Christy Johnson is poised to make a big impact as the new ISU volleyball coach. She began her collegiate career as a player at Nebraska where she won a national championship, followed by eight years at Wisconsin as an assistant coach.

Under Johnson, Wisconsin was an NCAA Tournament qualifier each season, including the title game in 2000 and three regional finals. She enters Iowa State with a record of 212-54 as an assistant at Wisconsin.

Along with her successes as a coach, Johnson is no stranger to the game itself. She was a two-time All-American setter at Nebraska, garnering the honors in 1994 and 1995.

Johnson’s experience at Big 12 powerhouse Nebraska, one of the most prestigious programs in the nation, proved to be an essential asset in her coaching career.

“When you’re at that highest level and have won a national championship, the things you learn are valuable. I’m around familiar teams from the conference, and I’ve had a huge amount of time to learn everything I’d need. After being an assistant, I’ve done every job possible,” Johnson said.

Years of preparation at Wisconsin’s program finds Johnson ready for the task before her. At the beginning of her Wisconsin career, Johnson learned everything from budgeting travel to climbing the ranks to recruiting and scouting.

The decision to join the Iowa State family was an easy one for Johnson, who said the location was a perk in the offer.

“Being part of a high-level program these last couple years, I felt like I was ready to become a head coach,” Johnson said. “This was the right opportunity, and being from the Midwest, it was a chance to stay close to family.”

Johnson said the campus and academics were also factors in her decision, as well as the recruiting possibilities that would be available to her.

“I was really impressed with the support that the administration is putting towards volleyball. They’re willing to do what it takes to make this program a success,” Johnson said.

Johnson knows as a younger coach she will bring different elements to the game that the team will have to be ready for.

“I’m a big believer in fundamentals, and I’ll do whatever I feel the players need to do to accommodate their skills,” Johnson said. “A lot of our time will be spent on building up on the little things.”

Johnson, who begins her Iowa State career on Monday, has met the team and was greeted with much enthusiasm.

The Cyclones, who are coming off of an 8-21 season overall and were 1-19 in the Big 12, are also reeling from the loss of former head coach Linda Crum.

“It’s been tough for them, and they were apprehensive about their new coach,” Johnson said. “They were wanting someone who would make them work hard. I got the feeling from them that they’re ready to go.”

Johnson will begin her tenure in the search of a staff to aid her in her new venture, and the team looks to be back in the gym before long.

“We’re going to raise the bar on commitment, time and work ethic,” she said.