Veteran collegiate and international coach brings extensive experience to lead the franchise in its inaugural season in 2027
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment and MLV Minnesota announced today that Pedro Mendes has been named the team’s first-ever General Manager and Head Coach. Mendes was most recently an Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota from 2024 to 2026 and brings extensive collegiate and international coaching and playing experience to MLV Minnesota.
“I am extremely excited to lead this franchise in its inaugural season. Minnesota’s volleyball culture is strong, passionate, and continues to grow,” Mendes said. “Building a team from the ground up in a state with such a rich volleyball tradition is thrilling. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the entire leadership group for this opportunity.”
Prior to joining MLV Minnesota, Mendes served two stints as an Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota: first as a Volunteer Assistant in 2022 under Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, and again as an Assistant Coach from 2024 to 2026. During his time with the program, he helped guide the team to two Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
Before coming to Minnesota in 2022, Mendes was the Head Coach at Hylte/Halmstad Volley in Sweden, where he led the team to national and cup championships in 2021 and 2022. During his two seasons, he played a key role in recruiting players and was selected by the Swedish national team to identify talent abroad. Mendes began his coaching career in 2019 as an Assistant Coach with Ezcasibasi Sports Club in Istanbul, Turkey. During that season, he helped the team win the Turkish Cup and take 2nd place at the World Championships in China.
As a player, Mendes had a successful 10-year professional career worldwide. He has a degree in physical education from UniFunvic in São Paulo, Brazil.
“Pedro’s background in identifying and developing talent was exactly what we were looking for in a General Manager and Head Coach,” said Minnesota Sports & Entertainment CEO Matt Majka. “His impressive resume and strong understanding of Minnesota’s vibrant volleyball culture will be incredibly beneficial to this franchise.”
Mendes was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and is married to former Gopher Volleyball standout Lauren Gibbemeyer. The couple has two children: a 4-year-old daughter, Skye, and a 2-year-old son, Bruno.
MLV Minnesota will begin league play in January 2027. To place a season ticket deposit for MLV Minnesota and for more information on the team, please visit MLVMinnesota.com and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball, continuing its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
About Grand Casino Arena
Regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world, Grand Casino Arena is a one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility located in downtown Saint Paul, home to more than 150 sporting and entertainment events and roughly 1.5 million visitors each year. Grand Casino Arena is known for being passionate about creating the best experiences imaginable for their guests, and that includes providing a setting that is a model of sustainable practices. Efforts have been designed to integrate into the Arena’s daily operations and culture. This ensures that efforts and results will have lasting benefits for the community. Grand Casino Arena is honored to have been recognized as leaders in sustainability from various organizations within the community. Grand Casino Arena is owned by the City of Saint Paul and managed by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Minnesota Wild. For more information, visit grandcasinoarena.com.
About Minnesota Sports & Entertainment
Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is a regional sports and entertainment leader that includes the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, a new Major League Volleyball expansion team that will begin play in 2027, 317 on Rice Park and the facility management of Grand Casino Arena, TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium.