LOS ANGELES — June 8, 2026 — LOVB Los Angeles, Southern California's newest professional sports franchise launching in 2027, has hired Emily Hartong Slaughter as Head of Fan Experience and Activation. A founding member of League One Volleyball (LOVB) and a decorated professional volleyball player with deep roots in Southern California, Slaughter brings a rare combination of lived athletic experience, organizational knowledge, and genuine community connection to the role.

Slaughter grew up in Los Alamitos, California, where she first fell in love with the sport that would define her career. She honed her skills at Mizuno Long Beach Volleyball Club — now LOVB Club SC Rockstar — before earning a scholarship to the University of Hawaiʻi. After an accomplished collegiate career, Slaughter went on to compete professionally overseas, representing clubs across Europe and Asia.  

"This role feels personal.  I grew up in the Long Beach/Orange County volleyball community, inspired by the athletes and programs I watched at local universities.  At the time, professional volleyball in Southern California felt like a dream," said Slaughter.  “Now I have the opportunity to create the kind of environment I would have loved as a kid and help build momentum for the sport across Los Angeles.” 

Before joining LOVB Los Angeles, Slaughter served as a member of LOVB's founding team at the league since its launch in January 2020 — helping build the organization from the ground up before transitioning to the LA franchise. Her firsthand understanding of LOVB's mission, model, and culture makes her uniquely positioned to translate that vision into a local fan experience that reflects the energy, diversity, and passion of the Los Angeles volleyball community.

"What excited me most was her ability to think beyond game day and imagine how we create lifelong fans, meaningful player connections, and a true home for volleyball in Los Angeles,” said Ana Mendy, President LOVB Los Angeles. “There is no one better suited to put community at the center of what we're creating."

In her new role, Slaughter will lead all community outreach, fan engagement, and in-arena experience efforts for LOVB Los Angeles, working to connect the franchise with the youth clubs, high school programs, and volleyball communities that have made Southern California the sport's most fertile ground in the United States.

LOVB Los Angeles is owned by Alexis Ohanian and Seven Seven Six and will compete beginning in the 2027 LOVB season. The franchise recently unveiled its inaugural roster, bringing together Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, and hometown athletes to launch one of the most anticipated new franchises in professional sports.