By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
Over the last 22 years, the Ellsworth volleyball program, like many across the state, has changed and shifted with the times.
These last two decades have produced a myriad of results for the Bearcats, from difficult seasons to playoff pushes and everything in between; but through all the highs and lows, one woman has been there to see it all.
Amy Johnson became just the second head volleyball coach in program history back in 2001, and never looked back, leading a program that emphasizes a family atmosphere, and excellence in the classroom as well as on the court.
Earlier this season, Johnson earned her 400th career win, an astonishing accomplishment for any coach at any level, but rather than bask in the spotlight, the legendary coach immediately shifted the attention to all those who have supported her throughout this journey.
“I’ve just been blessed with really great kids over the years who were willing to put in effort and time even in tough seasons where the wins didn’t come as quickly,” Johnson said. “400 doesn’t happen if you’re not surrounded by great people, and we have been in our assistants, in our junior high coaches, and in this Ellsworth community.”
Johnson is known for far more than just her work on the court, and everyone from parents to administrators, to fellow teachers, are glad to have her on their team.
“Amy is a strong leader and she’s a strong voice in our building both as a coach and an educator,” Ellsworth AD Ron Davis said. “She understands the importance of building relationships and her kids know that day in and day out she’s going to be there for them.”
When asked what her fondest memory of coaching at Ellsworth was, Johnson’s mind never rested on any of those 400+ wins, but rather on the impact she left on, and the relationships she still maintains with her former players.
“When those kiddos come back after being gone for a long time that means so much to me,” she said. “It’s always great when they still call you “coach” or invite you to weddings and seeing them move on and make lives of their own reminds you that you really do make a difference.”
For some coaches, it really is all about wins and losses; but for Johnson, it always has, and always will be about so much more than that.
“Kids nowadays have so many pressures, even more than what I remember having,” Johnson said. “They’re students first but it’s important to support them in all of their walks of life. The kids really do make every moment of my job awesome. You put your whole heart and soul into them you want to help teach them lessons that are bigger than volleyball.”
Not only has Johnson’s impact been felt by those within the Ellsworth community, it’s also been acknowledged by those she’s coached against, including former Southeast of Saline head coach Nathalea Stephenson.
“I’ve known Amy for a long time,” Stephenson said. “She does an excellent job with the girls, and she has a real love for the game. When her players leave that program, they know that they can call her if they ever need her. You can tell how much she really cares about those kids when you see how excited she gets when she sees them later down the road.”
With the sub-state tournament fast approaching, the Bearcats will be gearing up to make another postseason push, but win or lose, the program Johnson and her hardworking staff have built here will continue to serve the students of Ellsworth for generations to come.
“The volleyball community is very welcoming and supportive,” Johnson said. “It’s not easy to stick it out for four years, especially with how much these kiddos have going on in their lives, but I love seeing the growth of my players not just as athletes but as strong young women.”