Kristina Johnson has been inducted into the Harrison High School Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions as both a former student-athlete and current coach. Johnson attended Lost Mountain Middle School before enrolling at Harrison High, where she excelled as a volleyball player and became the school’s all-time assist leader.
Her husband, Adam, described her as “a beast on the volleyball court,” while Harrison Athletic Director Wes Ellis said, “her prowess and tenacity as a player made her one of the best in school history.” Johnson was previously named All-County, All-State, and Area 5 Player of the Year during her high school career.
Reflecting on her induction into the Hall of Fame, Johnson stated: “It’s a huge honor. With Harrison being such a big school, being inducted into their Hall of Fame is truly just a blessing. I’m very thankful.”
After graduating from Harrison High School, Johnson returned to lead its varsity volleyball program. In only her second season as head coach, she guided the team to a Class 6A-Region 3 title. Athletic Director Ellis commented: “Coach Johnson is passionate about the program, her players, the school, and the community. She does a great job developing a positive culture of competitiveness that her players enjoy being a part of.”
Players have also praised Johnson’s approach. Senior libero Addison Cooley said: “She pushes us to do the best we can every day. And she makes it a fun and positive environment. She’s someone I can always go to if I need anything, and she cares a lot about me outside the aspect of volleyball.” Junior defensive specialist Emma Gallegos added: “Coach Johnson is like a family member to me… She makes us feel really special. She is tough on us, but I think it’s definitely out of love because she wants the best for us and for the team.”
Johnson also works as a first-grade teacher at Due West Elementary School in Cobb County under Principal Cissi Kale’s leadership. Principal Kale noted: “Kristina’s superpower is turning her competitive spirit into motivation for her students. She makes learning exciting, challenges her students to push themselves, and celebrates every victory along the way.”
Amy Baird, Special Education Teacher at Due West Elementary who shares an inclusion classroom with Johnson, highlighted another strength: “Kristina has the superpower of getting down on the students’ level… She breaks through their walls, comforts them, and lets them know that our classroom is a safe space where they are seen, heard, and loved.”
Johnson has three children attending Cobb Schools: two at McClure Middle School and one at Due West Elementary.
“I’m fortunate that my kids go to Cobb Schools because I know that they are being pushed and challenged,” said Johnson. “I just think Cobb Schools are the best place to learn… And then I love that my kids are going to get to transition into Harrison.”
Athletic Director Ellis emphasized how important it is for coaches like Johnson to have strong ties with their programs: “Having her type of involvement and commitment is huge for any high school or program and speaks to how special Harrison High School is.”
Principal Kale expressed similar sentiments about Johnson’s role within Cobb Schools: “It’s incredibly comforting to know Kristina is fully invested in Cobb Schools… Her commitment to our students and community is the kind of dedication that makes Cobb such a special place to work and learn.”
Johnson continues contributing both on court as coach and in class as teacher while remaining closely connected with both schools.
