June 22, 2009
This summer, each Georgia Tech head coach will be featured in a new series — “Know The Coach.” Each week, a different head coach will be profiled where you can get to know them outside the competition field. Up today is first-year volleyball coach Tonya Johnson.
Week three features volleyball head coach Tonya Johnson, who begins her first season on the Flats after serving as the associate head coach for the University of Texas’ Final Four team in 2008. Check out what Tonya has to say, including her favorite movies and bucket list.
Know The Coach…Tonya Johnson
Born: Zachary, La. on September 1, 1969
Status: Single, and lovin’ it
Alma Mater: LSU, 1993
What’s on TV: I’m hooked on Army Wives right now. And during the year, I’m also a fan of American Idol, 24 and The Unit
What’s in my iPod: A little bit of everything – R&B, Gospel and even a little bit of Hip-Hop
What I drive: A black Lexus, which is probably not a good idea this time of year, since it’s so hot!
Favorite flicks: Anything by Tyler Perry
What I’m reading: I just finished The Shack
Worst habit: I don’t sleep enough
On my office walls: I just put up a dry erase board – other than that, it’s pretty empty
Would love to trade places with for a day: Dan Radakovich
First job: Teaching middle school (physical education) in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Talent I’d like to have: I’d love to be able to sing
Favorite meal: I love a good steak with a salad and asparagus
Favorite athletes to watch in other sports: I love to watch Tiger Woods and LeBron James
One coaching peer I truly respect: Fran Flory from LSU. She coached me when I was in college and gave me my first college job. She taught me a lot about the game and how to treat people. She’s great, and I’m still learning from her today.
Bookmarks: USA Today, Rich Kern, ESPN, Ramblinwreck.com, LSU and Texas
Favorite values in others: People who know how to treat others
Favorite attribute about myself: I’m a great listener
And least: I am not disciplined when it comes to working out
My dream date would be with: Denzel Washington
My hero: My mother
My motto: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The thing I enjoy most about game day is: The anticipation
I have a sweet tooth for: Chocolate
I’ve cried while watching: Teams celebrating going to the Final Four or winning a championship
My bucket list: Travel the world, win the lottery, win an ACC title, win a National Championship
Know The Coach
Week 1 (June 8): Swimming & Diving head coach Courtney Hart
Week 2 (June 15): Golf head coach Bruce Heppler
Week 3 (June 22): Volleyball head coach Tonya Johnson
Upcoming Know The Coach Schedule
Week 4 (June 29): Men’s Basketball head coach Paul Hewitt
Week 5 (July 6): Women’s Basketball head coach MaChelle Joseph
Week 6 (July 13): Women’s Track/Cross Country head coach Alan Drosky
Week 7 (July 20): Baseball head coach Danny Hall
Week 8 (July 27): Softball head coach Sharon Perkins
Week 9 (August 3): Football head coach Paul Johnson
Week 10 (August 10): Men’s Track head coach Grover Hinsdale
Week 11 (August 17): Women’s Tennis head coach Bryan Shelton
Week 12 (August 24): Men’s Tennis head coach Kenny Thorne
