Florida Volleyball announces staff updates, including the addition of Associate Head Coach Leah Johnson and Assistant Coach Blake Leeson.
Florida Volleyball Announces Associate Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Staff Promotions
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Volleyball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida volleyball Head Coach Ryan Theis announced updates to the program's coaching staff on Wednesday, including the naming of Leah Johnson as Associate Head Coach and Blake Leeson as Assistant Coach.
They Said:
"I'm excited to add Leah to our staff. Her strengths in setter training, offensive execution and program building will be extremely beneficial to our program. I have coached against her several times and her teams are always disciplined and very well coached."
Florida Head Coach Ryan Theis
"I'm thrilled to begin this next chapter working under Ryan Theis. I've known and respected Ryan for a long time, and he is a world‑class coach, an outstanding leader, and someone I'm proud to call a friend. Florida volleyball is one of the premier programs in the country, and Ryan's vision and track record of success make this an incredibly exciting opportunity. I'm grateful to join the Gator family and eager to support the championship culture that honors this tradition and makes Gator Nation proud."
Florida Associate Head Coach Leah Johnson
"Blake worked his way from an underrecruited middle blocker into a two-time national champion and team captain, and went on to play seven years professionally overseas. He brings a strong work ethic and passion for the game. His transition from player to coach will be seamless and our middle blockers will enjoy Blake's presence and knowledge of the position."
Florida Head Coach Ryan Theis
"I am Incredibly excited to join Gator Nation and work with this experienced staff. I look forward to contributing my own experience from playing internationally for 7 years to help our team continue to strive towards new heights for this program."
Florida Assistant Coach Blake Leeson
In addition, Jackie Hensel, formerly Director of Operations, has been promoted to General Manager and Assistant Coach Eysha Ambler has been elevated to Director of Player Personnel and Development. After serving as a student manager for two years, Taylor Boyd joins the staff as Assistant Director of Operations/Technical Coordinator. Ryan Walthall remains on staff as Assistant Coach.
Coach Theis' restructuring of the staff is intentionally designed to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. As one of a few programs to implement these new positions and first to do so separate from the coaching positions, this professional-model structure allows Florida to better navigate the increasing demands around NIL, recruiting, player development and the overall student-athlete experience.
Leah Johnson – Associate Head Coach
Johnson brings head coaching experience to Gainesville, previously leading programs at Michigan State (2022-24), Illinois State (2017-21) and SIU-Edwardsville (2011-16).
In her first season in East Lansing, Johnson led the Spartans to the most wins (13) by a first-year head coach since 1974 before leading the Spartans to 17 victories in 2023, which marks the most by the MSU volleyball program since 2019. Johnson coached a pair All-B1G honorees and an B1G All-Freshman and All-B1G second team distinction, marking the first season with multiple postseason award winners since 2017.
Prior to becoming a Spartan, Johnson directed the Illinois State program from 2017-2021, guiding the Redbirds to a 104-53 record and five postseason appearances, including four straight NCAA Tournaments, marking the longest streak at ISU in nearly four decades (1982-85). Under Johnson's guidance, Illinois State finished in the top three in the Missouri Valley Conference all five seasons, including winning the regular-season conference championship in 2018 and 2020 (played in spring 2021). The Redbirds also won three straight MVC Tournament titles from 2019-2021. Johnson was named the 2021 AVCA North Region Coach of the Year.
Individually, Redbird student-athletes excelled under Johnson's direction. Three players garnered All-American honors, while five different Redbirds collected a total of eight AVCA All-Region honors and 13 different players combined for 20 All-MVC honors, including 14 first-team honors in her five seasons. In the classroom, seven student-athletes combined for 11 appearances on the MVC Scholar Athlete First Team.
Prior to her stint at Illinois State, Johnson spent six seasons as head coach at SIU-Edwardsville where she was named the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading the Cougars to the OVC tournament championship game. Johnson guided SIUE through its transition from Division II to Division I, directing the Cougars to a top 100 RPI finish in 2016.
Johnson was a standout student-athlete at Missouri State, serving as team captain and helping guide the Bears to four straight seasons with 20 or more wins. She excelled on the court, ranking among Missouri State's all-time and single-season digs leaders, and in the classroom, as she was named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team and served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative. In 2019 the Missouri State University volleyball program was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Blake Leeson – Assistant Coach
Blake Leeson brings extensive volleyball experience to Florida, having played professionally for seven years and was a member of Ohio State's back-to-back Men's Volleyball National Championship Team (2016-17).
