BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University head volleyball coach Alex DelPiombo announced two hirings to her staff for the Orange and Brown. DelPiombo and the Falcons will welcome Chelsi Carter and Alexa Wharton as assistant coaches. Carter will arrive in Bowling Green from Alabama as an assistant while Wharton comes from Tiffin University where she served as the program's head coach for the past two seasons. 

"I am so excited to have Chelsi join our program," said DelPiombo. "I was fortunate to have coached her and see her grow from an elite player to a fantastic coach. She will always care about the whole athlete and that is a great fit for our BGVB culture. Her energy and passion is infectious and I can't wait for our players to learn from her."

"Alexa brings so much experience to our program," said DelPiombo. "Her role as a head coach will bring a lot of perspective and insight that will help us continue to get even better. Our goal is continued growth and Alexa embodies that. I am grateful she chose to be a Falcon."

Carter comes to Bowling Green following three years on staff at the University of Alabama, serving as an assistant coach under Rashinda Reed. With the Crimson Tide, Carter aided in nine players being named CSC Academic All-District and one to the SEC Volleyball Community Service Team. During her time in Tuscaloosa, Alabama broke the program's attendance record with over 3,800 in attendance. During the staff's first season, Alabama ranked in the top three in the SEC in aces and digs.

Prior to arriving in Alabama, Carter served as an assistant coach at Western Carolina for three seasons. With the Catamounts, she mentored Destinee Dorsey and Meagan Sanchez, the 2021 and 2019 Southern Conference Libero of the Year winners, respectively. She also served as an assistant coach and interim head coach at Nicholls State in 2018 as well as an assistant coach for the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 2017.

A native of Hazel Green, Ala., Carter's coaching career began at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, serving as an assistant coach for the Blazers' beach team while also being a volunteer assistant for the indoor team. Carter played for the UAB beach volleyball team in 2015-16 after being a four-year letterwinner at Samford for indoor volleyball from 2011-14, playing for current BGSU head coach Alex DelPiombo. With Samford, Carter was a two-time SoCon Champion and the 2014 SoCon Libero of the Year and Tournament MVP. 

"Presented the opportunity to be a part of a community rich in tradition is a privilege and one my husband and I did not take lightly," said Carter. "I am extremely grateful to work alongside Alex and the BG Family. The people made this place an easy yes - the current players, the alumni, the staff, the athletic department and the community. It's an honor to join a culture that values relationships, hard work, and authenticity. I'm excited to begin my time at Bowling Green to contribute to what's been built and what's to come." 

Wharton is coming off two seasons as the head coach at Tiffin University in her hometown. Wharton coached the Dragons to a compiled record of 31-28 while going 18-16 in G-MAC play, advancing to the conference tournament each season, including a semifinal appearance in 2023. Additionally, in 2024 her team ranked ninth in the NCAA's Division III for team blocks per set, averaging 2.63. During her two seasons, she had four players named CSC Academic All-District and two earn All-Conference honors. 

Prior to Tiffin, Wharton served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Memphis from 2018-21, aiding the building of Sean Burdette's program with the Tigers. With Memphis, Wharton helped produce the program's best start to a season in school history, opening the 2019 campaign with an 11-0 record. Wharton served on Burdette's staff at Green Bay as well, helping the Phoenix earn a 17-16 record in 2017, advancing to the Final Eight in the NIVC. There she coached two All-Conference selection and two All-Freshman selections as well, including the Horizon League Freshman of the Year.

Wharton served as a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2015 and 2016 campaigns. With the Warhawks, she helped guide the program to an undefeated home record (32-0) and back-to-back WIAC Tournament crowns, advancing to the NCAA Division III Sweet 16 in 2016. As a player at Heidelberg, Wharton helped lead the Student Princes to three Ohio Athletic Conference titles, three Division III Tournament appearances and finished her career sixth on 'Berg's all-time assists charts.

"Bowling Green State University's volleyball program stands as a beacon of excellence, built upon a foundation of dedication, community support, and an unwavering pursuit of growth," said Wharton. "I am honored to join this tradition under the leadership of Head Coach Alex DelPiombo. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Alex DelPiombo, Derek van der Merwe, and Stacy Kosiak for their trust and support in this incredible opportunity. BGVB is more than a program—it's a standard of excellence that extends beyond competition, built on meaningful relationships, a relentless work ethic, and a commitment to personal and collective growth. I am eager to contribute to this culture, working alongside our talented student-athletes, dedicated staff, and the passionate Falcon community. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. Ay Ziggy!"

Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons volleyball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUVolleyball
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsuvolleyball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics' and 'Bowling Green State University Volleyball'
TikTok - @bgsuvolleyball 
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'