Clinton serves up state aspirations
Clinton defensive specialist Jailie Rodd stretches out to dig a ball during the Lady Dragons’ match against Oak Ridge in the 2025 season as teammate Maggie Turbyville provides coverage behind the play. Both are expected to play pivotal roles as Clinton pursues a Region 2-AAA championship and a berth in the 2026 state tournament. (photo:Tony Cox )
Johnson enters her fifth season as Clinton’s head coach. During her first four years, the Lady Dragons have reached three consecutive Region 2-AAA tournaments, captured two District 3-AAA tournament championships, and finished as the district tournament runner-up in 2025.
Clinton posted a 27-14 record last season, but the Lady Dragons still have unfinished business.
They finished second in the district regular-season standings and have qualified for the regional tournament in each of the past three seasons.
However, they have yet to win a region tournament match under Johnson.
They hope to change that in 2026.
“I expect to compete, and this may be the most-talented team that I’ve had in more than 40 years as a head coach in high school and college,” Johnson said.
“We want to win a region tournament match, and we want to make it to the state, and this year, we might have the team to do it.”
Still, Johnson knows October success begins with the work done now.
“In volleyball, serve and serve-receive are always the biggest things,” she said. “So far, that’s gone pretty well for us. But it’s early. We have about 30 days before we play our first match.
“We have a balance of power this season.”
Clinton boasts one of its deepest rosters in recent years, and Johnson believes the Lady Dragons have the luxury of using two players at libero.
The Lady Dragons return four seniors: Hanna Harvey (defensive specialist/libero), Parker McGhee (middle blocker), Maggie Moke (outside hitter) and Jailie Rodd (setter/defensive specialist).
The junior class features Addyson Powell (opposite hitter/outside hitter) and Maggie Turrbyville (defensive specialist).
Key sophomores include Anslee Carmichael (outside hitter), Ruby Bailey (outside hitter/setter/opposite hitter), Lauren Powell (middle blocker/outside hitter) and Alaina Stoudenmaier (setter/opposite hitter).
Johnson also welcomes 13 freshmen to the program this season.
Clinton opens the 2026 campaign at home Monday, Aug. 18, against Hardin Valley Academy, which reached the District 4-AAA semifinals last season.
The Lady Dragons will host Knoxville Central the following day before traveling across town to face district tournament champion Anderson County on Aug. 20.
Clinton then heads to the Showdown at the Sunsphere at the Knoxville Convention Center for its first tournament of the season.
Johnson expects District 3-AAA to once again be among the area’s toughest leagues.
Regular-season champion Knoxville Central returns several key players.
Anderson County, the 2025 district tournament champion, should again be a contender.
Oak Ridge is expected to improve under second-year Coach Meghan Ellis.
Additionally, Powell, Halls and Gibbs have the potential to challenge.
“I’m sure that Central, Anderson County and Oak Ridge are working extremely hard,” Johnson said.
