WASHINGTON - American University volleyball head coach Barry Goldberg has announced a new member of his staff, with Eric Johnson now on board as an assistant coach for the Eagles. Johnson comes to AU after four years with the George Mason University men's volleyball team.

"After an extensive search, we have found the right person to help assist and lead our program in Eric Johnson," said Goldberg. "He had four seasons of success with the men's program at George Mason, and Eric is now getting the opportunity to learn and develop his skills in the competitive game of NCAA women's volleyball. He is a bright thinker of sport analytics and will bring his knowledge and skills to the Eagles this season. We look forward to having Eric help build upon our previous history of success in the coming years ahead."

Johnson, an accomplished athlete in his playing days, has been coaching at various levels for a number of years. This past season at George Mason, the Patriots' men's team finished the year ranked 12th in the country. In 2018, they went 13-1 in conference play to win the EIVA regular season championship. Johnson helped coach multiple AVCA All-Americans in his time at Mason.

In addition to his responsibilities at GMU, Johnson has coached juniors club teams in the DC area over the last four years. 

"I am incredibly excited to be a part of the American University volleyball program!" said Johnson. "Coach Goldberg is such an awesome person with an amazing record of helping guide countless successful teams, players, and people. His commitment to AU and the tradition he's established is something that immediately attracted me to this program. He has created a long-lasting culture of success while doing things the right way, and it shows in the type of people that have come from the American volleyball program. I chose to coach at AU because I wanted to be a part of that culture and learn from Barry, Sarah Katz, and all the great players that are a part of this team. I am so fortunate to be trusted with this position and I couldn't be more excited to start the season later this month!"

Johnson, a native of Tustin, Calif., spent 10 years as a player and coach with Balboa Bay Volleyball Club, winning the 15 Open USAV National Championship in 2009. Overall, he won four medals at Open USAV Nationals as a player and coach.

Playing for Division III Springfield College, Johnson won NCAA National Championships in both 2013 and 2014 while playing in the finals all four years. He played under USAV All-Time Great Coach Award winner Charlie Sullivan at Springfield, where he graduated from in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in sports management. During his time there, Johnson also represented Team USA at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia.

For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_Volleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).