BOONE, N.C. - App State head volleyball coach
Chad Sutton announced the addition of three transfers to the team's 2026 signing class on Wednesday. The trio joins setters Eva Goodson and Lexi Shondell, outside hitters Amelia Mancino and Molly Teague, middle blockers Nevaeh Hays and Amber McClain, and defensive specialist Iris Williams, who were
announced on Nov. 13.
Chelsea Gilmore | Middle Blocker | 6'1" | Charlotte, N.C. | Nation Ford HS (N.C. State, Louisiana)
Gilmore joins the Mountaineers as a junior middle blocker for the 2026 campaign after spending two seasons at Louisiana. The Charlotte, N.C. native ranked fourth in the Sun Belt in hitting percentage with a clip of .346 during the 2025 campaign. She slammed down 163 kills (1.75 k/s), went up for 60 blocks (six solo, 54 assists), made 38 digs, and served up 21 aces last fall, after making 25 starts and appearing in 26 matches. During the 2024 season, she made 22 starts, tallying 117 kills (1.33 k/s), 59 blocks (seven solo, 52 assists), 22 digs, and 16 aces. Gilmore began her collegiate career at N.C. State in 2023, but did not use a season of competition. During her high school career, she collected AVCA All-Region and All-State honors. She also competed on the Carolina Union Volleyball Club under the direction of John Barnnon and Abbi Hayes. She was tabbed as an AVCA Phenom and was on the AVCA All-American Watchlist.
While at App State, Gilmore plans on studying business management. She enjoys shopping, acting, modeling, singing, and attending church.
Why Gilmore Chose App State: "The location is absolutely stunning and it's also close to home. I love the coaching staff and their mission for the program."
Sutton on Gilmore: "Chelsea is a proven middle blocker in our conference. She brings elite athleticism and tenacious defense. Having competed against her, we knew she was exactly what we were looking for to help strengthen our middle blocker group."
Brooke Doherty | Outside Hitter | 5'11" | Holly Springs, N.C. | Holly Springs HS (Elon, South Carolina, Mississippi State)
Holly Springs, N.C. native Doherty will join the Mountaineers as a graduate student outside hitter after spending her senior season at Mississippi State. While in Starkville, Doherty appeared in 10 matches, slamming down 12 kills for the Bulldogs. Doherty spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at South Carolina, where she helped the Gamecocks to an appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. She competed in 10 matches and tallied 15 digs for the Gamecocks. The Holly Springs, N.C. native began her career at Elon, where she was named a CAA Rookie of the Week. She totaled 112 kills, averaging 2.04 kills per set her freshman season. In high school, she helped her team to the Elite Eight of the NCVBCA state playoffs. She also competed on the Triangle Volleyball Club under the direction of Logan Barber.
While at App State, Doherty plans on pursuing an MBA and plans on going to dental school. She enjoys baking, especially making sourdough, and loves cats.
Why Doherty Chose App State: "I chose App State because it's a place where I can grow, compete, and be supported."
Sutton on Doherty: "Brooke is a veteran player with a polished arm. She is beloved by her teammates and coaches. She has the ability to hit all shots with a calmness and poise that will elevate our pin group."
Charlotte Thompson | Outside Hitter | 5'9" | Tampa, Fla. | Tampa Catholic HS (Mercer)
Joining the Mountaineers for her sophomore season is Thompson. The Tampa, Fla. native competed as an outside hitter at Mercer last season and was tabbed the 2025 SoCon Freshman of the Year. She also collected SoCon Freshman All-Tournament team honors. Over the course of the season, she tallied 255 kills (2.60 k/s) and 28 blocks (five solo, 23 assists). She slammed down double-figure kills in 14 matches last fall, including a career high 16 kills on a mark of .500 in the Bears' regular season finale at Western Carolina.
Thompson plans on studying business while in the High Country. She comes from an athletic family, as her father, Richard, played in the MLB and was featured on American Ninja Warrior, and her brother, Clay, currently plays baseball at James Madison.
Why Thompson Chose App State: "I chose App State for the coaches and great team dynamic."
Sutton on Thompson: "Charlotte is a young, dynamic player with incredible quickness and leaping ability. She makes leaving the ground look effortless. We're excited for Charlotte and her development, as we believe she has all the tools necessary to become an elite player in this conference."
