CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Head coach Chris Tamas announced the signing of Tennessee transfer Paityn Chapman on Wednesday. A 6-foot-3 opposite, Chapman will join the Fighting Illini in January with two years of eligibility remaining after spending the last two seasons with the Lady Vols.
"Paityn is a proven player who has all of the attributes to make an immediate impact on the court," Tamas said. "She is a smart and powerful attacker, has a big presence on the block, and has shown the ability to play in the backcourt. What impressed us the most is her energy and enthusiasm for learning and wanting to take her game to the next level. Paityn will add a lot to our team's success, and we are excited to have her join our famILLy!"
"I chose Illinois because it felt like home," Chapman said. "I made an amazing connection with the coaches and players. I know that I will have a team that will back me up and develop me."
PAITYN CHAPMAN // OPPOSITE HITTER // 6-3 // CASTLE ROCK, COLO. // TENNESSEE // CASTLE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
- Arrives at Illinois with two years of eligibility
- Finished her sophomore season at Tennessee with 186 points, 165 kills, 42 digs, and 40 blocks while swinging at a .297 clip
- Ranked fifth on the Lady Vols in kills and blocks in 2025
- Posted nine matches with 10+ kills, including a career-high 19 kills against #15 Purdue at the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party, in 2025
- Averaged 2.78 points/set, 2.46 kills/set, and 0.60 blocks/set in 2025
- Was a two-time SEC Freshman of the Week honoree in 2024
- Ended her freshman season in 2024 ranked second on the Lady Vols in kills, kills/set, and blocks
- Amassed 274.5 points, 225 kills, 69 blocks, 45 digs, and 12 aces with a .268 hitting percentage
- Tallied 13 matches with double-digit kills, including two outings with at least 15
