Susquehanna University Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim is pleased to announce the hiring of Johnny Powell as the university's new women's volleyball head coach following a national search. Powell comes to Selinsgrove after serving as head coach at Harford Community College, helping the Fighting Owls reach new heights since taking over in 2019, including a No. 20 ranking in 2024 and two national tournament berths.
"We are thrilled to welcome Johnny and his family to Selinsgrove," related Hashim. "Throughout the search process, Johnny showcased a strong vision for developing student athletes and enhancing their overall experience. His enthusiasm and strategic approach will be invaluable in recruiting prospective student athletes to our volleyball program and the university."
About Johnny Powell
"Fired up to be joining the Susquehanna University family! From the moment I stepped on campus, everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive, making this decision an easy one.
I can't wait to bring my experience as a club director/coach and as an NJCAA college coach—where I turned a program into a nationally ranked multi-year championship team, to Susquehanna.
I'm beyond excited to work with this amazing group of young women and future recruits, building on the program's rich traditions while creating new ones. We're going to do big things together and continue to grow the game and love for volleyball in this community."
Under Powell, HCC won four straight MDJUCO championships from 2021 to 2024, earning the conference's Coach of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024. They won the NJCAA Division II Regional and Mid-Atlantic championships in 2023 and 2024 towards national tournament berths. They ranked as high as 24th nationally in 2023 and 20th in 2024. Powell's work both these seasons also earned him the Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year.
Powell graduated from Stevenson University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. He played on the men's volleyball team, where the Mustangs accomplished a 94-41 record from 2011 to 2014 and won two ECAC championships. Upon graduating he served as the boys volleyball head coach at his alma mater Harford Technical High School in Bel Air, Md. from 2014 to 2018, leading the program to its first championship in 2014. He then reached the college ranks as a volunteer coach for Morgan State in Baltimore, Md. for the 2018 season.
Powell also served in the Baltimore club volleyball scene as head coach at Baltimore Elite from 2014 to 2019 and most recently Premier Volleyball starting in 2019. He also was part of the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Region Volleyball Association.
| YEAR |
SCHOOL |
OVERALL RECORD |
CONFERENCE RECORD |
POSTSEASON |
| 2019 |
Harford C.C. |
14-11 |
8-3 |
NJCAA District Tournament |
| 2020 |
Harford C.C. |
N/A |
N/A |
Season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 |
Harford C.C. |
16-5 |
9-0 |
MDJUCO Champions
NJCAA Region 20 Tournament |
| 2022 |
Harford C.C. |
14-7 |
8-0 |
MDJUCO Champions
NJCAA Region 20 Tournament |
| 2023 |
Harford C.C. |
26-6 |
9-0 |
MDJUCO Champions
NJCAA National Tournament |
| 2024 |
Harford C.C. |
23-2 |
13-0 |
MDJUCO Champions
NJCAA National Tournament |
| 2025 |
Susquehanna |
TBD |
TBD |
|
| TOTALS |
Susquehanna |
TBD |
TBD |
|
| 6 Seasons |
2 Schools |
93-31 |
56-3 |
4 Conference Championships
2 NJCAA National Tournament Appearance |
