ANDERSON, S.C. -- The volleyball program has announced the addition of Alayna Johnson as the new assistant coach coming into the 2026 season. 

"I'm so incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Anderson University and become a part of such a special community!" says Johnson. "I am beyond excited to be able to contribute to such a highly competitive program, and am so grateful for the way God worked this opportunity out!"

Johnson joins the Trojans after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Sport and Entertainment Management. She competed collegiately for the Gamecocks from 2022-26 as an outside hitter. She totaled 766 kills in her career good for 2.37 kills per set. She led the Gamecocks in aces her senior season with 21 and was second in the SEC in aces in a match with seven.

The Upstate is familiar for Johnson who played club volleyball at Stars Carolina in Spartanburg. She is originally from Kershaw, SC where her parents, Andy and April, along with her brother, Blake, still reside. 

Johnson has been coaching club volleyball since 2022. 

"We are so excited and blessed to have Alayna join our coaching staff," head coach Todd Hay said. "She brings a wealth of playing experience as a four-year starter for the USC Gamecocks and has been active in the youth club scene as a coach. She will bring in new ideas and help our players develop a new perspective on the game. I know our AU community would like to extend a warm Trojan welcome to Coach Johnson."