Interim Head Coach Matt Johnson – NHHS Boys Volleyball pre-season look with host Charlie Brande (2025)
Matt Johnson (“MJ”) talks to Charlie Brande about the upcoming boys’ volleyball season. MJ is stepping in for Andrew Mabry (took job at Kansas State) and emphasizes the team’s focus on serving and passing as they prepare for a competitive season.
Sunset Rewind host Charlie Brande sits down with Newport Harbor’s interim head coach, Matt Johnson (“MJ”), to discuss the upcoming boys’ volleyball season. Stepping in after Andrew Mabry’s move to Kansas State, MJ emphasizes the team’s focus on serving and passing as they prepare for a competitive season. Newport Harbor is set for big matchups in the 2025 season, including always sold out Battle of the Bay. MJ reflects on his coaching influences and the transition to his first head coaching role. Exciting season ahead for the Sailors!
Episode Highlights:
Coaching Transition (0:20) – Matt Johnson, formerly an assistant coach under Andrew Mabry, steps in as Newport Harbor’s interim head coach after Mabry’s move to Kansas State.
Early Season Outlook (0:45) – MJ acknowledges the team has room for improvement but praises their work ethic. The focus early in the season has been on refining serving and passing—two crucial aspects of the game.
Assistant Coaches (1:50) –
- Eric Vallely – A seasoned coach with 10 years at Newport Harbor and a former player for the Sailors.
- Aaron Harrell – A new addition to the staff, played for UCI’s 2008 team.
Team Strengths & Key Players (2:50) – Strength in the middle with returning players Jack Berry and Jack DeMaio leading the charge.
Fundamental Focus: Serve & Pass (3:20) – MJ emphasizes that the team’s success will hinge on their ability to serve and pass effectively throughout the season.
Early Season Standouts (4:20) – Max Rodgers had an impressive weekend, showing strong passing skills. Fun fact: Max’s grandfather, Denny Rogers, was Charlie Brande’s basketball coach at UCI!
Coaching Influences (5:20) – MJ reflects on his coaching lineage as both a player and coach, having been mentored by:
- Matt Marrujo (Servite)
- Travis Turner (Orange Coast College)
- Alan Knipe (Long Beach State)
- Andrew Mabry (Newport Harbor)
Stepping Into Leadership (9:30) – MJ shares his experience adjusting to his first head coaching role and the additional responsibilities that come with it.
Battle of the Bay & Key Matchups (10:00) – The Battle of the Bay remains a marquee event for the community. Early season tests include Mira Costa, Servite, and the tough Sunset League schedule.
Coach Matt or Coach MJ? (13:00) – Watch and find out! Best of luck to Newport Harbor Boys Volleyball this season!
2025 roster
2 – Luke Von Der Ahe (SR)
3 – Tommy Joyce (11)
4 – Zach McCollum (SR)
5 – Charlie Von Der Ahe (11)
6 – Jameson Finney (SR)
7 – Tyler Pence (11)
8 – Alex Wick (11)
9 – Wyatt Nichols (SR)
10 – Jack O’Brien (SR)
11 – JP Wardy (11)
12 – Max Rogers (11)
13 – Henry Clemo (11)
14 – Henry Koch (SR)
15 – Jack Berry (SR)
21 – Zach DeMaio (11)
22 – Owen Baldikoski (10)