LOVB Names Zé Roberto, Volleyball’s Most Decorated Coach, As Head Coach Of LOVB LA

 League One Volleyball (LOVB) today announced the appointment of José Roberto “Zé Roberto” Guimarães as Head Coach of LOVB Los Angeles, bringing volleyball’s most decorated coach to Los Angeles ahead of the team’s inaugural season. 

The landmark appointment represents one of the most significant coaching hires in the history of professional volleyball and reinforces LOVB LA’s ambition to establish a global flagship franchise in one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment markets.

“Zé Roberto is the most decorated coach in the history of our sport, and his decision to help build the future of professional women’s volleyball in the United States says everything about where LOVB is headed,” said Sandra Idehen, Commissioner of League One Volleyball. “His standard of excellence, his commitment to developing athletes, and his belief in what this league can become make him the ideal coach for LOVB LA. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to our league.”

A 2024 inductee into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, Zé Roberto is the only coach in volleyball history to win Olympic gold medals with both a men’s and women’s national team. With LA28 in full view, Zé will have participated in ten Olympic Games as both a player and coach, earned five Olympic medals and built a nearly five-decade legacy of excellence on the sport’s biggest stages.

“When we set out to build LOVB LA, we said we would do everything at the highest standard our sport has ever seen,” said Alexis Ohanian, founder of 776 and owner of LOVB LA. “Hiring Zé Roberto is exactly what that looks like. He’s the greatest coach our sport has ever produced, and his decision to join LOVB LA is another signal that the future of professional volleyball is being built here.”

Zé Roberto’s Olympic journey began as a player, representing Brazil at the 1976 Montreal Games. He later transitioned into coaching, guiding Brazil’s men’s national team to Olympic gold at the 1992 Barcelona Games before leading Brazil’s women to back-to-back Olympic titles in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. He later added Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024. He also won the CEV Champions League, the pinnacle of pro volleyball, as the head coach of Turkish Club Fenerbahçe Istanbul in 2012.

“Great players deserve great leadership,” said Ana Mendy, President of LOVB Los Angeles. “Zé has defined excellence in volleyball for decades, not only through championships, but through the culture he creates and the way he develops athletes. His decision to lead LOVB LA sends a powerful message to players, fans, and the global volleyball community about what we’re building in Los Angeles. We aren’t just assembling a team; we’re building a club that intends to set the standard for professional volleyball around the world.”

His success extends far beyond the Olympics. With Brazil’s men’s national team, he won the 1993 FIVB World League title. Since taking over Brazil’s women’s national team in 2003, he has led the program to more than 23 medals in major international competitions, including two FIVB World Grand Champions Cup titles and nine FIVB World Grand Prix championships, a record of sustained excellence unmatched by nearly any coach in the sport’s history.

Known for his tactical excellence, relentless competitiveness, and ability to develop generations of world-class athletes, Zé Roberto has built a reputation as one of volleyball’s greatest teachers and culture builders.

“Volleyball has given me everything in life, and I’ve always believed the sport still has so much room to grow,” said Zé Roberto. “Joining LOVB is a chance to be part of that growth, with a league that shares the same passion and ambition I’ve carried throughout my career. I’m excited for this new chapter, and grateful to build something special with LOVB LA.”

At LOVB Los Angeles, Zé Roberto will lead a roster featuring many of the world's top players as the club prepares for its inaugural season. Alongside his new chapter at LOVB LA, Zé will also remain involved with the Brazilian National Team, a position he has held since 2003. His arrival marks another major milestone in establishing Los Angeles as a global destination for professional volleyball.

“I had the honor of working with Zé  for many years on the Brazilian National team,” said  Fabiana Claudino. “And I am certain that with all of his experience, combined with his leadership and knowledge, he’s going to contribute so much to this league.”

“As a player, I am very excited to be coached by someone of such caliber,” said Kathryn Boden, Outside Hitter, LOVB Los Angeles. “To learn from one of the best of my sport is truly an honor, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how our team can grow with him as our coach. This just shows that LOVB as a whole is trying to make US volleyball one to be reckoned with and hiring Ze is a step in the right direction to really be one of the most competitive leagues in the world.”

For more information about LOVB Los Angeles, please visit: www.lovbla.com.