Charlotte, NC (February 20, 2017) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), with its Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, announced the 2017 Men's & Women's All-CIAA First Team and All-Rookie honorees. These outstanding student-athletes were formally recognized today during the annual Tip-Off Awards Luncheon.

Chowan's Mariah Coker was named the 2016-17 CIAA Rookie of the Year on the women's side. Coker led the Hawks from the court captain position most of the season. She posted 7.4 points an outing in her first season. 

This is the second consecutive year that Chowan has garnered the CIAA Women's Basketball Rookie of the Year honor (Jada Lee, 2015-16). Current CU senior Courtni Williams was also a CIAA Rookie of the Year (2013-14). 

The women's All-Rookie team consists of Malia Rivers (Johnson C. Smith), Kaaliya Williams (Saint Augustine), Mariah Coker (Chowan), Kyaja Williams (Bowie State) and Shantel Bennett (Fayetteville State).
 

Women's All-Rookie Team
#1 Malia Rivers Johnson C. Smith
#5 Mariah Coker Chowan
#30 Kaaliya Williams Saint Augustine's
#14 Shantel Bennett Fayetteville State
#10 Kyaja Williams

Bowie State