LPU Welcomes Liz Salas as Director of Volleyball

San Dimas, CA - Life Pacific University Athletics is excited to announce Liz Salas as the next Director of Volleyball.

With an impressive athletic career and a wealth of coaching experience, Liz is poised to bring a high level of leadership and expertise to our indoor and beach volleyball programs.  Liz's volleyball journey began at Concordia University Irvine, where she was a standout player. She helped lead her team to remarkable accomplishments, including a National Championship in 2012 with an undefeated season and multiple top-three finishes in the NAIA National Tournament. Her leadership on the court played a pivotal role in Concordia's success, including a GSAC Conference Championship in 2011 and 2013. Liz's athletic accomplishments laid a strong foundation for her transition into coaching.

After earning her Bachelor's in Psychology from Concordia, Liz continued her education with a Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia. In 2017, Liz began her college coaching career at Riverside City College (RCC), where she served as the Associate Head Indoor Volleyball Coach and Head Beach Volleyball Coach from 2017 to 2021. During her time at RCC, Liz helped guide players to significant achievements, including multiple transfers to four-year programs in the GSAC. Under her leadership, the RCC Beach Volleyball team received the AVCA All-Academic Award, and her beach pairs consistently placed in the top 16 of the CCCAA Pairs State Playoffs, earning OEC Pairs Conference Championship honors.

In addition to her college coaching experience, Liz has an extensive background in club volleyball, having coached for 15 years and mentoring players at various levels. She is passionate about helping student-athletes grow both athletically and personally.  She currently coaches with Proplay Volleyball Club.

Liz's coaching philosophy is rooted in faith and relationships. She shared, "As a player I was blessed to have many coaches who were positive inspirations to me. During my time at Concordia I was struggling to figure out what God's plan was for me and He placed me in the hands of a coaching staff who helped us grow as people and in our walk with the Lord. It was during that time that I realized I was meant to be a coach. I want to help guide my athletes the way my coaches helped guide me. I love that coaching is more than the sport, it's making lifelong relationships and having an opportunity to be a positive influence in our athletes' lives."

Liz is married to her wonderful husband, Elijah, and together they recently adopted a dog, Millie. Outside of volleyball, Liz enjoys playing beach volleyball, reading—especially English history—and spending time with her extended family. She is also a fan of baseball and loves attending outdoor sporting events.

Please join us in welcoming Liz Salas to her new role as Director of Volleyball. With her experience, passion, and dedication, we are excited to see the positive and lasting impact she will have on on our programs and student-athletes.