2025 Marlon Johnson Award of Excellence Recipient
2025 winner Dennis Amundson presented by Adam Beamer
The following speech was made by 2024 Marlon Johnson Award winner, Jackie Richter, as she announced the 2025 Marlon Award of Excellence for a Coach.
Marlon Johnson was a caring, relational, enthusiastic, giving and kind human. I met Marlon early in my
coaching years with Northern Lights. In fact, I remember our first interaction when he loudly and
excitedly said, “I don’t think I’ve met you. What’s your name? My name is Marlon and welcome to
Northern Lights.” Marlon never hesitated to approach and connect with others. A quality I admired and
felt warmly welcomed by. I also have experienced, and observed, this relationship-driven characteristic
from the coach beyond deserving of this year’s Marlon Johnson Award. They are masterful in their
ability to develop meaningful connections with both coaches and players-driven largely by their
approachability. Their presence invites openness, and their words create connection.
I spent a couple six-hour coach bus trips to Omaha playing cribbage with and against Marlon (and
Andy, and Sean, and Lynne). I spent many AAU tournament trip nights conversing with Marlon, and
other Northern Lights coaches, at a pool deck table in ‘Chad’s house’ discussing anything and
everything volleyball and life related. I later coached against Marlon during his six seasons with
Bloomington Jefferson. It was always a guarantee that I would be warmly greeted with a big Marlon
smile and empathetic Marlon ‘how are you?’ every time I stepped in the Jaguar gym. His energy was
infectious. It was also a guarantee that I would hear and see Marlon’s passion while competing, and a
guarantee that I would receive a handshake of respect and a warm hug after each match. Marlon
positively impacted hundreds of players and coaches during his 16 years with Northern Lights. He was
someone whose presence left a lasting mark on others.
This ability to create a positive impact, and the ability to be transformational, is no different from this
year’s Marlon Johnson Award Recipient. Coaches are often evaluated and measured by their records,
championships attained, and statistical successes. I would argue that one key and very vital
measurement of a coach should be on the way others grow in their presence. This year’s recipient was
voted upon by you, and me, because they are a spark that ignites progress in others. They are influential
in both quiet and bold ways, committed to growth.
Unlike Marlon’s booming and high-volumed approach, the influence of this year’s recipient isn’t loud
and doesn’t draw attention at first glance (pause), but much like Marlon, it’s lasting. Many of us in this
room (coaches and players) have been positively impacted by this coach’s ability to evoke and promote
thinking. They are a voice that doesn’t just speak, but they awaken thought. They don’t just give
answers, they open doors to better questions. In their presence, you’re not just heard-you’re invited to
grow. What makes this especially meaningful is not just what the individual has done – but how they’ve
done it…intentionally, voluntarily, consistently, patiently.A great teacher does much more than deliver content, they shape minds, inspire growth, and cultivate
potential. This year’s Marlon Johnson Award Recipient carries a signature touch of thoughtfulness,
excellence, and a quiet leadership that doesn’t demand attention, but earns the respect of so many.
They are someone who defies easy categorization. They’re not just an idea person. They’re not just a
planner. They operate somewhere in the space between vision and execution – where imagination
meets precision. They dream in color but think in frameworks. They surprise you, not just with what
they imagine, but how effortlessly they make it real. Their brainstorms take flight in conversations that
somehow feel both fresh and focused, and while they would never call attention to their own
contributions, we have all felt the ripple effects of their thinking.
My very first time “meeting” this coach was with a postcard. Back in 2008, I coached an NL 17-3s team
that had beaten our own 17-2s, and then went on to beat a MN Select 17-1s team in the championship,
to win the Regional Qualifier. It was a fearless underdog team that understood that the only way for
exceptional success, and for an uncommon season, was to have ‘uncommon’ discipline and effort over
their controllables. After the tournament, I received a postcard that read, “You are on the road to great
things. I enjoyed my time watching you and your team this weekend. Best of luck to the rest of your
season.” This coach works drip by drip to mentor, empower, support and encourage both coaches and
athletes alike. This year’s recipient has expressed their belief in me countless times and has
empowered me in more ways than they will ever realize. To some, they are a mentor. To others, a
lifeline. But to all, they are a source of wisdom, patience and creativity. They have touched the lives of
thousands with unwavering kindness. They make themselves available and they are present for all who
seek their counsel.
Don’t just take my word for it, listen to the reflection made by the coach who has been growing with,
and working with them the closest for the last seven years:
“I have been very blessed to see firsthand just how much they care for every athlete they interact
with, and for every coach they help. From choosing a nickname that defines who they can be,
not just who they are today, to celebrating the small day-to-day successes, this coach finds new
ways to “let young people surprise us.” The wisdom in their words isn’t always decipherable
when you first hear them, but at some point a lightbulb turns on and you think to yourself: “that’s
what that means….that’s really good.” For longer than most of us have been alive, they have
been changing young people’s minds and love for the game. I can’t think of a more deserving
person.”Throughout this coach’s 50+-year tenure, they have coached both boys and girls in seven different
sports. They have experience as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Camp Director, Lesson Coach,
Statistician, Announcer, Mentor, Volunteer Assistant (and many more) working with athletes on teams
at the youth, club, high school, and all three levels of collegiate volleyball. In their own words, “Volleyball
can be transformative. The highs and lows of learning to play volleyball and the highs and lows of life
share the same space. Learning to play volleyball should be as joyous as it is challenging.”
Tonight, I have the tremendous privilege, and the honor, to announce that this year’s Marlon Johnson
Coaches Award of Excellence winner goes to a MN Hall of Fame Coach, the one and only:
Dennis ‘Aame’ Amundson.