Volleyball 2/19/2026 4:00:00 PM MSU Athletics Communications

LEGACY IN FOCUS: Esther Johnson, Volleyball

Born in Cameroon and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Esther Johnson (now Esther Johnson Smith) is one of the most recent inductees into the Morgan State University Athletic Hall of Fame. A two-sport standout, she competed for the Bears in both volleyball and softball, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

Graduating with a psychology degree in 2007, Johnson's accomplishments on the court were historic. She became the first player in school history to reach 1,000 kills as a sophomore and still holds the career record with 1,766 kills. She ranks third all-time in digs (1,425) and tenth in aces (129), solidifying her as the most productive outside hitter in program history.

Early Life and Heritage
Johnson's family story is global.

"My dad is from Washington State, and my mom is from Mali in West Africa. When he was 19, he joined the Peace Corps and met my mom there. They got married — and ten children later, I'm number seven out of ten," Johnson explained.

Her father, an agronomist, spent much of her childhood moving across Africa, helping communities learn to grow their own food. That upbringing instilled a sense of family, culture, and resilience that has stayed with her.

"Growing up with African culture is one of my favorite things about myself. Family is everything. Humor is a big part of it, too. It really takes a village to raise the grandchildren and cousins, and that sense of community has always defined who I am."

Johnson and her family settled in Colorado in 1995, finally putting down roots after years of moving between Africa and the United States. It was there that she and her siblings got involved in sports, building the foundation for her future athletic success.

Introduction to Sports

"My older sister brought home a volleyball when I was still in elementary school, and we were just passing it back and forth in my grandma's front yard in Washington State. I thought, this is awesome!" Johnson recalled.

Organized sports followed soon after, with soccer playing a central role. One of her sisters even went on to play professionally for the Washington Spirit.
"Soccer was huge in our household," Johnson said.

Her bond with her younger sister, Estelle, was also formative. "Because we're close in age, we've always been really close. We even played a little volleyball together before she committed fully to soccer. Later, I moved to D.C. to support her professional career, and that's when I became an assistant coach at Howard University during the 2016–17 season."

College Decision and Athletic Career

When it came to college, Johnson's path required stepping out of her comfort zone.

"I had never heard of Morgan State until a recruiting company helped me get exposure. They flew me out for a recruiting trip — I want to say it was for the Morgan–Coppin basketball game — and it was amazing. My dad pushed me to step out of the box. They promised me a starting position, and there was nothing more I wanted than to play for four years."

Her gamble paid off. Johnson became a two-time All-MEAC Tournament Team selection and set school records that still stand today, cementing her legacy as one of the Bears' greatest athletes.

Reflecting on her college experience, she said, "Morgan felt small, like a tight-knit community. Everybody knew each other, especially in athletics. Being in the trenches together made us closer and created a really strong sense of camaraderie."

Life Beyond Athletics

After graduation, Johnson began coaching at Baltimore City Community College while working as a residential treatment counselor. "Those athletes felt like my children. We didn't win any games at first, but the athletic director was impressed with how we built camaraderie and organization. I loved being part of it."
Years later, a connection with her former teammate, Ashley Preston, led to an assistant coaching position at Howard University, allowing her to mentor young athletes while supporting her sister's professional career.

Campus Life and Memories

Johnson recalls the fun and culture of her time at Morgan vividly. Practices started at 5:45 a.m., and athletes would even sleep in their spandex to get ready quickly. She fondly remembers homecoming, alumni games, and concerts featuring Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and Fabulous. "It was always fun, and it kept the program and the community connected," she said.

Music also played a big role before practice. "We listened to Lil Wayne, Ciara, Usher, T-Pain, Baltimore club music, and Go-Go music. I've always been a fan of the culture and the dances."

Advice for Young Athletes

Johnson is passionate about passing on guidance to the next generation.

"For young athletes — whether volleyball or another sport — if you have the passion, you can do it. There are so many programs, resources, and opportunities out there for anyone who's committed. Once you make it, keep that passion. Build relationships with your coaches and teammates, and if you're lucky, earn a scholarship to help with your education. Work hard, have fun, and always keep the passion alive."

Hall of Fame Induction

Reflecting on her Hall of Fame induction, Johnson said, "During my time as an athlete, being a Hall of Famer wasn't even a thought. I was just there to play and have fun. Coming back to Hill Field House, seeing all the pictures and names, it's surreal. My hard work led to that without ever being the end goal, and having my children witness that moment made it even more special."

Legacy

From Cameroon to Colorado, from the volleyball and softball courts at Morgan State to coaching and mentoring the next generation, Esther Johnson's journey embodies perseverance, family, and community. Her records, leadership, and Hall of Fame induction ensure her legacy will continue to inspire athletes for years to come.

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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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