb. 22, student leaders from Johnson C. Smith University traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to support the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams as they competed in the annual CIAA Basketball Tournament. The tournament featured 12 Division II HBCU schools competing in both the men’s and women’s brackets, with teams advancing through each round in pursuit of the championship title.
While the athletes represented their schools on the court, universities were also represented through the presence and support of student leaders and fans in attendance. The CIAA tournament also provides an opportunity for students from different HBCUs to connect and network with representatives from other campuses. The event has historically brought together students, alumni, and supporters from across the conference.
Traveling to Baltimore also gave student leaders the opportunity to participate in recruitment and community outreach. Representatives from Johnson C. Smith University visited several high schools throughout Baltimore to speak with students, share information about the university, and discuss opportunities associated with attending an HBCU. During these visits, some student leaders also connected with school staff members to discuss potential volunteering opportunities and future events.
In the tournament, the Golden Bulls experienced mixed results, with the women’s team eliminated in the first round while the men’s team advanced to the Final Four before falling to the Fayetteville State Broncos. Fayetteville State later advanced to the championship game against the Bluefield State Big Blues, where the Broncos secured the conference title.
Following the tournament, student leaders reflected on their experiences during the event.
“CIAA is a chance to be surrounded by a Black community full of excellence and diversity,” said a student from Virginia Union University. For many student leaders, this was their first CIAA experience, and as the tournament has continued to grow since the 1950s, it has also served as a platform for Black achievement, public representation, and cultural connection among students and institutions.
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