BSU Community,

What an extraordinary and energizing week it has been at the CIAA Tournament! As the proud host institution, Bowie State University was honored to welcome thousands of alumni, fans, students and supporters for a celebration of athletic excellence, community pride and Bulldog spirit. The tournament showcased not only the rich tradition of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, but also the exceptional leadership, hospitality and school pride that define our university.

We are immensely proud of how our men’s and women’s basketball teams represented Bowie State throughout the tournament and the entire season. Our men’s team fought with determination and heart, advancing to the quarterfinals and competing with distinction. The women’s team delivered another remarkable performance, advancing to the semifinals and continuing a season defined by excellence. We proudly celebrate our Bowie State women’s basketball team as the 2025–26 CIAA Northern Division Champions for the regular season — a testament to their hard work, discipline and commitment to championship standards.

Several of our student athletes received well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances. Mayah Garner was named the CIAA Food Lion Game MVP after leading the Bulldogs with 13 points and seven rebounds in our semifinal victory over Livingstone. She also earned a spot on the CIAA All-Tournament Team. On the men’s side, junior guard Jaiden McGhee earned Second Team All-CIAA honors, freshman forward Charles Thomas, III was named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team and KJ West earned a spot on the CIAA All-Tournament Men's Team. Rounding out the CIAA Tournament week, Bowie State’s Symphony of Soul won the CIAA Fanfest Battle of the Bands, marking the fourth year they have won this competition. These achievements reflect the strength of our programs and the bright future ahead for Bulldog Basketball.

This season also marks a significant moment in Bowie State history as we celebrate the retirement of Head Men’s Basketball Coach Darrell Brooks. After a renowned 40-year coaching career — including 16 impactful years leading the program at Bowie State, his beloved alma mater — Coach Brooks leaves a legacy of excellence, mentorship and integrity. His dedication to developing young men on and off the court has shaped generations of student athletes and strengthened our Bulldog community. On behalf of Bowie State University, we extend our deepest gratitude for his extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to our institution.

I'd like to give a special thank you to the BSU teams that helped organize our CIAA activities, on campus and in Baltimore:

• Division of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation

• Division of Philanthropic Engagement

• Division of Marketing & Communications

• CIAA Committee: VP Clyde Doughty, Jr., Interim VP Dr. Jolisa Williams, VP Brent Swinton, VP Sabrina Ram, Annette Wedderburn, Thomasina Boardley, Carla Hopkins, Jatina Gunn, Yvette Caldwell, Edward Good, Kelly Alexander and Stacie Burgess

The excitement, pride and unity on display throughout the CIAA Tournament remind us that Bulldog Nation is strong, resilient and always rising. Thank you to our student athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, alumni and fans who made this tournament unforgettable. Together, we continue to elevate Bowie State’s legacy of excellence.

With Bulldog Pride,

Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D.

President

Bowie State University