Luka Slabe Named NC State Women's Volleyball Head Coach

(Raleigh) -- Luka Slabe, assistant coach for the USA Women’s Volleyball National Team, has been appointed the head coach of the NC State Volleyball program, Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan announced today.

“We had an incredible pool of candidates from all backgrounds and levels of experience, but Luka’s vision for NC State Volleyball and tactical acumen stood out in this process,” said Corrigan. “Luka has an incredible set of experiences both domestically and internationally, and we feel he has the approach and leadership necessary to help us fulfill our incredible potential in volleyball. We are excited to welcome Luka, his wife Tina and two children, Trine and Ozbej to the Wolfpack family.”

Slabe, who has been with USA Volleyball since 2018 under volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, has helped the American side qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as take home a silver medal at the 2019 FIVB World Cup. He will join the Wolfpack, but will also remain on the USA Volleyball staff through the 2020 Olympics this summer before turning his full attention to NC State.

“I am honored to be considered for this position,” said Slabe. “My wife Tina, our two children, and I are excited to continue our journey as a part of the Wolfpack family. I would like to thank Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan, Senior Associate Athletic Director Raymond Harrison and the entire Wolfpack Nation for this opportunity. I would also like to thank USA Volleyball for all the support during this transition and during our pursuit of a gold Olympic medal in Tokyo.

“Our team will be dedicated to the pursuit of mastery both on the court and in the classroom. We will play hard for our fans across the country, and represent NC State with pride and honor. We will strive every day to be the best versions of ourselves and create an environment where our players continue to learn and prepare themselves for life after college.”

Prior to his time with the USA National Team, Slabe was an assistant coach with the men’s program at his alma mater, BYU from 2015-18. Slabe helped BYU finish as NCAA runners-up in both 2016 and 2017, while also reaching the Final Four in 2018. Additionally, BYU won a pair of Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships (2016 and 2018).

From 2013-15, Slabe served as the head coach of the Slovenian National Team, dramatically increasing the program’s world ranking. During his tenure as a Head Coach of Slovenia Men’s National Team, various professional teams, while competing in the most prestigious club league in the world – Champions League, his teams won eight national and international championship titles.

Slabe played collegiately at BYU, helping the program to the 2001 NCAA Championship. The team was the 2003 NCAA runner-up as well. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from BYU in August 2003.

What They Are Saying About Luka Slabe…

"Our USA Women's National Team program is pumped for Luka and this chance to lead the NC State volleyball program.  Luka has acquired a unique combination of experience, passion, and skills, by working relentlessly at so many different levels of the game both inside the United States and internationally.  We've been very fortunate to have him along on this journey, one that will take us together all the way through the Tokyo Closing Ceremonies on August 9.  Though we'll miss him greatly after the Olympics, we can't wait to see what he'll do with the Wolfpack on a full-time basis." - Karch Kiraly, Head Coach, USA Women’s Volleyball  

“I am thrilled for Luka and the Slabe family as they embark on this new adventure at North Carolina State.  Luka is one of the world’s top volleyball coaches and his guidance and expertise has aided the U.S. Women’s Volleyball National Team in achieving many podium finishes and attaining No. 2 in the world status. Congratulations to North Carolina State on making a wonderful selection for their volleyball program’s head coaching position. I am sure that the student-athletes and staff will thrive under Luka’s leadership.” - Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball

“North Carolina State made a great hire in Luka Slabe. Luka will get the right things in place and the program will develop rapidly. He understands teaching at the highest level and teaching is about the way you practice. Luka will find ways to practice the things he will want his players to do and they will become efficient and proficient at repeating these things. And, at the same time, his players will learn how to work harder, focus better and longer, and become more aware. He works extremely hard and will communicate well with his players, always giving them sound, meaningful feedback, and his content is supported by sound statistics and facts. Luka is all about his players and helping them become the players and people that they want to become. I paid close attention to the Slovenia Men’s national team when Luka was their head coach and I was impressed with the improvement the team made over a three-year period. As he got things in place, his team became more competitive beating the top teams in the European League. He is very honest and direct with his players and is demanding in a very good way. He teaches his players to move well both efficiently and with power when needed. And they are taught to respond to the situations that occur most often as his players see the game very well. I am excited for NC State Volleyball as they have hired one of the very best in our country.” - Jim McLaughlin, former head coach for the University of Washington