Kristen Johnson Joins MSJ Women's Soccer as Assistant Coach

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Mount St. Joseph women's soccer team has their new assistant coach after the hiring of Kristen Johnson. Coach Johnson begins her first season as a full-time assistant coach for the Mount St. Joseph University women's soccer program in 2025.
 
Following a record breaking 2024 season which saw the women's soccer program 'win the double': HCAC Regular Season and HCAC Playoff Championships! MSJ Lions finished HCAC play with an 8-0-1 record, conceding just two goals throughout conference matches.  The team had 9 players awarded HCAC All-Conference including top-performers across the region, HCAC League Award Winners: Vivian Willis (Defender of the Year), McKenzie Schneeman (Midfielder of the Year), and Ella Pittman (Offensive Player of the Year). All-Ohio selections for Willis, Schneeman, and Pittman along with Academic All-Ohio accolades for Kerigan Pollard, Jordan Schneider, and McKenzie Schneeman.

Johnson brings a strong coaching background to The Mount. She served as head coach of the Roger Bacon High School girls' soccer team for five seasons. Prior to that, she was an assistant coach at Cincinnati Christian University during the 2019 fall season before the university closed later that year.
 
Coach Gallagher mentioned "We are thrilled to have someone of Coach Johnson's pedigree join us as a full-time assistant.  Following our third championship in four seasons we continue to invest in the player experience and the MSJ Women's Soccer program benefits tremendously. Kristen Johnson brings another level as a trainer while relating to current high performing athletes!"
 
A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Johnson played collegiate soccer at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she was a four-year member of the women's soccer team. She earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing in 2016.
 
Johnson holds a USSF National "D" License and is also a certified personal trainer, bringing a strong foundation in both technical coaching and player wellness.
 
The Lions wrapped up the 2024 season with a 12-4-4 overall record, securing their first NCAA Tournament appearance under Head Coach Darren Gallagher, who took over in 2021. Coach Gallagher, now holding an impressive 60-37-14 career record, is eager to guide this young core and carry the momentum into 2025. The Lions look to build on this year with the strong group of returners mixed with a motivated in-coming class.

"I'm excited to be joining the team here at The Mount," said Johnson. "Coach Gallagher has done an incredible job leading the program, and after winning the HCLC conference and making an NCAA tournament appearance last season, I'm eager to contribute and help build on that success."
 
Johnson currently resides in Cincinnati with her husband and son.