Baltimore, MD – Entering their first season under Head Coach Porsha Graves, Bluefield State University Women's Basketball has been selected 9th in the 2026-27 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) predicted order of finish, as announced by the conference on Tuesday during CIAA Basketball Media Day. Junior Azahreya Drayton-Gill was also named to the All-CIAA preseason team.
Drayton-Gill was a standout for the Big Blue during the 2025-26 season, leading the team in rebounds with 142. She racked up 249 points while shooting 47% from the field and 76% from the free-throw line, alongside 54 steals and nine blocks. During the 2026 CIAA Tournament, Drayton-Gill was named Player of the Game in their postseason win over Shaw.
The Big Blue finished last season with a 15-12 overall record and an 8-8 mark in CIAA play. The Big Blue will open conference play Thursday, November 19th at Virginia Union.
2026–27 CIAA Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
- Winston-Salem State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Bowie State University
- Virginia State University
- Claflin University
- Virginia Union University
- Livingstone College
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Bluefield State University
- Shaw University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Lincoln University (Pa.)
2026–27 CIAA Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Ka'Nyah O'Neal, Fayetteville State University*
Kendahl Spearman, Virginia State University*
Maia Charles, Winston-Salem State University*
Nevaeh Farmer, Winston-Salem State University*
Breonna Roaf, Winston-Salem State University*
Azahreya Drayton-Gill, Bluefield State University
Ah'Kiyah Pye, Winston-Salem State University
Malaka Cobb, Bowie State University
Nielle Reaves, Livingstone College
Salote Franklin, Johnson C. Smith University
La'Niya Sims, Johnson C. Smith University
Laniya Scales, Fayetteville State University
* Indicates a student-athlete who earned All-CIAA honors last season.
Schedule | Roster
