FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 5th, 2026
Portland, Ore.| Warner Pacific University Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Nerisa Laban as the new head coach of the Knights volleyball program. A respected leader in the Pacific Northwest volleyball community, Laban brings a wealth of coaching experience, a passion for developing student-athletes, and a proven record of success at every level of the sport.
An American Samoan raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Portland, Oregon, Laban has dedicated her life to growing the game of volleyball and creating opportunities for athletes throughout the region. Her coaching philosophy centers around three core values: respect, discipline, and teamwork.
"My objective is not only to develop skilled volleyball players but also to help build confident, responsible individuals who demonstrate strong character in all aspects of life," said Laban. "I believe that respect, discipline, and teamwork create the foundation for success both on and off the court."
Laban currently serves as the founder, owner, and director of Portland Chaos Volleyball Club, one of Oregon's premier volleyball organizations. Since founding the club in 2020, she has helped elevate opportunities for both boys and girls volleyball while building one of the state's most successful programs. She also owns Woks Up Beach Courts and oversees Oregon's largest boys beach volleyball program.
Her coaching résumé includes serving as head coach at Jessup Multnomah University during the 2024-25 season after previously working as an assistant coach with the program. She has also coached at Central Catholic High School, Reynolds High School, Barlow High School, and previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at Warner Pacific.
Among her many accomplishments, Laban guided the Portland Chaos 18U Boys team to the 2024 USA Volleyball National Championship, becoming the first and only 18U boys club team from Oregon to win a national title. The team followed that achievement with a national runner-up finish in 2025.
Beyond competition, Laban is deeply committed to serving the community. Through a partnership with Self Enhancement Inc, she and her Chaos Volleyball Club coaches have hosted free volleyball camps for underserved youth every summer for the past four years. She has also been instrumental in expanding boy's volleyball programs at middle and high schools throughout Oregon.
Family remains at the center of Laban's life. Her daughter, Matalasi Laban, is a Warner Pacific graduate and former volleyball student-athlete who also earned a master's degree from the university. Her son, Malosi Laban, currently attends Warner Pacific, while her youngest son, Lopaki Laban, competes in men's volleyball at Hastings College.
"Nerisa is very well versed in volleyball and very connected in the volleyball world," Athletic Director Matt Gregg said. "I feel she is going to be a great fit with her recruiting contacts and passion for the game. I look forward to seeing a massive turn around of this program."
As she takes over the Knights program, Laban brings a vision focused on excellence, character development, and creating a championship culture that will positively impact Warner Pacific volleyball for years to come.
