Lansing Sun

Michigan State University has announced a change in leadership for its volleyball program. Leah Johnson, who has served as the head coach for three seasons, will step down from her position immediately. This decision was made mutually between Johnson and Alan Haller, Michigan State's Vice President and Director of Athletics.

"Leah Johnson and I have mutually agreed that she will step down as head volleyball coach," stated Haller. "We appreciate her efforts over the last three seasons, and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

During her tenure, Johnson led the Spartans to notable achievements, including 17 victories in 2023—the highest number since 2019—and nine conference wins, the most since 2017. The team also achieved significant milestones in attendance records at their home matches at the Breslin Center.

In 2023 alone, Michigan State set new program records with over 61,000 fans attending matches, ranking sixth nationally in cumulative home attendance. A match against Nebraska on October 6 drew a record crowd of 8,789 fans.

Johnson's first season saw her leading the team to the most wins by a first-year head coach since Annelies Knoppers in 1974. Her players excelled academically as well, earning numerous Academic All-Big Ten accolades and Academic All-District honors.

Despite these accomplishments, Michigan State's performance this past season resulted in a 13-18 overall record and a 6-14 mark within the Big Ten Conference. However, they did secure a victory against No. 16 USC and played before large home crowds on multiple occasions.

Haller emphasized the growing prominence of volleyball both nationally and locally: "Volleyball is continuing to grow in prominence and exposure... We are committed to finding the right coach to guide Michigan State in the best volleyball conference in the country."

The search for a new head coach will now commence as Michigan State looks to build on its recent successes under Johnson's leadership.