Across his professional career, Leeson competed in the top European leagues and was a member of the International Volleyball Federation. Most recently, he played for Greece's AO Kalamata 80 during the 2025–26 campaign. Prior to that, he spent two seasons with SVG Lüneburg in Germany, competing in the Champions League. During his time there, the team finished as CEV Cup finalists in 2024 and placed fifth in the league in 2025.
A former standout middle blocker at Ohio State University, Leeson concluded his career among the program's all-time leaders, ranking top-10 in hitting percentage (.453), solo blocks (62) and total blocks (395). He earned All-MIVA First Team honors in 2019 after previously being named to the All-MIVA Second Team (2018) and earning honorable mention recognition (2016). He was also a two-time NCAA All-Tournament Team selection and a key contributor to Ohio State's 2016 and 2017 national championship success.
Jackie Hensel – General Manager
After 8 seasons as the Director of Operations, Hensel is taking on this new role as General Manager which is responsible for the comprehensive operational, financial and administrative oversight of the program. She works closely with the head coach, associate head coach, athletics administration and external partners to ensure seamless program execution, compliance adherence, athlete revenue management, team travel organization, nutritional and player parent liaison, camp director and oversight of game day operations, equipment and practice facility.
Eysha Ambler – Director of Player Personnel and Development
Having spent the last 5 years as an Assistant Coach, Ambler is moving into this administrative role within the program. This role bridges recruiting, retention and athlete growth, while supporting the head coach in building and sustaining a championship-level program. Ambler is responsible for managing all aspects of player personnel, roster management, recruiting operations, student-athlete development and experience and program operations and strategy.
Taylor Boyd – Assistant Director of Operations/Technical Coordinator
Boyd's role supports the day-to-day logistics and technical needs of the team, which includes assisting with travel coordination, practice and game day operations and facility setup. This role also oversees video and data operations, including film breakdown, scouting support and the management of technical equipment and software used for training and competition.
Florida volleyball fans will have the opportunity to see the 2026 Gators in action at home this spring on April 11 when the Gators host USF at the O'Dome. Match time and additional details are still to be announced.
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They Said:
"I'm excited to add Leah to our staff. Her strengths in setter training, offensive execution and program building will be extremely beneficial to our program. I have coached against her several times and her teams are always disciplined and very well coached."
Florida Head Coach Ryan Theis
"I'm thrilled to begin this next chapter working under Ryan Theis. I've known and respected Ryan for a long time, and he is a world‑class coach, an outstanding leader, and someone I'm proud to call a friend. Florida volleyball is one of the premier programs in the country, and Ryan's vision and track record of success make this an incredibly exciting opportunity. I'm grateful to join the Gator family and eager to support the championship culture that honors this tradition and makes Gator Nation proud."
Florida Associate Head Coach Leah Johnson
"Blake worked his way from an underrecruited middle blocker into a two-time national champion and team captain, and went on to play seven years professionally overseas. He brings a strong work ethic and passion for the game. His transition from player to coach will be seamless and our middle blockers will enjoy Blake's presence and knowledge of the position."
Florida Head Coach Ryan Theis
"I am Incredibly excited to join Gator Nation and work with this experienced staff. I look forward to contributing my own experience from playing internationally for 7 years to help our team continue to strive towards new heights for this program."
Florida Assistant Coach Blake Leeson
In addition, Jackie Hensel, formerly Director of Operations, has been promoted to General Manager and Assistant Coach Eysha Ambler has been elevated to Director of Player Personnel and Development. After serving as a student manager for two years, Taylor Boyd joins the staff as Assistant Director of Operations/Technical Coordinator. Ryan Walthall remains on staff as Assistant Coach.
| Florida Volleyball Staff | |
| Ryan Theis | Head Coach |
| Leah Johnson | Associate Head Coach |
| Blake Leeson | Assistant Coach |
| Ryan Walthall | Assistant Coach |
| Jackie Hensel | General Manager |
| Eysha Ambler | Director of Player Personnel and Development |
| Taylor Boyd | Assistant Director of Operations/Tech Coordinator |
Coach Theis' restructuring of the staff is intentionally designed to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. As one of a few programs to implement these new positions and first to do so separate from the coaching positions, this professional-model structure allows Florida to better navigate the increasing demands around NIL, recruiting, player development and the overall student-athlete experience.
