Distinguished honor to FDSH grad Johnson
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CORALVILLE -- Success has followed Matt Johnson with every stop on the volleyball court.
The 1996 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate has become one of the most successful coaches in the sport’s history, and here on Thursday, he was recognized for his accomplishments.
Johnson, who has coached at Cedar Falls for the past 13 seasons, earned the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union’s Golden Plaque of Distinction before the Class 4A state championship.
"It’s pretty cool to earn this honor," Johnson said. "I've been at two schools for 10 and 13 years (respectively) that have had great administrations.
"It's been a fun opportunity to work with terrific people."
The former Dodger grew up in a volleyball family, and it has added another branch as Johnson is currently coaching his senior daughter, Raegan.
"(Oldest brother) John brought mom (Marilyn). It was great to have everyone there," Johnson said. "It's fitting, given the amount of time my family has been around volleyball.
"It's not a me thing -- it's an everyone thing. With the amount of time and responsibilities that go into coaching, my wife (Wendy) has had to pick up a lot. Volleyball is a family affair for us, and it's great to share it with them."
In his 22 years of coaching that began in Nevada and was followed by a 10-year head stint in Charles City, Johnson has a career record of 763-194, ranking him in the Top-20 all-time in Iowa.
"At both (Charles City and Cedar Falls), we've had a lot of kids put in so much time in the offseason. That is a tremendous attribute," Johnson said. "I love having multi-sport athletes. It's great to have multiple skills, and it helps for the volleyball program’s success."
Johnson has led his teams to 13 state tournaments, six championship finals and three state titles – in 2012, 2017, and 2019.
His Cedar Falls teams won 75 consecutive matches between 2017 and 2018, going more than a full calendar year without losing a single set.
Johnson has been named IGCA State Coach of the Year four times, and received both NFHS State Coach of the Year and USA Today All-Iowa Coach of the Year honors in 2019.
While at Cedar Falls – the eighth-seed in this year's state tournament – Johnson has also coached junior high boys basketball and junior high boys track. He teaches eighth grade math at Peet Junior High.
Johnson is part of a three-bother trio in the Iowa coaches ranks. John previously coached at St. Edmond; middle brother, Tyler, is head coach at St. Ansgar.
Johnson's wife, Wendy, is a preschool teacher in the Cedar Falls School District. They have three daughters: Alexis, Marissa and Raegan.