Story Courtesy of Grand Valley State Sports Communication Office
Allendale, Mich.-- Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Keri Becker, announced Jason Johnson will become the women's volleyball head coach effective immediately. Johnson, who is the program's third head coach, has been a part of GVSU volleyball for 22 years, including 20 as a full-time assistant coach. Jason takes over for Deanne Scanlon who retired as the all-time winningest coach in program history.
"I am honored and grateful to Director of Athletics, Keri Becker, and Deanne Scanlon for providing me with the opportunity to be the third head coach in Grand Valley State volleyball history," said Johnson. "It has been a privilege working alongside coach Scanlon, building a strong, nationally-recognized volleyball program over the past 20 plus years. She has been an amazing leader for our program, mentor to myself and the young women who have played for us, as well as a great friend. I am excited and honored to lead the GVSU Volleyball program and build upon the tradition of success both on the court and in the classroom," added Johnson.
Johnson has helped guide the Lakers to seven 30-win seasons and a winning record in 18-of-the-20 years he has been associated with the program. He has also been a part of eight teams that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight, six that appeared in the NCAA Final Four and the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship team. The Lakers have also won 10 GLIAC North Division championships, two GLIAC South Division championships and six GLIAC Tournament titles with Johnson on the coaching staff.
"Jason Johnson has been a key piece of the GVSU volleyball success for two decades and earned the opportunity to lead this program into the next chapter of GV history," said Becker. "I have watched him prepare for this moment to be a head coach and while he had plenty of opportunities to seek head coaching positions throughout his career, he remained committed to GVSU. He is instrumental in the long-term success of GVSU volleyball and possesses all of the characteristics and attributes we desire in the leaders of our athletic programs. The relationships he has with current student-athletes, alums and recruiting networks will serve him well as he honors traditions of the past and creates new ones into the future," added Becker.
GVSU has tallied 27 All-American honors, 87 All-GLIAC selections, five GLIAC Player of the Year winners, four GLIAC Libero of the Year honorees, four GLIAC Freshman of the Year selections, one GLIAC Setter of the Year (awarded for the first time in 2014) and one GLIAC Blocker of the Year under Johnson.
Grand Valley State will begin its 53rd season of play Friday, Sept. 3 at the Colorado School of Mines Tournament.
