Head coach Bobby Johnston of the women’s soccer team is leading the Lady Spartans to their most successful era in team history.
Since taking over in March of 2002, he has led the Lady Spartans to a record of 56-21-6, making him the school’s winningest coach. Last year he was awarded Coach of the Year in both the Sunshine State Conference and the South Region. It’s easy to understand why some see him as the team’s best head coach in the school’s history.
Johnston is a graduate of James Madison University where he excelled in soccer. He made first-team All-Conference. He was a gritty, hard working player who led his team in assists while also being named Defensive Player of the Year. His time at JMU helped shape the person he is today, and he looks fondly at the time he spent there.
“I really enjoyed my time there. I still and will always have a lot of pride for playing there and for everything we accomplished.”
After a short run in professional soccer following college, Johnston made the decision to become a coach.
It was a decision that was more luck than anything else but a choice he is happy he made.
“I got into coaching really by luck when I was offered the job. I always found myself questioning whether or not I had enough passion to be a coach. But after thinking about it some more, I really started to like the idea of impacting a player’s life.”
His first job as a coach was with Potomac High School in McLean, Va. He enjoyed a productive time there, winning three conference championships. In 1999 he was named NSCAA Virginia Private Schools Girls Coach of the Year and Washington Post All-Metropolitan Coach of the Year in 2000.
He won state championships with Beadling, Pa. soccer club and the Annandale, Va. club.
His first collegiate head-coaching job came in 2001 with St. Mary’s College in Indiana. A budding reputation as a coach with a winning formula, it did not take long for UT to show interest.
On March 11, 2002, he was officially hired to lead the women’s soccer team.
Johnston credits his success as a coach to his experiences with coaches throughout his life.
“Every coach has had an influence, both positive and negative. You take a little bit of something from each one while also implementing your own style.”
That style is a demanding coach with high expectations of his players. He does understand the challenge of being an athlete in college.
“I respect these players for what they do. I understand that they have a tough schedule, and it’s not easy.”
With Johnston running the program, women’s soccer at UT has experienced some of greatest accomplishments in its history.
In the last three seasons the team has made the NCAA Division II tournament. In 2004 the team won its first SSC tournament title. They went on to their first ever victory in the NCAA tournament.
The team followed that up in 2005 with a more impressive season going 14-2-2 and winning the regular season SSC title. They also enjoyed the highest ranking in school history when they were ranked third in the nation, a ranking they could surpass this year.
Coach Johnston’s players appreciate what he brings to the team.
“He’s great,” says midfielder Sam Robinson, “His enthusiasm is contagious. He cares about us, and he makes sure he gets the best out of us.”
The winning culture that has formed since Johnston’s arrival is easy to see. But he is sure to not take full credit for the success.
“We’re building upon what was created a while ago. The path was paved from coaches before me that led us to where we are right now. I’m also lucky to have the types of players I have.”
With Coach Johnston as head coach of the women’s soccer team, the future looks to remain on a path of success.
