
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) women's basketball tournament is an annual championship tournament that has been held every year since 1975. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament. Shaw has been the most successful team at the CIAA tournament, with eleven championship wins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Tournament | CIAA women's basketball tournament |
| Description | Annual conference women's basketball championship tournament |
| Association | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Year | Since 1975 |
| Type | Single-elimination tournament |
| Seeding Based On | Regular season records |
| Prize | CIAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament |
| Most Successful Team | Shaw (eleven championships) |
| Teams That Have Not Yet Won | Claflin, Winston-Salem State |
| Teams That Have Never Won as CIAA Members | Chowan, Saint Paul's |
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What You'll Learn

Shaw: the most successful team
Shaw has been the most successful team in the history of the CIAA women's basketball tournament. The annual championship tournament has been held every year since 1975, and Shaw has managed to accumulate eleven championship titles. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering that some teams have never won the tournament, such as Chowan and Saint Paul's, who have been CIAA members but have never managed to secure the championship. The tournament is a single-elimination format, with seeding based on regular-season records, and the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament.
Shaw's dominance in the CIAA tournament is a testament to their strong basketball programme and the talent that has come through their ranks over the years. Their success has likely come from a combination of skilled players, dedicated coaching staff, and a culture of excellence within their athletic programme.
While the specific details of their championship runs are not readily available, it is safe to assume that Shaw has consistently fielded competitive teams throughout the history of the tournament. Their eleven championship titles likely span multiple decades, showcasing a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve in any sport.
The CIAA tournament is a highly anticipated event in the world of women's basketball, and Shaw's success in this tournament has likely contributed to the growth and recognition of their women's basketball programme. Their achievements have put them on the map and established them as a force to be reckoned with in women's collegiate basketball.
Shaw's success in the CIAA tournament serves as a source of pride for the university and its alumni, and their legacy continues to inspire current and future athletes striving for excellence on the basketball court.
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Chowan and Saint Paul's: never won as CIAA members
Chowan University joined the CIAA in 2008 as an associate member for football. The following year, the CIAA Board of Directors admitted Chowan as a full member, making it the first non-HBCU to play in the conference. However, Chowan left the CIAA to join the Conference Carolinas (CC) after the 2018–19 academic year, although it remained an associate member for football and women's bowling. Chowan has never won the CIAA Basketball Tournament during its time as a member.
Saint Paul's College, a private historically black college in Lawrenceville, Virginia, was a member of the CIAA from 1923–24 to 2010–11. The college's athletic teams were known as the Tigers and Lady Tigers, and they competed in 14 intercollegiate varsity sports, including basketball. However, Saint Paul's left the CIAA after the school discontinued its athletics program following the 2010–11 academic year. Like Chowan, Saint Paul's also never won the CIAA Basketball Tournament during their time as CIAA members.
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Annual single-elimination tournament
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) holds an annual single-elimination tournament for women's basketball. The tournament has taken place every year since 1975. It is a highly anticipated event, as the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament.
The format of the tournament is straightforward. Seeding is based on regular-season records, and from there, a single-elimination bracket is created. This means that teams are pitted against each other in head-to-head competitions, with the losing team being eliminated from the tournament. This format continues until eventually, only one team remains, and they are crowned the champions.
Shaw University has dominated the CIAA tournament throughout its history, having won an impressive eleven championships. This consistent success has solidified their place as the most successful team in the tournament's history. However, other teams, such as Claflin and Winston-Salem State, are still seeking their first tournament victory.
The annual CIAA basketball tournament is a significant event in the world of women's basketball. It provides an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. The single-elimination format adds excitement and intensity to the competition, as teams fight to avoid elimination and secure the coveted championship title.
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Seeding based on regular-season records
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament is an annual championship tournament that has been held every year since 1975. It is a single-elimination tournament, and seeding is based on regular-season records. The 12 CIAA teams are seeded 1-12 based on their conference winning percentage during the regular season.
The top four seeds receive opening-round byes. The first round sees the lower-ranked teams compete, with the No. 8 seed playing the No. 9 seed, and the winner of that game advancing to play the No. 1 seed. The No. 5 seed takes on the No. 12 seed, with the winner going on to play the No. 4 seed in the next round. Meanwhile, the No. 6 seed plays the No. 11 seed, with the winner advancing to the next round to face the No. 3 seed. Lastly, the No. 7 seed plays the No. 10 seed, and the winner of that game will play the No. 2 seed in the next round.
The CIAA tournament bracket does not reseed teams after wins. The winner of the CIAA tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament. Shaw University has been the most successful team in the CIAA tournament's history, having won eleven championships.
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Winners gain an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament
Winners of the CIAA Basketball Tournament gain automatic entry to the NCAA Division II tournament, a significant incentive for competing teams. The CIAA Tournament is a highly anticipated event, with the 2025 edition marking the 50th anniversary of the women's tournament. The tournament is set to take place in Baltimore, a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions, including cultural landmarks and a thriving food scene.
Baltimore's accessibility on the East Coast makes it a convenient destination for travellers from across the country. The city is celebrating the tournament with exclusive CIAA t-shirt designs and deals at Black-owned businesses and attractions. Visitors can explore a variety of cultural institutions, such as museums showcasing African American history and culture, and enjoy the flavours of Charm City through a Black-owned restaurant tour.
In addition to the basketball games, the CIAA Tournament offers a range of holistic experiences. The Money Moves Financial Summit, for example, provides valuable knowledge and tools for small businesses to thrive in the current economy. There is also a focus on mental health and wellness, with panel discussions led by local athletes and medical professionals. The Youth Sports Clinic adopts a holistic approach to athletic development, addressing topics beyond sports, such as mental health.
The CIAA Tournament is about more than just the games; it's an opportunity to engage with the host city, celebrate culture, and gain valuable knowledge. For the winning team, the tournament is a stepping stone to the NCAA Division II tournament, a chance to continue their basketball journey and showcase their skills on a broader stage.
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Frequently asked questions
Shaw has been the most successful team at the CIAA tournament, with eleven championships.
The CIAA women's basketball tournament has been held annually since 1975.
Seeding is based on regular-season records.
The winners receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament.
No, neither Claflin nor Winston-Salem State have won the tournament.





































