ULM women’s basketball head coach Brooks Donald Williams announced Monday the hiring of former collegiate and professional standout point guard and Louisiana native Jayln Johnson as assistant coach.
“I am just as excited as the day Jay committed to play for me,” Williams said. “She is a special young professional. I have watched her coach, direct, lead and serve for a long time as a point guard and a coach. I am thrilled for our players. She loves the game. She lives it and has her entire life. She loves our state. Her passion and positive energy are infectious, and she thrives on her ability to connect with others. She has won in everything she has ever been a part of, and we don’t expect anything less here in Monroe. Our program got a big, big win today.”
Johnson and Williams, both hailing from the basketball tradition rich small town of Jennings, Louisiana, will reconnect after collecting 78 wins, including two 20-win seasons, and four-straight postseason appearances as player and coach at McNeese State.
“I think it is a great opportunity to give back,” Johnson said. “I get a chance to coach and recruit some of the best young ladies in my home state and impact lives. I’m super excited to work with Coach Brooks. Playing for her, I know she is one of the best in the business. I learned so much from her as a player, and now I’m elated to take in the knowledge as a coach. We have a really good relationship. I have known her for a long time and love her like a second mom. I’m blessed to have her and this opportunity.”
Johnson played three seasons in Spain before coming home to Louisiana to begin her coaching career. She spent the 2020-21 season as the head coach at Bethel Christian prior to the school’s closure. Johnson quickly shifted right down the road to Jennings High School and finished the season as their assistant coach.
Since 2015, Johnson has trained numerous boys and girls in the SWLA region. Johnson hosted and co-founded Train Like Champions, a basketball camp for youth in her home area.
Johnson recently served as a coach for the Lake City Pride. She also has served as a coach for the Acadiana Stars, whom she competed for during her high school years.
Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in General Business Administration in the College of Business from McNeese State University in May of 2016.
While at McNeese, the All-Southland and All-Louisiana point guard made her mark all over the record books while helping Williams finish off the best run in Cowgirl history. Johnson is a member of the 1,000 Point Club, ranking as the sixth-best scorer in McNeese history with 1,455 points. She also is first in free throws made in a single game and season. McNeese State’s career assist leader (single game, season and career) also sits at the top in games played.
Johnson finished her senior season ranked in the Top-50 in the NCAA in total assists, assists per game and free throws made per game, as well as a top 10 finish in free throw percentage.
A 2012 graduate from Jennings High School, Johnson led the Lady Bulldogs to three 20-win seasons, including three district championships and the 2011 4A State Championship. Johnson and Williams both played for longtime Jennings High Lady Bulldog coaches Shawn McNeilly and Julie Mayeux.
“It is important to be able to help continue what so many before me have done when it comes to impacting the scope of women’s basketball in Louisiana,” Johnson said. “We have so many young ladies who have a chance to be really good with the proper guidance. The state is at an all-time high when it comes to talent and it will be exciting to recruit, develop and watch these young ladies grow over time.”
Johnson is the daughter of Bonnie White Zeno and the late Jaxter Johnson.
https://ulmwarhawks.com/news/2021/5/24/johnson-named-assistant-coach-for-womens-basketball.aspx
