STOCKTON, Calif.- The Pacific volleyball program made a pair of additions to its coaching staff with the hiring of assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Tania Schatow and assistant coach Luke Pope.
 
"They both elevate our program," head volleyball coach Greg Gibbons said, "It's exciting to get them here. This, in my time here, is one of the most experienced staffs I've had."
 
Both Schatow and Pope got their coaching starts after competing on the collegiate stage. Schatow played as a middle blocker at LSU, while Pope competed as a setter for Ottawa University. 
 
Schatow spent the past six seasons at Miami-Ohio as an assistant coach, working primarily as the recruiting and offensive coordinator. She helped guide the RedHawks to back-to-back MAC Championships in 2018 and 2019, resulting in two postseason appearances in the NIVC. 
 
With a primary focus on middle blockers, Schatow was an integral part of the development of two All-Conference First Team members, including a Co-Female Athlete of the Year at Miami and a MAC Freshman of the Year.
 
"I'm grateful that I had the chance to meet with both Greg and Adam [Tschuor] during my visit," Schatow said, "I could tell right away that he [Tschuor] had a passion for athletics and for the volleyball program, so I am thankful for them to offer this opportunity. I haven't been to the West Coast, so that is something I am looking forward to, seeing different competition. I'm excited to hit the ground running and to work with the middle blockers and the offense."
 
Prior to Miami, Schatow returned to her alma mater LSU where she served as a volunteer assistant. She spent time overseas developing and leading high school aged student-athletes in Belgium.
 
"She's been a recruiting coordinator and played at the highest level possible and has been coaching for a long time," Gibbons said. "Tania's got a tremendous amount of recruiting experience. She came here to help us win."
 
Pope joins after two successful seasons as an assistant coach at Long Island University. While there, he helped guide LIU to a NEC Conference title, producing 10 All-Conference First Team members. 
 
"I'm excited to join this team and coaching staff," Pope said. "This is a team that is ready for success and returns a lot of pieces that have proven success. It's my first year coaching women's volleyball and I'm excited to be a part of an athletics department that is really supportive of their programs. I'm looking forward to arriving and getting started."
 
Prior to his time in New York, Pope served as the head coach of his alma mater Ottawa University.
 
"Luke has a tremendous amount of experience coming in from the men's side," Gibbons said. "He's very good as a technical coach, he brings a lot of experience as both a player and coach."
 
The Tigers are coming off an 18-11 season where they made a postseason appearance in the NIVC.
 
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