Leah Johnson – Associate Head Coach
Johnson brings head coaching experience to Gainesville, previously leading programs at Michigan State (2022-24), Illinois State (2017-21) and SIU-Edwardsville (2011-16).
In her first season in East Lansing, Johnson led the Spartans to the most wins (13) by a first-year head coach since 1974 before leading the Spartans to 17 victories in 2023, which marks the most by the MSU volleyball program since 2019. Johnson coached a pair All-B1G honorees and an B1G All-Freshman and All-B1G second team distinction, marking the first season with multiple postseason award winners since 2017.
Prior to becoming a Spartan, Johnson directed the Illinois State program from 2017-2021, guiding the Redbirds to a 104-53 record and five postseason appearances, including four straight NCAA Tournaments, marking the longest streak at ISU in nearly four decades (1982-85). Under Johnson's guidance, Illinois State finished in the top three in the Missouri Valley Conference all five seasons, including winning the regular-season conference championship in 2018 and 2020 (played in spring 2021). The Redbirds also won three straight MVC Tournament titles from 2019-2021. Johnson was named the 2021 AVCA North Region Coach of the Year.
Individually, Redbird student-athletes excelled under Johnson's direction. Three players garnered All-American honors, while five different Redbirds collected a total of eight AVCA All-Region honors and 13 different players combined for 20 All-MVC honors, including 14 first-team honors in her five seasons. In the classroom, seven student-athletes combined for 11 appearances on the MVC Scholar Athlete First Team.
Prior to her stint at Illinois State, Johnson spent six seasons as head coach at SIU-Edwardsville where she was named the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading the Cougars to the OVC tournament championship game. Johnson guided SIUE through its transition from Division II to Division I, directing the Cougars to a top 100 RPI finish in 2016.
Johnson was a standout student-athlete at Missouri State, serving as team captain and helping guide the Bears to four straight seasons with 20 or more wins. She excelled on the court, ranking among Missouri State's all-time and single-season digs leaders, and in the classroom, as she was named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team and served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative. In 2019 the Missouri State University volleyball program was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Blake Leeson – Assistant Coach
Blake Leeson brings extensive volleyball experience to Florida, having played professionally for seven years and was a member of Ohio State's back-to-back Men's Volleyball National Championship Team (2016-17).
Across his professional career, Leeson competed in the top European leagues and was a member of the International Volleyball Federation. Most recently, he played for Greece's AO Kalamata 80 during the 2025–26 campaign. Prior to that, he spent two seasons with SVG Lüneburg in Germany, competing in the Champions League. During his time there, the team finished as CEV Cup finalists in 2024 and placed fifth in the league in 2025.
A former standout middle blocker at Ohio State University, Leeson concluded his career among the program's all-time leaders, ranking top-10 in hitting percentage (.453), solo blocks (62) and total blocks (395). He earned All-MIVA First Team honors in 2019 after previously being named to the All-MIVA Second Team (2018) and earning honorable mention recognition (2016). He was also a two-time NCAA All-Tournament Team selection and a key contributor to Ohio State's 2016 and 2017 national championship success.
Jackie Hensel – General Manager
After 8 seasons as the Director of Operations, Hensel is taking on this new role as General Manager which is responsible for the comprehensive operational, financial and administrative oversight of the program. She works closely with the head coach, associate head coach, athletics administration and external partners to ensure seamless program execution, compliance adherence, athlete revenue management, team travel organization, nutritional and player parent liaison, camp director and oversight of game day operations, equipment and practice facility.
Eysha Ambler – Director of Player Personnel and Development
Having spent the last 5 years as an Assistant Coach, Ambler is moving into this administrative role within the program. This role bridges recruiting, retention and athlete growth, while supporting the head coach in building and sustaining a championship-level program. Ambler is responsible for managing all aspects of player personnel, roster management, recruiting operations, student-athlete development and experience and program operations and strategy.
Taylor Boyd – Assistant Director of Operations/Technical Coordinator
Boyd's role supports the day-to-day logistics and technical needs of the team, which includes assisting with travel coordination, practice and game day operations and facility setup. This role also oversees video and data operations, including film breakdown, scouting support and the management of technical equipment and software used for training and competition.
Florida volleyball fans will have the opportunity to see the 2026 Gators in action at home this spring on April 11 when the Gators host USF at the O'Dome. Match time and additional details are still to be announced.
FOLLOW FLORIDA VOLLEYBALL
FloridaGators.com
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