Meet The Heels: #77 Chelsea Thorpe
April 5, 2024 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Carolina volleyball team welcomed three mid-year enrollees to the team in January. One of those newest Tar Heels is Chelsea Thorpe, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter that joined the squad after playing at Ohio State the last two seasons.
After redshirting her freshman year in Columbus, Thorpe competed in a Buckeye jersey for the first-time last season. She played in all 29 matches in 2023, making 10 starts, tallying 232 kills, averaging 2.25 kills per set, and recording 55 digs and 35 blocks.
We sat down with the Chicago, Ill., native, to ask about her decision to transfer to UNC, her transition to her new team and college and what Tar Heel fans should expect from the 2024 squad.
Why did you choose UNC and what were you looking for in a program when you were in the transfer portal?
Thorpe: "I knew my faith was really important to me and I wanted my coaches to know that is a big part of who I am. Coach Schall really bought into that and was very supportive. I also already knew assistant coaches Parker Mikesch and Jack Stevens because they played volleyball at Ohio State too so that was a great connection to have."
Q: What stuck out about UNC when you were visiting?
Thorpe: "The history behind the athletic program. Carmichael Arena is a historic place to play in and campus is beautiful. I knew when I got here that it could be a place, I could see myself playing for a long time."
Q: You've been on campus since January. What has the transition been like for you to a new team, a new school and a new city?
Thorpe: "The first week was really hard because everyone I met was new except the coaches. It was tough, but my team made me feel comfortable right away by making sure that I knew I was more than just a spot on the roster, but that I really belonged. I really have grown to love Carolina and Chapel Hill, especially since I went to so many basketball games this spring."
Q: 77 is a unique volleyball number. Is there a story behind why you chose it?
Thorpe: "7 has always been an important number to me. I first wore the number 77 when I was 14 when we got to pick out our jerseys. I couldn't really find a number I liked and my coach said tp pick 77 because everyone always remembers the double numbers. That was the year the first college was interested in recruiting me and the season I got my name on the map.
77 also has a spiritual meaning to it. I love the verse 'the righteous man falls seven times but gets back up'. I've taken a lot of falls in my career, but I know to keep trying'."
What has the team been working on this spring, both on and off the court.
"On the court, we're really working on our defense, front and back row. Defense wins championships and I feel like defense can really set you apart from a lot of the teams. Everyone has their big hitter, their big, tall player, but defense, that can set you apart.
Off the court, we're solidifying our values and who we are. We're really dialing in on what our culture is going to be and what people will see from the outside looking in."
What did it feel like to put on the Carolina jersey for the first time in the spring match with Duke a couple weeks ago and compete as a Tar Heel?
Thorpe: "It was so awesome. I felt the energy immediately walking into the gym. After watching the UNC-Duke basketball game and seeing how big the rivalry is, I feel like all the other teams at UNC really adopt that same mindset. I felt like myself playing in a Carolina jersey – it felt comfortable and I know I'm meant to be here."
What are you looking forward to most in fall?
Thorpe: "This is a special team that we've been building up this spring and I'm just excited for us to get our name out there and make a statement. I'm excited to build connections with our supporters and fans and be a role model for the kids in the area."
What are some of the things you do outside of volleyball?
Thorpe: "I love cooking. A lot of my old coaches and teammates still know me as my nickname, 'chef'. My favorite food is to make steak. I also play guitar and bass, so whenever I have time I like to learn a new song or two."
What do you want Tar Heel nation to know about this team moving forward?
Thorpe: "I want Tar Heel fans to know that this team is something special and they're not going to want to miss it."
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
After redshirting her freshman year in Columbus, Thorpe competed in a Buckeye jersey for the first-time last season. She played in all 29 matches in 2023, making 10 starts, tallying 232 kills, averaging 2.25 kills per set, and recording 55 digs and 35 blocks.
We sat down with the Chicago, Ill., native, to ask about her decision to transfer to UNC, her transition to her new team and college and what Tar Heel fans should expect from the 2024 squad.
Why did you choose UNC and what were you looking for in a program when you were in the transfer portal?
Thorpe: "I knew my faith was really important to me and I wanted my coaches to know that is a big part of who I am. Coach Schall really bought into that and was very supportive. I also already knew assistant coaches Parker Mikesch and Jack Stevens because they played volleyball at Ohio State too so that was a great connection to have."
Q: What stuck out about UNC when you were visiting?
Thorpe: "The history behind the athletic program. Carmichael Arena is a historic place to play in and campus is beautiful. I knew when I got here that it could be a place, I could see myself playing for a long time."
Q: You've been on campus since January. What has the transition been like for you to a new team, a new school and a new city?
Thorpe: "The first week was really hard because everyone I met was new except the coaches. It was tough, but my team made me feel comfortable right away by making sure that I knew I was more than just a spot on the roster, but that I really belonged. I really have grown to love Carolina and Chapel Hill, especially since I went to so many basketball games this spring."
Q: 77 is a unique volleyball number. Is there a story behind why you chose it?
Thorpe: "7 has always been an important number to me. I first wore the number 77 when I was 14 when we got to pick out our jerseys. I couldn't really find a number I liked and my coach said tp pick 77 because everyone always remembers the double numbers. That was the year the first college was interested in recruiting me and the season I got my name on the map.
77 also has a spiritual meaning to it. I love the verse 'the righteous man falls seven times but gets back up'. I've taken a lot of falls in my career, but I know to keep trying'."
What has the team been working on this spring, both on and off the court.
"On the court, we're really working on our defense, front and back row. Defense wins championships and I feel like defense can really set you apart from a lot of the teams. Everyone has their big hitter, their big, tall player, but defense, that can set you apart.
Off the court, we're solidifying our values and who we are. We're really dialing in on what our culture is going to be and what people will see from the outside looking in."
What did it feel like to put on the Carolina jersey for the first time in the spring match with Duke a couple weeks ago and compete as a Tar Heel?
Thorpe: "It was so awesome. I felt the energy immediately walking into the gym. After watching the UNC-Duke basketball game and seeing how big the rivalry is, I feel like all the other teams at UNC really adopt that same mindset. I felt like myself playing in a Carolina jersey – it felt comfortable and I know I'm meant to be here."
What are you looking forward to most in fall?
Thorpe: "This is a special team that we've been building up this spring and I'm just excited for us to get our name out there and make a statement. I'm excited to build connections with our supporters and fans and be a role model for the kids in the area."
What are some of the things you do outside of volleyball?
Thorpe: "I love cooking. A lot of my old coaches and teammates still know me as my nickname, 'chef'. My favorite food is to make steak. I also play guitar and bass, so whenever I have time I like to learn a new song or two."
What do you want Tar Heel nation to know about this team moving forward?
Thorpe: "I want Tar Heel fans to know that this team is something special and they're not going to want to miss it."
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
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