BALTIMORE, Md. – Both the Virginia Union University men's and women's basketball teams were selected to finish fourth in the 2025 CIAA Basketball Preseason Poll, announced Tuesday, October 7, during CIAA Basketball Media Day in Baltimore, Md.
The No. 4-ranked Virginia Union women's basketball team will look to build on last season's success under Head Coach Alico Dunk, who emphasized consistency and leadership as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.

"We need to be consistent on both ends of the floor to be successful this season," said Dunk. "A big key to our success is Hailey Blackwell. She's the 'quiet storm.' She's been here for four years and has the most experience. I'm leaning on the returning players to get us over the top."

On the men's side, the Virginia Union men's basketball team also enters the 2025–26 season ranked fourth, led by Preseason All-CIAA selection Bobby Gardner. Head Coach Jay Butler praised Gardner's dedication both on and off the court.

"I'm expecting a big year out of Bobby Gardner," said Butler. "He's the hardest worker on our team, and to see him grow from being a redshirt to being the CIAA Rookie of the Year to now being Preseason All-CIAA is just a great thing. To see him in the gym every day—I walk in the morning and he's there, and when I leave at night, he's still there. He's not only a very good basketball player; he's also a good student with a 3.1 GPA."

Basketball season passes for the upcoming 2025-26 season are available now at the C.D. King Building on the VUU campus in Richmond, Va., for $125 per pass, a discount of more than 50% over tickets purchased at the door.