Callie Armistead Kelly arrived on Chowan’s campus in the fall of 2009 and made an immediate impact on the Chowan volleyball team. As a freshman, Callie “set” herself apart from the competition, setting for some of the best hitters that Chowan has seen in the NCAA D2 era. Callie set the single season assists record in her first season of play after ending the year with 1,159 assists. From her freshman year it was clear she would play an integral role on both the volleyball court for the Hawks and on campus for her academic excellence and leadership.
Callie was a four-year member of the Chowan Volleyball program from 2009-2012. During her career, Callie helped the program to a 99-38 overall record including 63-4 mark in CIAA action, four CIAA Northern Division Titles, two CIAA Tournament Championships, two NCAA Atlantic Regional appearances, and four appearances in the CIAA Tournament Finals. The 2009 team produced a 29-9 overall record, the best in program history.
Callie’s resume puts her in elite company at Chowan holding the most assists in program history with 3,843 including 1,159 in a single season during the 2009 season and 62 assists during a match against St. Augustine's in 2011. Armistead was named 2009 NCCAA All-American Second Team, 2009 NCCAA All-South Region Second Team, four-time All-CIAA including three First Team selections, 2009 CIAA Rookie Team, two-time CIAA All-Tournament, two-time Preseason All-CIAA, and three-time CIAA All-Academic.Callie was selected to the Chowan Volleyball All-Division II team as a setter. Callie’s name is listed at the top of the Chowan volleyball program’s record book in single season assists, career assists, and career matches and sets played.
Callie was active in the Criminal Justice Club while on campus and served as the club’s historian. Callie graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in May of 2013 as one of the most decorated volleyball players in program history.
After graduating from Chowan, Callie married her college sweetheart, Brandon Kelly. They reside in New London, North Carolina, with their 5-year-old son, Sawyer. Callie currently works in Compliance Operations for Checkr, a large background check company. She remains closely connected with her former teammates and cherishes the lifelong friendships built during her time at Chowan.
