Nicole Gebauer has never been a high school head coach. She's about to become one.
The 28-year-old, known as "Coach Doe" since one of her younger brothers gave her the nickname, was named Lake Oswego's new head volleyball coach ahead of the 2026 fall season, the Lake Oswego Review reported Wednesday, Aug. 19.
She succeeds Alex Hasenstab, whose squad went 6-14 overall in 2025, finished sixth in the Three Rivers League at 3-9 in conference play and was bounced in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs by No. 3 Jesuit, according to the West Linn Tidings.
Gebauer told the Review she views the season as a rebuilding year, acknowledging the mutual learning curve between a new coach and an established program.
"I expect nothing less than an amazing season," Gebauer said. "Regardless of stats, results or [wins], I know that the girls are going to love their season because ensuring a great experience is my top priority."
Her résumé is long, if unconventional for a 6A hire. Gebauer played volleyball at South Salem High School before moving to American Samoa, where she competed in soccer, softball and basketball.
On the coaching side, she has run volleyball programs at multiple Boys & Girls Club sites, coached privately, started the boys volleyball program at McKay High School, coached JV volleyball at North Salem and currently coaches for North Pacific Juniors Volleyball. She also coached softball in the Salem-Keizer School District.
Gebauer had applied for head coaching jobs at McKay and North Salem before landing the Lake Oswego position.
"The plan has always been to become a high school head coach," she said. "I am so thankful for those denials because they … brought me to Lake O."
She inherits a roster with returning talent. Five all-league players are back for 2026: senior outside hitter Charlotte Cory, a first-team all-TRL selection in 2025; senior outside hitter Phoebe Jones; senior defensive specialist Maya Moran; senior setter Jess Wilson; and junior setter Bethany Nazemi, who earned honorable mention as a sophomore.
Gebauer isn't the only new face leading a TRL volleyball program this fall. Lakeridge hired 23-year-old Audra Wilmes, a former University of Washington player, to replace Kami Vermillion.
Three Rivers League practices opened Monday, Aug. 17. Lake Oswego hosts West Linn at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in the season opener.
