September 28, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Senior setter Emily Johnson has etched her name in the star-studded record books of Maranatha Women's Volleyball, as she has set the all-time record for career assists in the history of the program.

Johnson, a senior out of Daggett, Michigan, now sits at 2,884 career assists, as she surpassed the mark of 2,711 set by Jenn Wetzel - a record that had stood since 2006.

The three-year NCCAA 1st-Team All-American has led the Sabercats to a 5-8 record so far this season and has been a part of three NCCAA regional championships and 53 overall wins over her standout career.

Even with the success on the court, Johnson still takes the record in stride.

"I've been privileged with amazing hitters and great passers," said Johnson. "We've been able to work together really well - I think of players like Mattie Bumpus, Claire Hansel, Erica Ureke, and Megan Miller...all the different players who I've played with over the years. And I think of my coaches - Coach [Regina] DeLozier, Mattie [Bumpus], Kelsey [Stevens], and Pam [Fiocchi] - they've all encouraged me and helped me become the best player that I can be. 

"It's a team effort," Johnson said. "You're never going to win a volleyball game if you don't think about how to push each other and better each other," Johnson said. "And just be honest with each other and be willing to change. You have to accept what you're doing wrong even if it's hard to hear, and just keep pushing each other to be better players."

Johnson's efforts make her a standout, and her coaches have been quick to notice.

"Emily is just a leader on and off the court," said Interim Head Coach Mattie Bumpus. "No matter what she does, she's focused, she's determined, and she wants to see everyone around her succeed just as much as she does. To be a successful setter you have to connect with your hitters, and Emily has worked hard year after year to just put the ball where it needs to be."

"Emily is constantly looking for ways to improve herself," said Assistant Coach and former All-American Setter, Pam Fiocchi. "Yesterday she stayed a half an hour after practice and told [the coaches] 'I need to rep this - I'm not getting it right' and that's been her mindset since day one. She didn't come in and rest on her older sisters' laurels - and they were incredible players in their own right - but that's the attitude she's taken. She has stepped up and pushed herself in order to push others."

Johnson continues a tremendous family legacy of success with the Maranatha Women's Volleyball program, as her mother, Sara Johnson, is a Maranatha Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, and her sisters, Lexi, Kelsey, and Karley, all earned multiple all-region and NCCAA All-American honors. At least one member of the family has been on the roster for seven of the NCCAA National Championships that belong to the program.

Emily and the 2023 Sabercats will turn their attention to this weekend and three NCCAA Midwest Region matchups. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.

To view the program all-time records (current as of the start of the 2023 season), go here.