April 29, 2002

LAS VEGAS - UNLV head volleyball coach Deitre Collins has announced the hiring of Matt Johnson as an assistant coach. Johnson will be entering his first season at UNLV after spending one year as an assistant coach with Utah State's women's team and seven seasons with the men's volleyball program at the University of Hawai'i.

"I'm very excited to have Matt on the staff," said Collins. "He came highly recommended and I believe he is the perfect fit to fill out needs."

During his tenure at Hawai'i, the Rainbows advanced to two NCAA Championships and compiled a 125-48 record. Johnson's duties will include scouting and training.

A 2000 graduate of the University of Hawai'i with a B.A. in political science, Johnson was a three-year player at Hawai'i, and a member of two post-season teams. As a senior, Johnson hit .364.

Johnson, 31, is a native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and is married to the former Shalis Akiyama. They have one son (Austin) and one daughter (Alexee).