LOVB Los Angeles unveils inaugural roster ahead of July 18 fan debut

LOVB Los Angeles revealed its founding 13-player roster on July 15 as the franchise prepares to enter Southern California’s crowded volleyball market. The team will make its first public introduction July 18 in Redondo Beach, with early fan signups already open at LOVBLA.com.

Why it matters: - LOVB Los Angeles is launching in the nation’s largest volleyball market, where Southern California is already a major talent pipeline and fan base. - The franchise is tying its debut to the sport’s growth, including volleyball’s status as the fastest-growing girls’ sport in the United States. - The team is also arriving as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games, which could raise local attention on volleyball.

What happened: - LOVB Los Angeles unveiled its inaugural roster on July 15, 2026. - The founding roster includes 13 athletes from six countries. - The roster blends Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, international players and Southern California natives. - The team will officially introduce itself to fans at a community celebration on Saturday, July 18, from 3–6 p.m. at the California Surf Club in Redondo Beach.

The details: - The roster includes setters Carli Lloyd and Rachel Fairbanks. - The outside hitters are Kathryn Plummer Boden, Hannah Duchesneau, Madi Kingdon Rishel and Mychael Vernon. - The opposite hitter is Annie Drews Schumacher. - The middle blockers are Samantha Francis, Ana Malešević, Onye Ofoegbu and Haleigh Washington. - The liberos are Keyla Alves and Kotoe Inoue. - Several players are returning to Southern California, including Carli Lloyd, Kathryn Plummer Boden, Samantha Francis and Onye Ofoegbu. - Ana Mendy, president of LOVB Los Angeles, said the franchise aims to be the flagship volleyball team for the city and inspire the next generation. - The July 18 event will include athlete meet-and-greets, a live player panel, the public introduction of the roster, exclusive merchandise and the debut of the club’s Chief Excitement Officers. - The Chief Excitement Officers are a group of volleyball players ages 12–18 who will serve as team ambassadors. - Fans can sign up as Day One Fans for early access to tickets, events, merchandise and future announcements at LOVBLA.com. - LOVB Los Angeles is the seventh franchise in League One Volleyball, the first youth-to-professional volleyball ecosystem in the United States. - The team will debut during LOVB’s third professional season.

Between the lines: - LOVB is using the roster reveal to position Los Angeles as a flagship market rather than just another expansion stop. - The mix of local stars and internationally decorated players is designed to connect with both Southern California fans and a broader pro-volleyball audience. - The addition of teenage Chief Excitement Officers suggests the franchise wants a youth-facing fan model, not just a traditional pro team rollout.

What's next: - LOVB Los Angeles said the roster announcement is the first of several milestones ahead of its inaugural season. - The July 18 public event will serve as the team’s official fan-facing launch. - Additional team announcements are expected as the franchise builds toward season one.