UTK Champions Weekend: A Vol Volleyball Star's Unforgettable Return

Join me April Chapple
a Volunteer Volleyball All-American, as I relive my UTK Champion Weekend at Neyland Stadium and experience my Big Orange homecoming

Welcome to Day 2 of my unforgettable Champions Weekend experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville! 

After an exhilarating first day at the UTK Champions Weekend filled with campus tours, reunions with former teammates, and a special dinner at the Yee Haw Lounge in Neyland Stadium, the excitement continues on Day 2.

Its GAMEDAY in Knoxville Tennessee!

Gameday at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for football is so special that

• Sports Illustrated ranked Tennessee in their Top 25 list in 2024 at 13

• Bleacher Report in their Top 15 Best College Football Towns lists Knoxville Tennessee home of the Volunteers at #7

• 247sports.com rates the Top16 Best College Football Towns in the Nation with Knoxville coming in at #3

• On October 9, 2024, USA Today gave the University of Tennessee, Knoxville the top spot, a #1 ranking in the country as the Best College For Sports Fans

Come with me as I show you what it was like to be on campus during the UTK Champions weekend on gameday of the Tennessee vs Kentucky football game where my 1984 SEC championship team was honored at halftime with other Tennessee champions from other sports. 

I want you to see, feel and experience what gameday at Tennessee looked and felt like through my eyes. 

Starting with the 

Passionate fans participating in the legendary tailgate culture as we walk pass the stadium's parking lot and Circle Park walking down Johnny Majors Drive on the way to the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center where the our own Champions Tailgate party

When I discovered my name engraved on the Tennessee Lettermen's Wall of Fame, a monument dedicated to the Volunteer student-athletes and located in front of the Doug Dickey Plaza it was a huge surprise and an awesome discovery. 

It was so much fun looking for former teammates and school mates names who participated in other sports also engraved in stone on the University of Tennessee Lettermens Wall of Fame dedicated to us student-athletes. This long granite stone wall monument located on johnny Majors Drive was built in 2019 some time after I last visited the Knoxville campus for my Hall of Fame induction in 2003 so I felt truly, truly honored and proud of my accomplishments. (as you can hear in my video).

Another amazingly awesome discovery  made as we moved past the Wall of Fame and happened to look down at the plaza floor area.

I started seeing names in concrete squares on the ground dedicated to former Tennessee athletes. But not just any student athletes, just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, these engraved plaque squares have the names of the University of Tennessee best of the best in their sport Hall of Fame inductees. 

I heard a yell and Lynn Fielitz one of the Tennessee team assistant coaches in 1984 found my name and paver square dedicated to my Hall of Fame inclusion located near the closest bench next to the main entrance of the  Doug Dickey Athletics Hall of Fame entrance.

There are even maps to each honored Hall of Fame athletes' square and mine is located forever and ever even after i die in the J3 position near a bench and under a tree and not far from my friend and collegiate mentor square the legendary UTK football captain Reggie White (I love it!!).  

As you enter the Neyland -Thompson Sports Center on the way to the indoor football field where the Champions Tailgate was being held for us you can't help but notice the All American Wall. 

• We stopped to attend the Champions Tailgate which was held for us in the Neyland -Thompson Sports Center on the indoor football field. 

But to get there 

to the Neyland stadium entrance and go with me as we go through the Peyton Manning tunnel on our way to the field during the game . Then come with me as I'm on the field in front of a sold out crowd of 100,000+ Tennessee fans as my record-holding (still to this day 40 years later) 1984 SEC regular season champions and SEC Tournament championship winners are announced and honored 

Today promises even more Volunteer spirit as we dive into pre-game festivities, explore hidden gems of UT's athletic history, and culminate with the thrilling Tennessee vs. Kentucky football game.

Join me as I share my journey from the Champions Tailgate to stepping onto the hallowed turf of Neyland Stadium, reliving cherished memories and creating new ones in the heart of Big Orange Country.

• Champions Tailgate at Neyland Thompson Sports Center
• Exploring Dick Dickey Plaza and the Walk of Fame
• Finding my name on the Wall of Fame
• Pre-game festivities and atmosphere
• On-field recognition during the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game
• Halftime show and post-game reflections

As a proud record-setting Lady Vol and SEC volleyball champion, I couldn't wait to return to my alma mater for this incredible celebration of athletic achievement.

The next day on the way to our Champion Tailgate....at the indoor football facility

And get this – there's a concrete square with my name on it, just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame! I couldn't resist snapping a pic.

Now, for all you aspiring volleyball players out there, let me break down why this matters. These achievements aren't just about trophies and banners. They represent years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. As your potential coach, I bring all of that experience to the table.

When you're looking for a coach, you want someone who's been there, done that, right? Well, I've not only played at the highest collegiate level, but I've also represented the USA on the national team and played professionally in Italy. That's a world of experience right there!

But it's not just about the playing experience. As a former USA Volleyball High Performance coach and evaluator, I've got the inside scoop on elite-level training techniques. I'm talking about the kind of stuff that can take your game from good to great.

One thing that sets me apart is my focus on team building. During my time conducting camps at over 31 NCAA Division I college campuses, I picked up a ton of activities that improve team communication. Trust me, these skills are just as important as your vertical jump!

Now, I know there are a lot of coaches out there in Vegas. But how many can say they've won three SEC championships? Or been inducted into the UTK Hall of Fame? That's the kind of experience I bring to the table.

But here's the thing – it's not about bragging rights. It's about using that experience to help you reach your goals. Whether you're aiming for a college scholarship or just want to improve your game, I've got the tools to help you get there.

During the champions weekend, we got to relive some of our greatest moments. But you know what was even better? Seeing how those experiences shaped us into the people we are today. That's what I want to pass on to you.

One of the coolest parts of the weekend was being recognized during halftime of the Tennessee vs Kentucky football game. Picture this: a sold-out crowd at Neyland Stadium, the second-largest SEC stadium in the US, cheering for us. Talk about a rush!

But here's the real takeaway – that moment wasn't just about us. It was about inspiring the next generation of athletes. It's about showing you what's possible with hard work and dedication.

So, if you're a high school player looking to take your game to the next level, or a parent wanting the best for your volleyball star, listen up. You don't just want a coach – you want a mentor who's been where you want to go.

I've played in packed stadiums, won championships, and represented my country. But more importantly, I've learned how to build strong teams, communicate effectively, and overcome challenges. These are the skills that'll serve you well both on and off the court.

Remember, volleyball isn't just about the perfect serve or the killer spike. It's about teamwork, resilience, and pushing yourself to be better every day. That's what I learned at UTK, and that's what I want to teach you.

So, whether you're dreaming of playing college ball or just want to be the best player you can be, I'm here to help. With my experience as a SEC champion, Lady Vol, and UTK Hall of Fame inductee, I've got the knowledge and skills to take your game to the next level.

So, whether you're dreaming of playing college ball or just want to be the best player you can be, I'm here to help. With my experience as a SEC champion, Lady Vol, and UTK Hall of Fame inductee, I've got the knowledge and skills to take your game to the next level.

The champions weekend at the University of Tennessee Knoxville November 1-2 2024 wasn't just a trip down memory lane. It was a reminder of why I love this sport and why I'm passionate about coaching. It's about creating champions, both on the court and in life.

So, what do you say? Ready to train with a coach who's been there, done that, and got the championship rings to prove it? Let's hit the court and start your journey to becoming a champion. Trust me, it's going to be one heck of a ride!