Karch Kiraly Solidifies U.S. Men’s National Team Coaching Staff as Road to LA28 Begins

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, December 17, 2024.- USA Volleyball is embarking on an exciting new chapter as legendary coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist Karch Kiraly announces two key additions to the U.S. Men’s National Team coaching staff. Luka Slabe and Javier Weber will join Kiraly in his quest for Olympic success at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. 

The announcement comes just ahead of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention, where both Kiraly and Slabe will lead educational sessions for coaches and volleyball professionals. 

“We are fortunate to have these two good men and great coaches join our program,” Kiraly said. “My mission is to help this team play this game better than it has ever played it before. Both Luka and Javi embody that pursuit of excellence—through their passion, expertise, drive to help others, and strong work ethic. They will be indispensable as we aim to set new standards on the road to LA28.” 

Luka Slabe: A Return to USA Volleyball 

Slabe, who returns to USA Volleyball after five successful years as head coach of the NC State women’s volleyball team, previously worked with Kiraly as an assistant coach on the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2018-2021. There, he played an integral role in the team’s historic achievements, including three consecutive Volleyball Nations League titles and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal—the first in U.S. women’s volleyball history. 

During his tenure at NC State, Slabe led the Wolfpack to a 78-55 overall record and a 50-39 record in ACC play. 

“Luka’s coaching prowess and passion were key to our staff’s success in securing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the U.S. Women’s Team,” Kiraly said. “When I think about the people I’d want on our side in battle, there’s nobody better. His experience at the highest level, combined with his time as head coach of a European men’s national team, will be invaluable in our pursuit of mastery.” 

A native of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Slabe played as an outside hitter for BYU from 2000-03, contributing to the Cougars’ 2001 NCAA Division I-II Men’s National Collegiate Championship title. After graduating, he played professionally in Europe before transitioning to coaching in 2008. From 2008-15, Slabe coached four different European men’s pro teams and spent two years as head coach of the Slovenian men’s national team. He also served as an assistant coach with the BYU men’s volleyball team from 2015-18. 

“I am thrilled to be back with Karch and USA Volleyball,” Slabe said. “My family and I have incredible memories from our journey with the Women’s National Team and the Tokyo Olympics. I am ready and excited to conquer all the challenges ahead of our Men’s National Team, leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.” 

Javier Weber: Continuing His Legacy with U.S. Men’s National Team 

Weber, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, returns for his fourth season with the U.S. Men’s National Team after joining in 2022 under head coach John Speraw. During Weber’s time with the team, the U.S. Men earned two silver medals in the Volleyball Nations League and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

A former Olympic medalist and setter for Argentina, Weber represented his country in three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in 1988. His distinguished playing career also included five World Championships, as well as successful stints in professional leagues in Argentina and Italy. 

“Javi has earned exceptional praise from players and staff alike for the huge impact he’s had on the men’s program since joining in 2022,” Kiraly said. “In the past few months, I’ve gotten to know much more about Javi and his innovative volleyball concepts – the more I learn, the more I like and respect. It was imperative to secure his involvement for another Olympic cycle.” 

With extensive professional coaching experience, Weber began his coaching career in 2002 with Brazilian club Unisul. He has since coached several teams internationally, including Indykpol AZS Olsztyn in Poland, Panathinaikos Athens in Greece, Bolívar Voley in Argentina, and Dynamo Krasnodar in Russia. He served as head coach of the Argentine men’s national team from 2009-13 and is currently the head coach of the JT Thunders Hiroshima in Japan. 

“It’s a great honor to continue as coach in this incredible family that is USAV,” Weber said. “I am very excited to work with Karch in this huge challenge that is Los Angeles 2028. All together everything is possible. Let’s go, USA!” 

The Road to LA28 

The U.S. Men’s National Team will kick off the 2025 season in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 11-15 for the first round of the Volleyball Nations League. Under the leadership of Kiraly, Slabe and Weber, the team will continue its pursuit of excellence on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.