Pelin Çelik

Former Setter of the Turkish National Women’s Volleyball Team | Team Manager of the Turkish National Women’s Volleyball Team and Fenerbahçe Medicana Women’s Volleyball Team
Born into a sports family, she began playing volleyball at the age of 12, earned her first national cap at 15, and represented the Turkish Women’s National Teams at all levels for 18 years, with over 300 appearances. As a setter, she orchestrated the game on court, captained both the national team and her clubs for many years, and contributed to countless medals and trophies.
The most valuable legacy in her life came from her late father. Paşa Hüseyin, who once wore the Fenerbahçe jersey as a professional footballer, was not only a father but also her first teacher in sportsmanship, discipline, and perspective on life and the game. This legacy shaped Pelin’s leadership on the court, her approach to team discipline, and the determination that defined her career.
After retiring from professional play, she carried these values behind the scenes, ensuring that her impact on Turkish volleyball would extend far beyond her playing career. As Team Manager of both the Turkish Women’s National Volleyball Team and Fenerbahçe Medicana Women’s Volleyball Team, she has assumed critical leadership responsibilities, including:
• Representing the Turkish National Team at the international level
• Planning training camps in line with tournament schedules and managing communication with other national teams
• Maintaining strong and continuous relations with FIVB and CEV
• Overseeing all logistical operations during tournaments
• Ensuring players’ needs are met both on and off the court
• Facilitating coordination between the technical staff and the federation
This role is not merely organizational; it is the invisible but vital balancing force behind every victory.
In 2023, the Turkish Women’s National Team made history by winning the European Championship, the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), and the World Cup in the same year. This unprecedented “triple crown” marked the beginning of what is now called the Golden Era of Turkish volleyball. Pelin Çelik is recognized as one of the most important figures behind the scenes of this historic achievement.
Today, Pelin Çelik stands not only as a symbol of athletic excellence on the court, but also as an icon of sustainability, discipline, and organizational excellence in Turkish women’s volleyball.
Key Highlights
• 300+ international caps with the Turkish National Team (as a player)
• Twice named Best Setter of the Turkish League (2006-2007&207-2008)
• Setter of the Turkish National Team that won its first-ever European Championship medal in 2003
• Team Manager of the Turkish Women’s National Volleyball Team & Fenerbahçe Medicana Women’s Volleyball – leadership behind the scenes
• 2023 Triple Crown (European Championship, VNL, World Cup) – one of the key managerial figures of the Golden Era
An emotional journey marked by early responsibility, and roles as a mother, spouse, and leader