Wasilla High names new volleyball mentor

A familiar face in the local volleyball scene will be taking the helm of the Wasilla High School volleyball program.

Former Palmer junior varsity head coach Marge Johnson has been hired as the head coach of the Warrior spikers.

Johnson has been on the Palmer volleyball staff for the past three years and a mainstay in the local volleyball scene. Johnson has coached club volleyball in the Valley for more than 10 years and is currently the director of the Alaska Volleyball Association.

According to Wasilla athletic director Doug Bean, what set Johnson apart from other candidate was her involvement with youth volleyball in the Valley.

"She has really been involved with volleyball in the Valley for a long time," Bean said. "She brings structure and discipline and knows most of our kids."

"I was not unhappy at Palmer, but I heard they had an opening over there and applied," Johnson said. "It kind of fell into place."

Johnson worked with Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds during Reynolds' entire tenure at Palmer High.

During that time the Moose notched a pair of third-place finishes in the state tourney.

"I think this is a very good move to her, she will provide some discipline," Reynolds said. "It is always exciting to get to take over a rebuilding program."

Johnson replaces Gary Steinfort who left Wasilla after leading the Warriors for a year.

"Steinfort lived in Anchorage and it helps having people in the Valley," Bean said. "Johnson is here and works within the school district."

Johnson works in special education with the Mat-Su School District.

Johnson will be the third coach at the helm of the Warriors in three years.

Prior to Steinfort, Cindy Plano served as head coach of the program for two seasons. Plano led Wasilla to a 4A state title in 2001.

"I hope to bring them back to be a competitive program," Johnson said.

Johnson said that Wasilla has quality young talent as well talented players coming up from Teeland and Wasilla Middle Schools.

Bean also noted that the possibility of stability and a lengthy tenure attracted Wasilla to the hiring of

Johnson.

"I think we've got one now for awhile," Bean said.