Brittany Johnson named GCSU head softball coach 

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Georgia College & State University 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, Florida, 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 fostering a family-like atmosphere, which resonated with me, making GCSU a perfect fit. 

"I also can't thank Erin Kinberger, the head coach at Saint Leo, 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 percent 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.

"I am so excited for our student-athletes and the future of GCSU softball," added Staton.  "Brittany has a full tank of gas, and we are pleased that she has chosen GCSU as the road to travel on in becoming our new head softball coach." 

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 player 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 was a four-year starter at second base for the Tars where she earned her undergraduate degree in history in 2016. The three-year captain was a .330 career hitter and graduated in the top five in several categories including holding the program record with 41 career hit by pitches. Her .520 on-base percentage was second in the program record book. Johnson led her Tars teams to three-straight NCAA Division II South Regional tournaments (2014-16) and was the first and only team to advance to the South Super Regionals (2016).

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 meet-and-greet for Coach Johnson in the near future. Please stay connected to gcsubobcats.com and the GCSU social media sites for more information.

What others are saying about Brittany Johnson:

"Brittany Johnson has been my 'right hand woman' for the past six years and to say myself, Saint Leo University, and our players will miss her is a significant understatement.  She is an amazing person, coach, and friend. Coach J is hardworking, detail oriented, and a determined force. I've never had more confidence in anyone's future in coaching than I do in Coach J.  I believe Georgia College and the women who have the opportunity to play for her will very soon feel as blessed as we are. She has changed all of our lives for the better on and off the field. There is no way I can summarize this woman, her abilities, and the love I have for her in a quote. Y'all got the best I've ever been blessed with, and I hope y'all love and appreciate her as much as we do." - Saint Leo University Head Softball Coach Erin Kinberger

"Brittany is a competitor and will get out there and compete. She is a relentless recruiter, tireless worker, and her attention to detail sets her apart. Her time as a player and coach in the SSC has prepared her for this role as she knows the Southeast programs, where the players are, and what it takes each day to win. I am excited about this hire for Georgia College and Brittany." - Saint Leo University (retired) Director of Athletics Fran Reidy

"I was very impressed with Brittany as she truly fits the Georgia College culture. Relational, hardworking and has an excellent command of her craft." - GCSU Athletic Association Board member, retired NFL Defensive Coordinator, two-time Super Bowl champion Ed Donatell

"Playing under Coach J was a highlight of my career. The passion she carried for the game inspired and motivated me to work harder, take extra reps, and lead in the way she did. GCSU has found someone that will make their program her home and give everything she has to make it the best it can possibly be. It was an honor and a privilege to play for her and the girls at GCSU have no idea how lucky they are to have her as their new leader." - Former Saint Leo University softball player Kacie (Kelly) Young '21

"Brittany is a rising star in the softball coaching world. I expect her to do great things with the GCSU softball program.  She brings a lot of energy and knowledge with her. The Peach Belt Conference better watch out." - University of Tampa Head Softball Coach Leslie Kanter