About
Marcus Johnson is one of the most accomplished volleyball coaches in the southeastern United States, with an 18-year career that spans high school clubs, junior nationals, and NCAA Division I competition. A former outside hitter at the University of Tennessee, Marcus transitioned into coaching after a brief professional stint in Europe and has never looked back. His coaching philosophy centers on developing complete athletes — players who can read the game, compete under pressure, and grow as leaders. He places special emphasis on serve-receive systems and offensive efficiency, principles he credits to his early mentors in the AVCA coaching community. Under Marcus's leadership at Eastfield University, the program has seen back-to-back conference championship appearances and a consistent top-25 national ranking. He is known for his recruiting eye — 14 of his former players have earned All-Conference honors — and for his commitment to developing walk-ons into starters. Off the court, Marcus is an active clinician and USAV-certified instructor, delivering camps and seminars across the Southeast. He holds a master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus on sport performance and has presented at two AVCA national conventions.
Current Position
Lead all aspects of a Division I volleyball program including recruiting, practice design, game strategy, and staff management. Compiled a 198–87 overall record (69.5%) with three conference championship appearances and a Sweet 16 run in 2023.
Past Tournaments
Program's deepest NCAA run in 12 years. Defeated #9 seed in first round before falling to eventual champion in four sets. Named Regional Coach of the Year.
First conference title for Eastfield in 9 years. Went undefeated in conference play (18-0) and swept the tournament final.
Career History
- College D1Division I2013 – 2017Southeast Volleyball AcademyAssociate Head Coach
- Club2008 – 2013TSVTri-State Volleyball ClubDirector of Coaching / 18s Head Coach
Past Tournaments
USAV Girls Junior National Championships — 18 Open · 2012Indianapolis, IN · 2nd Place (National Runners-Up)Tri-State 18 Open reached the national final for the second consecutive year, losing in five sets to a powerhouse California team. Five players from this roster earned D1 offers within six months.
- High School2006 – 2008Franklin High SchoolHead Coach, Girls Varsity Volleyball
Education
Research focus: biomechanical analysis of overhead hitting mechanics in collegiate volleyball players.
4-year letter winner on the men's volleyball team. Academic All-SEC sophomore and junior years.
Certifications
- CAP II — High Performance CoachAmerican Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) · 2015
- IMPACT CertificationUSA Volleyball · 2010
- SafeSport CertifiedU.S. Center for SafeSport · 2024 (expires 2026)
Awards & Honors
- Sun Belt Conference Coach of the YearSun Belt Conference · 2023
Honored after leading Eastfield to the program's first Sweet 16 appearance in over a decade.
- AVCA Southeast Region Coach of the YearAmerican Volleyball Coaches Association · 2022
Regional recognition following the program's first conference-undefeated regular season and Sun Belt title.
- USAV National Junior Coach of the Year — Club DivisionUSA Volleyball · 2012
Recognized for developing one of the top 18 Open club programs in the country and placing 23 athletes into D1 programs over five seasons.
- Tennessee Volleyball Hall of Fame — Coaching InducteeTennessee Volleyball Coaches Association · 2020
Inducted in recognition of sustained excellence at both the club and collegiate levels.
