Claflin Volleyball Lands Two Preseason All-CIAA Selections
Terica Peay
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 17, 2026) — The Claflin University volleyball team will enter the 2026 season with a pair of returning standouts earning preseason recognition, as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced its Preseason All-CIAA Volleyball Team and Predicted Order of Finish on Monday.
The Lady Panthers were selected to finish ninth in the conference preseason poll. At the same time, two Claflin student-athletes,
Aryanna Connell (Utility) and
Grayson Graham (Outside Hitter), earned spots on the Preseason All-CIAA Team. Claflin was one of just four programs to place multiple student-athletes on this year's preseason team.
Connell enters her second season with the Lady Panthers after making an immediate impact during her freshman campaign. The Camden, South Carolina, native earned First Team
All-CIAA honors in 2025 and was named the CIAA Rookie of the Year after a standout season. She established herself as one of the conference's most complete young players, contributing in multiple areas of the game as a six-rotation player.
Graham also returns to the lineup after earning Second Team All-CIAA honors in 2025. The utility player's versatility gives Claflin another key piece heading into the 2026 campaign and provides the Lady Panthers with experience across multiple areas of the court.
With Connell and Graham earning preseason recognition, Claflin enters the season with two players already receiving conference-wide attention. The honors also reflect the continued growth of the Lady Panthers program and the individual development of two players who will be important contributors throughout the season.
While Claflin was picked ninth in the preseason poll, the Lady Panthers will look to use the preseason projections as motivation rather than a measuring stick.
The 2026 season provides Claflin with an opportunity to build on last season while relying on the experience and leadership of returning players such as Connell and Graham.
The Lady Panthers will open the 2026 season at home against Paine College on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
2026 PRESEASON ALL-CIAA VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Libero Kellee Craig, Virginia State University
Middle Hitter Mya Hejl, Fayetteville State University , Kamiyah Wilson, Winston-Salem State University, Sydni Hunter, Shaw University
Outside Hitter Gracie Darville, Virginia State University,
Aryanna Connell, Claflin University, Holiday Ellis, Winston-Salem State University
Right Side Hitter Da'Maia Bryant, Livingstone College, Aria Caldwell, Winston-Salem State University
Setter Giovanna Teixeira, Fayetteville State University, Gabby Hale, Bowie State University
Utility Grayson Graham, Claflin University
2026 CIAA VOLLEYBALL PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
- Fayetteville State University
- Shaw University
- Virginia State University
- Winston-Salem State University
- Bluefield State University
- Bowie State University
- Livingstone College
- Virginia Union University
- Claflin University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Lincoln University (PA)
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About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
