Midland University Hires Sophie Johnson as Assistant Volleyball Coach

Johnson brings decorated playing career and coaching experience to the Warriors program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:12am

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors representing the dynamic action of a volleyball game, conveying the conceptual idea of a program elevating its competitiveness through a coaching change.A dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration captures the energy and strategy of a high-level volleyball match, reflecting Midland University's commitment to elevating their program through new coaching talent.Fremont Today

Midland University has announced the hiring of Sophie Johnson as the program's new assistant volleyball coach. Johnson joins the Warriors following a successful collegiate playing career at multiple universities, including Oral Roberts University, South Dakota State University, Dordt University, and Southwest Minnesota State University. She brings experience as both a setter and defensive specialist, and her coaching background includes leading training sessions, designing practice plans, and emphasizing skill development and team culture.

Why it matters

The addition of Johnson to the Midland volleyball coaching staff is expected to elevate the program's ball control, including setting, defense, and serve receive, as the Warriors continue to compete on a national scale. Johnson's diverse playing and coaching experience will also be an asset in the team's recruiting efforts.

The details

In 2025, Johnson appeared in 22 matches at Oral Roberts University, totaling 264 assists, 175 digs, and eight service aces. She also spent time at South Dakota State University, where she was part of a Summit League championship team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament, as well as Dordt University and Southwest Minnesota State University. As a coach, Johnson has served as a volleyball coach with Southwest MN Volleyball, leading training sessions, designing practice plans, and emphasizing skill development and team culture. She has also worked as a gymnastics coach at Redhawk Gymnastics, gaining extensive experience teaching and mentoring young athletes.

  • Johnson graduated summa cum laude from Southwest Minnesota State with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2025.
  • Johnson is currently pursuing a master's degree in sport management at Oral Roberts University, where she holds a 4.0 GPA.

The players

Micah Rhodes

Midland University head volleyball coach.

Sophie Johnson

Midland University's new assistant volleyball coach, with a decorated collegiate playing career and coaching experience.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to have Sophie join the program in a full-time capacity. After our introductory conversation, it was evident that we complement each other well and that she would be a perfect fit. Her experience as a collegiate athlete across multiple levels will be a tremendous asset to our team and recruiting efforts as we continue to compete on a national scale.”

— Micah Rhodes, Midland University head volleyball coach

“Sophie has the ability to take our setting, defense, and serve receive to an elite level. Most importantly, she is an exemplary person who carries herself with integrity and authenticity. I am confident she will build strong relationships with our players and recruits.”

— Micah Rhodes, Midland University head volleyball coach

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the Assistant Volleyball Coach at Midland University. Midland Volleyball has such a strong tradition of success, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to begin my coaching career here. I'm looking forward to working alongside Micah and helping elevate the program while investing in the development of our student-athletes both on and off the court.”

— Sophie Johnson

The takeaway

The hiring of Sophie Johnson as the new assistant volleyball coach at Midland University is expected to strengthen the program's ball control and serve receive, while also bolstering the team's recruiting efforts with Johnson's diverse playing and coaching experience. Her commitment to player development and team culture aligns with Midland's tradition of success, setting the stage for continued growth and competitiveness on the national stage.