CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 9, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) proudly announces the selection of twelve exceptional students as CIAA Scholarship Recipients for The McLendon Experience, taking place October 9–10, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina.
Brayson Seaborne of the Elizabeth City State Football team was one of the 12 student athletes chosen for this honor.
Through this scholarship, each student will receive up to $1,000 in support, which includes free registration, hotel accommodations for three nights (October 8–10), and reimbursement for travel and food expenses to make their participation possible.
The McLendon Experience will bring together more than 200 aspiring sports professionals, student-athletes, and young leaders for two transformative days of networking, professional development, and inspiration. Participants will engage in workshops, panels, and exclusive opportunities to connect with leaders across the sports industry.
This year, the CIAA is proud to celebrate representation from every member institution, underscoring the conference's ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to leadership and professional growth opportunities for all student-athletes. In addition, CIAA Graduate Assistant Symone Wright-Flowers will attend as the Experience Leader, supporting and guiding CIAA students throughout the event.
"We are incredibly proud of our CIAA students who have been selected to participate in The McLendon Experience," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "This opportunity not only provides access through our CIAA Leadership Academy Platform to career pathways in the sports industry but also reflects the leadership, excellence, and commitment to growth that define the CIAA. We look forward to watching our students shine and represent their institutions with pride."
2025 CIAA McLendon Experience Scholarship Recipients
- Alexis Edmonds – Virginia State University
- Treja Patterson – Fayetteville State University
- Adriana Sloan – Livingstone College
- Breanna Steele – Winston-Salem State University
- Brayson Seaborne – Elizabeth City State University
- Rashid Muhammad – Claflin University
- Jhaid Westbrook – Johnson C. Smith University
- Aliya Rose – Lincoln University
- Elyssa Lapena – Shaw University
- Jade Lane – Virginia Union University
- Devin Felder – Bowie State University
- Jackie Sandy – Bluefield State University
The CIAA congratulates all scholarship recipients and commends their leadership, excellence, and dedication to advancing both academically and professionally.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest-running African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The CIAA Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management in both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
