The NCAA Division II Government Board’s choice to broaden the soccer playoff bracket from 28 to 32 groups is a significant growth for HBCU soccer packages, notably these within the CIAA and SIAC. These are the one two HBCU conferences competing on the Division II stage.
This enlargement, efficient for the upcoming season, means each football-sponsoring convention will now obtain an automated qualifier into the playoffs. That features the CIAA and SIAC, guaranteeing that every convention’s champion secures a postseason berth. The bracket adjustment additionally comes with elevated monetary assist, with the NCAA approving $545,000 to help with enlargement prices and elevating the championship per diem to $150 per day.
There may be additionally a brand new regional alignment. The CIAA now strikes into Tremendous Area 1, separating from the SIAC, which stays in Tremendous Area 2. This realignment permits each conferences to have their champions — and doubtlessly different robust packages within the convention — advance deeper into the postseason with out dealing with one another within the early rounds.
Playoff Strides
Final season, each conferences made necessary strides within the NCAA Division II playoffs. Virginia Union represented the CIAA by capturing its second straight convention title, defeating Virginia State 17-13. Within the playoffs, Virginia Union broke by way of with its first-ever postseason victories, beating Wingate in extra time and dominating Lenoir-Rhyne earlier than falling to Valdosta State within the quarterfinals.
Within the SIAC, Miles School led the best way. Miles completed a powerful season by successful the convention championship over Clark Atlanta. Within the postseason, Miles made historical past by securing their first-ever NCAA playoff win, narrowly defeating Carson-Newman earlier than their season ended in opposition to Valdosta State.
This yr’s adjustments may open new doorways. With the CIAA and SIAC now in separate areas and the playoff area expanded, there’s actual potential for multiple HBCU program to make noise within the postseason. Better entry to the playoffs, extra nationwide publicity, and extra monetary assist are all steps towards leveling the enjoying area and showcasing the energy and custom of HBCU soccer on the Division II stage.
