The Little Falls Flyers volleyball team hit the ground running on its first day of practice Monday, Aug 12. Not only will the team enter into a new season, but it’s also bringing back a familiar face to the coaching staff.
Head Coach Carmen Johnson served as the Flyers volleyball head coach between 2010 and 2021 After the program went through two coaches in the last three seasons, she came out of retirement and returned for the 2024-25 season, evaluating new players and getting back into the swing of things.
“I’m a little rusty, but it feels good to get back in the gym with the girls,” Johnson said.
Johnson retired after the 2020-21 season to focus on her kids and their endeavors. The seasoned coach also knew it was the right time for the volleyball program to get new leadership.
“I had a young assistant coach at the time that I felt was ready to be a head coach and I didn’t want her to leave,” said Johnson. “So all the stars were aligned.”
The succeeding head coaches after Johnson were Tedi Russell for the 2021-22 season and Trisha Spencer two seasons after. Even though the numbers of athletes coming out for the sport hadn’t decreased, Flyers Activities Director Kevin Jordan said the coaching staff hasn’t been the same, with the entire coaching staff changing after each short era.
“We weren’t really in a situation where we had a lot of teaching openings where we could bring in a lot, so right away I reached out to Carmen to see if she would be interested.” Jordan said.
Johnson didn’t commit to anything right away, but knowing the situation the Volleyball program was in, she decided to come back and help the team. Jordan said the volleyball program and community are grateful to have her back.
Despite some of the current players being related to the alumni she coached before her retirement, Johnson is working with a blank slate, figuring out each player’s potential. She explained both the benefits and the challenges that can come from working with a new group..
“It may be a little bit easier when you don’t know most of the girls (and) just to evaluate them based on their talent and not on what they’ve done in the past,” Johnson said. “It’s also a disadvantage, because you don’t know when someone’s having a bad day and maybe they’re just off right now.”
Johnson will be joined by her varsity assistant coach and former player Taylor Jordan, who graduated from Little Falls in 2021. Jordan said she was surprised to hear the news of her coach coming back to the purple and white, but knew it would be a great fit.
“(The Flyers) had two different coaches, so it’s good to have her back and have some common ground,” Taylor said. “She was ready to get to work, so I said ‘welcome back.’”
As a former player, Taylor also talked about Johnson’s coaching style. She explained how Johnson will be honest with the team and make sure everyone in the 15-player roster knows what their role is.
“You’re going to know what your spot is, but she also expects you to be a team player,” said Taylor. “If you’re out there for yourself, she knows that the system is not (going to) go well and she holds you to high expectations, along with accountability for how you’re not just a player, but also a person and teammate on and off the court.”
Looking ahead, Johnson said the year will involve rebuilding the team, after it struggled through a losing 1-21 record last season. She’s eager to not only coaching the team, but also teaching the athletes to be better versions of themselves.
“I’m looking forward to working with the girls again. It was my favorite part, getting to know the girls and getting to help them become independent,” Johnson said “That’s what my core team philosophy is, to help them become independent and fearless.”
Prior to coaching the Flyers, Johnson also coached Blue Springs High School in Missouri for four years. She also coached in Jefferson City, Missouri and Colorado Springs, Colorado along with being an assistant coach at Truman State University.
The Flyers will travel to their first game of the 2024-25 regular season Tuesday, Aug. 27 in Albany. Their home opener will be against Pierz Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7:15 p.m.
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