Georgia College & State University (GCSU) Director of Athletics Wendell Staton announced the hiring of Brittany Johnson as the Bobcats next head softball coach.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Brittany Johnson has agreed to become the head softball coach at Georgia College & State University,” said Staton. “From the outset, it was clear that Brittany aligned perfectly with GCSU values, and her campus visit completely solidified this alignment.
“She is extremely positive, personable, authentic, and has deep care for student-athletes and their experience,” added Staton. “These traits will translate to outstanding recruiting and engagement with our campus and the Milledgeville community.”
Johnson comes to Milledgeville after spending the past six seasons as a coach at Saint Leo University under hall of fame coach Erin Kinberger. She spent four seasons in Saint Leo, Fla., as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in April 2022.
“I would like to first thank President (Cathy) Cox, Director of Athletics Wendell Staton, and the entire search committee for this opportunity and for entrusting me to be the next head coach of GCSU softball,” said Johnson. “Throughout the interview process, it was apparent that the GCSU athletics department, and the greater community, prioritize people and foster a family-like atmosphere, which resonated with me, making GCSU a perfect fit.
“I also can't thank Erin Kinberger enough for her mentorship and support that helped lead to this,” added Johnson. “Lastly, thank you to my family and friends for their constant love and support throughout my coaching career. Becoming the head coach at a school of GCSU's caliber is a dream come true. I can't wait to meet the team and hit the ground running.”
During her six seasons in the Lions dugout, she has been part of three postseason berths (2019, 2023, 2024) including hosting the South Region 2 Regional in 2023 as the second seed and a .723 winning percentage (81-31) over the past two seasons. The 2023 season saw the team set a program record with 43 wins while landing two National Fastpitch Coaches Association and D2CCA All-Americans. She has coached six NFCA All-South Region selections, three D2CCA All-South Region selections. Johnson has coached 25 All-Sunshine State Conference selections, including three yearly award winners in Briana Neal - 2023 SSC Freshman of the Year, Kayla Betts - 2023 SSC Pitcher of the Year, and Madyson Coe - 2024 SSC Player of the Year.
Academic awards include 41 NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete selections, two College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team selections, and two NFCA Academic Team honors (2019, 2021). The Lions saw 35 student-athletes named to the President's Club (top 15% GPA of all SLU student-athletes).
“She has known success as a player, as an assistant coach, as associate head coach, and she will find the same holistic success as the GCSU head coach,” said Staton. “Brittany has been mentored by and worked side by side with one of the best coaches in the country in Erin Kinberger.”
Following a four-year career at Rollins College, Johnson served as an assistant coach for the Tars for two seasons.
The Tars combined for a 56-48 overall record while earning five All-SSC selections and three players of the week honors. The Tars earned three wins over ranked opponents with a win over No. 11 Lee University and a series victory over No.
23 Saint Leo. During her time in the Tars dugout, 52 student-athletes were named to the Rollins College Athletic Director's Honor Roll and the team earned NFCA Academic Team honors in 2017 and 2018).
Between her stops at Saint Leo and Rollins, she coached more than 60 student-athletes who were named to the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Johnson's accomplishments on the field earned her a plethora of awards during her four-year career. She was named NFCA All-American (2015), NFCA All-Region second team (2015), Daktronics All-Region first team (2015) and CoSIDA Academic All-District (2016). She was twice named to the All-SSC team (first team - '15; second team - '14) and was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (2014, 2015, 2016), and the SSC Spring Commissioner's Honor Roll (2014, 2015, 2016) three times apiece.
Johnson was nominated for Rollins College Female Athlete of the Year in 2016.
Johnson officially begins at GCSU Aug.1.
The Bobcats will host a press conference/campus and community meetand- greet for Johnson in the near future. Please stay connected to gcsubobcats. com and the GCSU social media sites for more information.
-Contributed by GCSU University Communications