February 29, 2008

LAURINBURG, N.C.—David Johnson, head women’s basketball coach at St. Andrews Presbyterian College for the past four years, has announced his resignation on Friday to pursue other career opportunities.

“I have had a good stay here,” said Johnson. “I have had the opportunity to revive the women’s basketball program and I think I am leaving the program in very good shape. My family and I felt it was the right time in my career to pursue other alternatives.”

Johnson, who became the winningest coach in the program's NCAA Division II era this year when he reached his 50th career win, will continue to work at St. Andrews through the end of his contract while the search for a new head coach begins.

“Although I only had the opportunity to work with David Johnson for a short period of time, it was evident that he had a strong work ethic and passion for St. Andrews, the Lady Knights basketball program and the student-athletes he had the pleasure to coach and mentor,” said Brian Mand, St. Andrews Director of Athletics.  

Former athletic director Carl Ullrich hired Johnson in the summer of 2003 after the Lady Knights basketball program had suffered nine straight losing seasons. Johnson wasted no time in turning the program around leading the St. Andrews women’s basketball team to a winning season in his first year as head coach.

“I would like to thank Mr. Carl Ullrich for entrusting in me and giving me the opportunity to be the head women’s basketball coach here. Also, Howard Reichner -- who was our athletics rep at that time and then stepped in the athletics director role -- I would like to thank him for his help and support during his tenure,” expressed Johnson.

Johnson has had two winning seasons at St. Andrews including the program’s most memorable season in 2006/2007. Johnson led the Lady Knights to their first 20-win season and their first trip to the ‘Big Dance’. St. Andrews qualified for the 2007 NCAA Division II National Tournament behind new school records of 20 wins and 15 conference wins. Johnson’s 06/07 squad earned the program's highest-ever ranking of No. 2 in the East Region while also receiving votes in the national top-25.

“We had a very special season in 06/07. It was a big accomplishment in the school’s history. I am really proud of that team as they were determined to do something special that year. It is something that both the players and the school can always be proud of,” commented Johnson.

Johnson finishes with 53 career wins at SAPC averaging over 13 wins per season. Johnson also set another school record with 39 career conference wins. In his first three seasons at St. Andrews, Johnson coached five All-Conference players (2007/08 award winners have not been announced yet). Johnson also coach three 1,000 point scorers and two conference Players of the Week during his time at SAPC.

The St. Andrews women’s basketball team finished up an injury-plagued 2007/08 season with a 6-21 overall and 5-15 conference record. The Lady Knights were missing the conference’s leading rebounder and third highest scorer for 11 games this past season due to injury. Only four of 13 players on the 07/08 women’s basketball team were able to play all 27 games.

“I am sure his last season did not turn out like he had anticipated, but his body of work at St. Andrews speaks for itself and he will be remembered as being at the helm for two of the most successful seasons in Lady Knights basketball history, including their only NCAA Division II tournament appearance,” added Mand.

The 2006/07 records of being 10-games over .500 at 20-10 overall and 15-5 in the conference will be the foundation for the women’s basketball program that Johnson leaves behind.

A native of Marlboro County, Johnson is a 1998 graduate of Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. Johnson earned his Masters in General Education from Capella University in December of 2004. Coach Johnson and his wife, Johnnerlyn, reside in Laurinburg with their three children Daniel, D'averia, and Davviney. He also has another daughter, Cecilia, who lives in South Carolina.

“On behalf of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and the Athletic Department, I would like to wish David and his family nothing but the best as he pursues other career opportunities. I am confident he will be successful in whatever professional endeavor he chooses,” concluded Mand.

St. Andrews will begin a national search for a new head coach starting immediately .