Chelsea Academy Lady Knights Capture First State Championship in School History

Front Royal’s Chelsea Academy made history Saturday, November 14, defeating New Covenant in straight sets to win the VISAA Division III State Volleyball Championship.

The Chelsea Academy Lady Knights have brought a state championship trophy home to Front Royal for the first time in school history.

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Chelsea Academy’s varsity volleyball team defeated New Covenant Schools of Lynchburg in three straight sets to capture the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division III State Championship.

The championship match was played at The Steward School in Richmond, but the celebration belongs to the Chelsea Academy community in Front Royal.

For the independent Catholic school, established in Front Royal in 2008, the victory marks a major milestone in its athletic history.

Chelsea Academy teams have competed in state tournaments numerous times, earning conference championships and bringing home several state runner-up trophies. Until Saturday, however, a state championship had remained out of reach.

That changed when the Lady Knights completed their tournament run with a decisive 3-0 victory.

A Championship Worth Waiting For

The victory was especially meaningful because the Lady Knights faced a familiar opponent.

Just one year earlier, New Covenant defeated Chelsea Academy in straight sets to win the 2025 VISAA Division III championship.

This time, the result was reversed.

Chelsea Academy entered Saturday’s championship after defeating Southampton Academy 3-0 in the state quarterfinals on November 10.

Two days later, the Lady Knights faced Timberlake Christian in the semifinals and won 3-1, with set scores of 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, and 25-11.

The victory set up another championship meeting with New Covenant, which had advanced after a five-set semifinal victory over Greenbrier Christian Academy.

With the state title on the line, Chelsea Academy rose to the occasion, sweeping New Covenant to claim the championship.

Small Team, Big Accomplishment

Longtime Chelsea Academy coach and parent Becky Barvick coaches the Lady Knights, and her commitment to the school’s volleyball program has helped guide the team through years of competition.

Although Chelsea Academy is a relatively small school, its volleyball players have repeatedly demonstrated that determination, preparation, and teamwork can carry a team deep into postseason competition.

This year, they went all the way.

The championship represents more than a successful season. It is a historic achievement for the players, coaches, families, and school community who have supported Chelsea Academy athletics over the years.

For a program that has come close before, finally bringing home the state championship trophy makes this victory especially memorable.

The Lady Knights traveled to Richmond to compete for a title and returned to Front Royal as state champions.

Congratulations to Coach Becky Barvick and the entire Chelsea Academy Lady Knights varsity volleyball team on making school history!