UNCP's Johnson Resigns As Softball Coach

PEMBROKE – UNCP athletic director Dan Kenney announced  that Steve Johnson has resigned his post as head softball coach to pursue other career opportunities. The search for his replacement will begin immediately.

“On behalf of UNCP athletics, we are very happy for Steve and Heather Johnson because of this great opportunity at a Division I institution,” Kenney said. “Over the past six years, UNCP softball has improved and Steve is leaving this program in much better shape than when he took over in 2003. For that, we are very grateful.”

Johnson compiled a 153-164 record in six years at the helm of the Braves, including 37 wins inside the Peach Belt Conference. This past season, he earned PBC coach of the year accolades after skippering the Black and Gold to a 46-14 clip, the league’s regular season title and UNCP’s first trip to the NCAA softball postseason. In addition to the school record win total, UNCP also finished with a program-best 17-1 clip in league play – its first winning season inside the conference since joining the PBC in 1993.

Johnson and former assistant coach Theresa Walker also earned NFCA region coaching staff of the year laurels as well.

“I am very grateful to both coach Kenney and Dr. Meadors for taking a chance on me six years ago,” Johnson said. “I have enjoyed my time here and am very proud of this University. It is hard to leave the kids, especially after all the success we enjoyed last season but I am confident that they can continue the positive momentum they have built."