Johnson will be replacing former Head Coach Cathy George, who retired after 16 years of coaching MSU. 

"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead the Michigan State volleyball program,” Johnson said in a press release. “Thank you to Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller for entrusting me with the legacy of success built by Cathy George and the coaches before her. The Big Ten is the premier volleyball conference in the country and I am thrilled to be coaching in such a competitive league. Michigan State has the potential to be in the national conversation on an annual basis. I am eager to get to work helping the team achieve greatness on and off the court.”  

Johnson has spent the last five seasons as the coach of Illinois State, leading the Redbirds to a 104-53 record and four NCAA tournament appearances. Under Johnson’s guidance, Illinois State never finished worse than third in the Missouri Valley Conference.

“Leah brings a track record of success on the court and on the recruiting trail to Michigan State volleyball,” Haller said in the press release. “Her competitive nature and determined approach is evident in all areas of her program, especially the passion she has for her student-athletes and their success, both on and off the court. It’s an approach that’s led to conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and individual honors for her student athletes.”