ELIZABETH CITY, NC- Vikings head coach David Brooks named CIAA Volleyball Coach of the Year and Jada Rouse named CIAA Rookie of the Year; while Elizabeth Kellum, Aasia McNeil, and Mariah Griffin land on the All-CIAA team. 

During Brooks's inaugural season with the Vikings, the team concluded the regular season with a 26-5 overall record, 13-3 in the CIAA, highlighted by a 13-game win streak earlier in the season. In 2019 the Vikings went 9-17 and 4-23 the previous year. The program had not experienced a winning season since 2012 before Brooks's arrival. 

"I am honored to be voted Coach of the Year by my colleagues in just my first season," said Brooks. "This award is a reflection of the hard work and determination off my eleven dedicated student-athletes who I am blessed to coach every day."
 
Freshman Jada Rouse (Rock Hill, SC) was named Rookie of the Week five times this season before taking the crown as the CIAA Volleyball Rookie of the Year. Rouse ended the regular season with 295 kills, 310 digs, and 351 points: capturing a season-high of 17 kills against a tough Virginia State team on the road. The Rock Hill, SC native, excels in competition and in the classroom as a member of ECSU's Honors Program.

"This year has been a huge confidence boost for me," said Rouse. "Just getting my name out there, being recognized for the things that I'm doing here, and just great to see that I'm being effective on this team to help us reach our goal of a CIAA Championship."

Junior Elizabeth Kellum (Jacksonville, NC) joins Rouse on the All-CIAA First Team. Kellum was named CIAA Setter of the Week five times throughout the season. The Jacksonville native also recorded two triple-doubles this season against non-conference opponents Lees McRae and Chowan. 

The CIAA Second Team features junior Aasia McNeil (Statesville, NC) and freshman Mariah Griffin (VA Beach, VA). McNeil earned offensive and defensive player of the week honors at least four times throughout the season. Like Rouse, Griffin received dual honors on this year's All-CIAA lineup on being named to both the All-Rookie Team and the CIAA Second Team. The middle blocker recorded a season-high of nine blocks against Chowan and earned CIAA Rookie of the Week.

While the Vikings are proud that their hard work throughout the season is being recognized, it is extremely evident that they still have their eyes on only one prize, and that's winning a CIAA Championship on Saturday. 

The Vikings are set to host the CIAA Quarterfinal game at ECSU on Tuesday, November 16, at 5:30 PM. The Vikings will have to defeat the Rams of Winston-Salem State University to punch their ticket to Bowie, MD. The CIAA Volleyball Championship will be hosted by Bowie State University.
 
Offensive Player of the Year – Mallory Brown, Shaw

Defensive Player of the Year – Trinity Fierce, Claflin

Setter of the Year – Breelyn Clark, Shaw

Rookie of the Year – Jada Rouse, Elizabeth City State

Coach of the Year – David Brooks, Elizabeth City State

2021 All-CIAA Volleyball First Team

Libero
Trinity Fierce, Claflin

Middle Hitter/Blocker
Kamille Patrick, Shaw
Xiamana Spikes, Fayetteville State
Bethany Henry, Virginia State

Outside Hitter
Mallory Brown, Shaw
Jada Rouse, Elizabeth City State
Raven Gray, Winston-Salem State

Right Side Hitter
Jodorrian Taylor, Virginia State
Noelani Beard, Shaw

Setter
Breelyn Clark, Shaw
Elizabeth Kellum, Elizabeth City State

Utility
Da'Nesha Miller, Fayetteville State
 
2021 All-CIAA Volleyball Second Team

Libero
Jasmine Jacinto, Fayetteville State

Middle Hitter/Blocker
Mariah Griffin, Elizabeth City State
Madison Jones, Saint Augustine's 
Ashlyn Bradley, Fayetteville State

Outside Hitter
Aasia McNeill, Elizabeth City State
Tionna Graham, Saint Augustine's 
Helena Eubanks, Virginia State

Right Side Hitter
Mya Broom, Claflin
Jade Lane, Virginia Union

Setter
Denise Burk, Virginia Union
Sydney Moore, Saint Augustine's

Utility
Simone Newell, Claflin

All-Rookie Team
Kamille Patrick, Shaw
Jada Rouse, Elizabeth City State
Madison Jones, Saint Augustine's
Raven Gray, Winston-Salem State
Mariah Griffin, Elizabeth City State
Helena Eubanks, Virginia State