Leah Johnson Departs Illinois State for Michigan State

Image courtesy of goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill.- Per an announcement from Michigan State athletics, Leah Johnson will take over as head Volleyball coach.

Johnson leaves Illinois State after five years at the helm of the program.  In her half decade with the Redbirds Johnson posted an overall winning percentage of .666 (104-52) which ranks her seventh all-time among Missouri Valley Conference coaches. She guided the Redbirds to five-straight postseason tournament appearances, including four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances the past four seasons, and three-straight MVC Tournament championships.

“I want to thank everyone at Illinois State for the last five years,” Johnson said. “It is impossible to put into words what this community means to me and my family and it will hold a special place in our hearts. Kyle Brennan, Larry Lyons, Leanna Bordner and so many others have supported and invested in me and women’s athletics at Illinois State, and I am honored to have been a part of Redbird Volleyball’s long tradition of success. I am proud of the amazing service and growth the student-athletes were able to accomplish both on and off the court during my time here in Normal, and I can’t wait to see what this group will continue to accomplish in the years to come.”

A national search will begin to find a new head coach for the reigning conference champion program.