Johnson named Volleyball associate head coach

AUSTIN, Texas -- After five seasons at the helm of the Georgia Tech volleyball program, Tonya Johnson is returning to The University of Texas to resume her role as associate head coach, Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott announced Friday. Prior to becoming the seventh head volleyball coach in Georgia Tech history on Jan. 9, 2009, Johnson spent six years at Texas where she helped lay the foundation of one of today's perennial powerhouse programs.

"It was tough to lose Tonya five years ago, and I couldn't be more ecstatic that she is rejoining our program," Elliott said. "Tonya is a very loyal and dedicated peer, and she is a great role model for the talented young women we work with. Her expertise in the gym and experience as a head coach are incredible qualities that we're fortunate to add to our staff dynamic. This could not be a more seamless transition for the Texas Volleyball program, because we're bringing back a familiar face that has previous experience in our day-to-day operations of running a premier collegiate program."

Johnson previously served in the same capacity at UT in 2008, following a five-year stint as an assistant coach at Texas under Elliott. During her time in Austin, she helped guide the Longhorns to the 2008 NCAA Final Four following back-to-back Regional Final appearances in 2006 and 2007.

"First, I would like to thank [Texas Women's Athletics Director] Chris Plonsky and Jerritt for giving me the opportunity to come back to Texas," Johnson said. "UT and Austin have always felt like home to me, and I'm excited to be back in burnt orange as a member of the Texas Volleyball coaching staff."

In five campaigns at Georgia Tech, Johnson compiled an overall record of 85-72 including a 50-50 mark in ACC play. She coached 10 All-ACC selections, including four-time All-America Monique Mead, and guided the Jackets to the 2009 NCAA Tournament, their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004. Under Johnson's wing, Mead and Bailey Hunter signed contracts to play professional volleyball following their time at Tech.

While at Tech, Johnson was named the co-head coach of the 2012 U.S. Volleyball National A2 team that earned the silver medal, and helped Mead to the 2010 U.S. Volleyball Women's National A2 Program and middle blocker Chanell Clark-Bibbs to 2013 U.S. Women's Junior National Team (WJNT).

Recognized in the volleyball circle as an excellent recruiter on the national level with well-established ties to the Lone Star State, Johnson helped Elliott land the nation's second-ranked recruiting classes in three consecutive seasons (2006-08) during her first stint at Texas. UT's 2009 recruiting class was also considered to be among the best in the nation, with the signing of the top- and fifth-ranked prep players in Bailey Webster and Sha'Dare McNeal.

In addition to serving as the recruiting coordinator, Johnson worked with the Longhorns' outside hitters, three of whom received All-America accolades over her last three seasons at Texas. Juliann Faucette, the National Freshman of the Year in 2007, was tabbed a first-team AVCA All-American in 2007. Ashley Engle, a right-side hitter that earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors in 2006, was named a first-team AVCA All-American in 2008 after being tabbed to the AVCA All-America second team in 2006. Olympian Destinee Hooker received first-team AVCA All-America honors in 2008 after earning second-team accolades in 2007 and honorable mention recognition in 2006.

Prior to her arrival at Texas in 2003, Johnson served as the top volleyball assistant at LSU from 1998-2003 under Fran Flory, and she was responsible for the majority of the Tigers' recruiting efforts. Johnson began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant under Flory at Kentucky in 1995.

Johnson was a four-year letterwinner at LSU from 1987-90, helping the Tigers to Southeastern Conference titles in 1989 and 1990. She led her Tiger team to the NCAA Final Four her senior year after LSU advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1989. Prior to joining the collegiate coaching ranks, Johnson taught at Wellington Landings Middle School in Boca Raton, Fla., while serving as an assistant coach at Olympic Heights High School and coaching the Florida Gold Coast club team.

THE TONYA JOHNSON FILE
Hometown: Zachary, La.
Birthdate: Sept. 1, 1969
College: LSU '93 (Kinesiology)

COACHING EXPERIENCE
Georgia Tech, Head Coach (2009-13)
Texas, Associate Head Coach (2009)
Texas, Assistant Coach (2004-08)
LSU, Assistant Coach (1998-2003)

PLAYING EXPERIENCE
LSU (1987-90)

WHAT FORMER TEXAS STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE SAYING ABOUT TONYA JOHNSON

Rachael Adams (2008-11)
"I'm so excited to hear that Tonya is coming back to Texas! She's high on the list for the many factors that attracted me to Texas when I was getting highly recruited and making my final decision. I know the fans and girls will welcome her back with open arms."

Ashley Engle (2006-09)
"I couldn't be happier to hear that Tonya is coming home. She is an incredible coach, person and friend. She is an asset to any team and improved the environment with her knowledge and personality. She impacted my life for the better and I'm so happy she is back to join her Longhorn family."

Juliann Faucette (2007-10)
"Tonya was the backbone of the program in my first few years at Texas. She was someone all the girls could relate to and talk to – not just about volleyball, but life in general. She has such a calm spirit, but she also has the ability to bring out the best in each player. Her fire and enthusiasm are contagious, and she always got me fired up for game time. She is a really special coach and I'm proud to say that we are still friends to this day. I'm so excited for her to return to Texas – she has always made us proud!"

Heather Kisner (2006-09)
"When I think of what it means to be a true Texas Longhorn, I think of Tonya Johnson. Not only is she a great mentor and coach, but she's an even better person. Tonya has those intangible qualities as a coach, and I am thrilled she is back under the roof of a program that has some of the best coaches I have ever had the honor of playing for. She brings out the best in each and every player, day in and day out. I am ecstatic to hear she is back in burnt orange and can't wait for her to be a part of this new chapter for Texas Volleyball!

Lauren Paolini (2005-08)
"I'm so excited for Tonya to be rejoining the UT program. She has had such a huge impact on my volleyball career, both on-and-off the court. She is a great coach and an incredible person. Welcome back, Tonya!"

Bailey Webster (2009-13)
"It's great to have Tonya back at Texas. She has been a major reason why me and so many others have become a part of this program in the past."

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

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