Lynda Johnson-Black (born May 21,1964) is a Gresham native who became one of the greatest players in Portland State volleyball history.
Playing for Barlow High School, Lynda (then Lynda Johnson) won back-to-back 1st team honors at the OSAA State Championships. Barlow finished in 3rd place in 1980 and reached the semis in 1981.
Johnson was recruited to Portland State by coach Marlene Piper. The Vikings finished second in the nation in 1981. Lynda was the force that would take the Vikings all the way to back-to-back NCAA Division II championships in 1984 and '85. Lynda became the only four-time 1st team AVCA All-American in NCAA II history (1982-1985). She ended her brilliant career compiling amazing statistics: playing in 164 matches; 1,870 kills; 5,183 attacks; 2,116 assists and 210 service aces. Johnson's 85 service aces in 1983 is a school record. The Vikings overall record during her career was 139 wins and 25 losses.
Besides Division II playoff success, Johnson played on Viking teams that took it to top Division I teams in non-conference and tournament action. She credits coach Piper with improving her technical skills along the way.
Johnson-Black later competed for the USA national team and played pro beach volleyball. She also spent a year as an assistant to her old coach (Piper) at Cal.
Lynda Johnson-Black was inducted into the Portland State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997, and her #7 jersey is retired. She is also a member of the OSHOF as a member of PSU's 1984 & 85 national championship teams.