Chloe Burbage (‘28), a volleyball icon within the halls of Green Hope, has been setting her teammates up with nothing but success. But now, nationally setting herself apart, Burbage has rightfully secured a spot on the very first USA Volleyball Girls U17 National Team.
Before stepping into the national world, Burbage’s ride started much closer than one might think. At eight years old, her love for the sport began under the lights of NC Volleyball Academy (NCVA), exploding the club’s rankings through her success on elite teams, NCVA 13 Diamond and 14 Diamond.
Putting on a Falcon jersey quickly began her influential role on the Green Hope Varsity Volleyball team. As a freshman, Burbage easily secured a starting spot, leading her team to an 11-3 conference record, with a total of 845 assists, 50 serving aces and 35 blocks through the 2024-2025 season, ranking her 5th nationally for first-year players. Her ability to possess both control and dominance while on the court shows the basis of her success.
She continues her sophomore year through Green Hope with a 10-2 conference record, tallying 597 assists, 17 blocks and 86 kills. Chloe says, “Green Hope has prepared me by giving me high-level competition every day in practices and matches… It’s taught me how to compete with intensity but also how to stay composed and focused when the stakes are high.”
Nationally, her dreams broadened wider than ever before, joining the first-ever USA Girls U17 National Team, an unconventional addition through rarity and competition, to the USA Volleyball community. Burbage says, “Being part of the first-ever U17 team makes it even more special because we’re creating history and setting the standard for future teams.” This team consists of selected players across the country honored with the opportunity to train in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs from the end of October to Nov. 1, where an elite team of 12 players are nominated for a spot to represent the US at the NORCECA Women’s U17 Continental Championship in San José, Costa Rica.
Green Hope head coach Karl Redelfs describes Burbage as an athlete “who can make things happen. She has a good volleyball IQ and finds the right hitters at the right time.” He highlights the feedback and coaching opportunities through this team and experience, explaining the force of improvement that Chloe will experience. “My advice [to her] is to be a sponge and soak up all the experience you can – you will do awesome and can’t wait to see you playing at the next level.”
The self-esteem that Burbage maintains throughout her career as a setter necessitates composure, rhythm and a strong sense of leadership, all of which are qualities for her essential role on the court. She says Green Hope “has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, improve my skills and understand the game at a deeper level. Each season, I’ve been able to take on bigger roles, and it’s taught me how to handle pressure and to be consistent.”
As Burbage trains with the best, her dedication and raw talent are seen and highlighted more than ever before. Whether across the world or home at the Falcon Nest, her community can ensure a supportive and motivating watch from wherever Burbage may end up.
