Hall of Famer, All-American and Lady Vols pioneer helped build Tennessee into an SEC powerhouse before excelling in professional volleyball and coaching.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee volleyball family is mourning the loss of one of the program's greatest pioneers. Former Lady Vol standout, All-American and Tennessee Athletics Hall of Famer April Chapple has passed away at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape Tennessee volleyball into one of the Southeastern Conference's premier programs.
A dynamic outside hitter whose impact extended well beyond the stat sheet, Chapple starred for the Lady Vols from 1981 through 1984, helping elevate Tennessee onto both the conference and national stages during one of the most transformative eras in program history.
A Foundation Built on Championships
A native of Inglewood, California, Chapple played a pivotal role in one of Tennessee's most successful stretches, guiding the Lady Vols to:
- Three SEC Regular-Season Championships
- Three SEC Tournament Championships
- Four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances
- A 121-50 overall record during her collegiate career
Her leadership helped Tennessee earn the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 1982, a five-set triumph over Northwestern that marked a defining milestone in Lady Vol volleyball history.

