Head coach Steve Brooks has announced the first member of his Marian University women’s basketball coaching staff, as the Knights’ new head coach has hired Jess Johnson as his top assistant. Johnson comes to Marian after most recently serving as the head coach at Perry Meridian High School while also serving as a volunteer assistant on the Marian staff under Katie Gearlds last season.
“I am really excited to be joining the women’s basketball staff at Marian University.” Johnson stated. “I look forward to working with the girls and Coach Brooks and showing future Knights everything our university has to offer.”
Johnson comes to Marian with a wealth of coaching experience at the high school level after serving as an assistant or head coach for the last 10 years. Most recently in her young career, Johnson was the head coach at Perry Meridian High School where she led her alma mater to double-digit wins in her first season while reaching the sectional championship game. Johnson also worked as a volunteer with Marian in the 2020-21 year, serving as an assistant with the Knights over the final two months of the season.
Prior to making the move to Perry Meridian, Johnson served as the head coach at Martinsville and Frankfort High Schools. At Martinsville, Johnson compiled a 37-11 overall record in her two years at the helm, including a 20-4 record during the 2019-2020 season. Johnson’s Artesians won the Mid-State Conference Championship in her first season, finishing 17-7. Johnson’s success at Martinsville came off a dominant run at Frankfort where she led the Hotdogs to a 51-21 record over three seasons and won the Hoosier Heartland Conference Tournament in 2016. Additionally, Johnson has served as an assistant coach, working three years at Center Grove High School and one year at Greenwood High School.
“I’m really excited to have Jess as part of this program and on our coaching staff,” head coach Steve Brooks said. “Jess’ connection to the Indianapolis area as a former girl’s basketball head coach is extremely invaulable in recruiting top tier players. Her energy and commitment to excellence is something we strive for in our program, and I couldn’t be more excited to have her on board.”
The new assistant coach attended Franklin College where she earned her BA in Secondary Education and Social Studies. Prior to Franklin, Johnson attended Franciscan University where she was a member of the women’s basketball team for one season.
https://www.muknights.com/article/8187
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