Jones, Chelsea

Chelsea Jones is entering her third season as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Carolina University and her third year as the Director of Athletics. Under her leadership, the Bruins achieved their best season in school history with a remarkable 23-9 record, winning the South Regional Tournament and securing a berth in the NCCAA National Tournament. For her outstanding coaching performance, she was honored as the Carolina University Head Coach of the Year. During the 2022 season, Jones guided numerous award-winning athletes, including an All-American, three All-Region selections, and five Scholar-Athletes. Giulia La Longa, who was named Carolina University Female Athlete of the Year, exemplified the team’s success under Jones’s mentorship.

Previously, in the 2018 season, Jones also led the Bruins to victory in the South Regional Tournament, earning them a spot in the NCCAA National Tournament. That year, she coached three All-Region players and celebrated five Scholar-Athletes, while being recognized as the South Region Coach of the Year, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in collegiate athletics.

Before joining Carolina University, Jones served as the inaugural Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at John Wesley University, where she successfully guided the newly formed program to the NCCAA South Regional Tournament twice in just three seasons. Her coaching journey also includes experience as an assistant coach at Salem College, where she played a key role in the team’s success.

A Glade Valley, NC native, Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Salem College, an MBA from UNC Pembroke, and an IAA from the University of Mississippi. During her playing career at Salem, she was recognized as an All-Conference player in 2013, earned Conference MVP honors in 2012, and was named Academic All-Conference from 2011 to 2013.

In addition to her coaching accolades, Jones has held various administrative roles at Carolina University, including Assistant Director of Athletics - Operations, Associate Director of Athletics, and Title IX Deputy Coordinator, before stepping into her current role as Director of Athletics.