Tiffany Johnson-Gunn Named Head Softball Coach at Spring Valley High School

A Viking legend returns to lead the next generation of champions.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — August 14, 2025 — Spring Valley High School proudly announces the selection of Tiffany Johnson-Gunn as the new Head Coach of the Lady Vikings Softball Program. A 1992 alumna, standout three-sport athlete, and veteran coach with more than two decades of experience, Johnson-Gunn brings a deep well of knowledge, leadership, and Viking pride to the program.

Coach Johnson-Gunn, who served as an assistant coach at Spring Valley for the past four seasons, steps into the head coaching role after longtime coach Ricardo Thomas stepped down. Her return marks a powerful new chapter for a program with a rich legacy — one she helped build as a player under legendary Coach Dwayne Jones.

“Tiffany is the embodiment of Viking excellence,” said John Combs, Spring Valley’s Athletic Director. “She brings not only experience and vision, but also a personal connection to the school, the community, and the tradition of winning that defined Spring Valley softball for nearly two decades.”

As a player, Johnson-Gunn helped lead the Vikings to multiple regional titles and a 1991 state championship under legendary coach Dwayne Jones. With a high school record of 103-19-1 as a player, she holds the distinction of being a two-time all-region softball player and all-state selection in 1991. Johnson-Gunn was the first Spring Valley women’s basketball player to receive a full-ride scholarship, going on to play both basketball and softball at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

Her coaching résumé includes the head coaching role at West Ashley High School in Charleston, where she rebuilt and revitalized the softball program, as well as assistant coaching roles with elite travel organizations such as the Charleston Shockers and SC Riptide. Her first high school softball coaching job was as assistant coach and head JV coach for the 1998 Spring Valley Vikings, who hold the SCHSL record for most consecutive wins at 23. She is widely respected for her player development skills, team-building acumen, and commitment to mentorship.

“I’m honored to lead this program — not just because it’s home, but because I believe in the potential of these young women and what Viking softball can represent again,” said Coach Johnson-Gunn. “We’re going to build a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride — and we’re going to bring the energy back to the diamond.”

With a renewed focus on player development and engagement, softball IQ and program loyalty, Coach Johnson-Gunn plans to launch a robust offseason campaign, including team bonding, alumni engagement efforts, and softball fundamentals. Her first official season at the helm will begin in Spring 2026.

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VIKING FACTS ON SPRING VALLEY HEAD SOFTBALL COACH, TIFFANY JOHNSON GUNN

• Three-Sport Athlete and Letter Winner (Softball, Basketball, and Volleyball)
• Five-Time AAAA Regional Champion (4 as a player, 1 as a coach)
• Three-Time AAAA State Champion Runner Up
• 1991 AAAA State Champion
• Played Centerfield for Legendary High School Softball Coach Dwayne Jones.
• In 1991, Tiffany had a .396 Batting Average and led the Spring Valley Vikings with 48 runs. She had 37 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, and was an All-Region 4-AAAA Selection and an All-State Selection.
• In Tiffany’s high school softball career record was 103 wins and 19 losses.
• 1st Spring Valley Women’s Basketball Player to receive a full-ride Scholarship to UNC-Wilmington
• The 1998 Spring Valley Team, for which she was an assistant coach to Coach Dwayne Jones, holds the SCHSL record for most consecutive wins with 23. 

FUN FACT

Tiffany was on the first-ever select national traveling softball team from South Carolina, The Carolina Dynamites Travel Softball Team, pioneered and coached by Kaki and Ed Hancock