FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johnson Spent Past 15+ Years at AIC.
RINDGE, N.H. - Franklin Pierce Director of Athletics Rachel Burleson has announced Matt Johnson has been named the fifth head coach of the University's women's soccer program. Johnson comes to Rindge with nearly a decade of head coaching experience at the Division II level already under his belt, and brings plenty of administrative experience with him as well.
No stranger to the Northeast-10 Conference, Johnson has spent the past 15-plus years at American International College, including a nine-season stint as head coach of the Yellow Jackets' women's soccer program from 2005 through 2013. While at AIC, Johnson took Springfield's "City of Progress" moniker to heart, as he took one of Division II's more moribund programs -- they were 13-67-2 the five years prior to his arrival -- and turned it into a national contender. He was named NE10 Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012, and added East Region Coach of the Year honors in 2012. He steered the Yellow Jackets to NCAA Championship appearances in 2010, 2012 and 2013, the latter of which included a run all the way to the national semifinal. Johnson brings a 76-70-11 career record with him to Franklin Pierce. He went 52-23-7 over his final four seasons at the helm of the Yellow Jackets.
"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to coach women's soccer at Franklin Pierce University, one of the premier programs in the history of NCAA Division II soccer," said Johnson. "I want to start by thanking the administration at Franklin Pierce for believing in me and giving me the chance to lead this program into the future. I am confident we have the facilities, resources and leadership to compete at the highest levels each year. In addition, I look forward to meeting the players and working with them, collectively, to achieve great things in the classroom, on the soccer field and in the community."
Johnson also brings extensive experience outside of soccer with him to his new post. In addition to his time as women's soccer coach, he served as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at AIC beginning with his hire in 2005. Johnson was elevated to Associate Athletic Director status in 2011 and then took over the big chair in July of 2014, when he was promoted to Director of Athletics. He spent six years in the AD position before electing to return to the coaching ranks. Since January of 2020, Johnson has served as AIC's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance, as well as the head coach of both the men's and women's golf teams.
"I am eager to add such a respected colleague and accomplished coach to our staff," said Burleson. "Matt is not only prepared to continue the successes seen in recent years by our women's soccer program, but will also be able to use his diverse NCAA experience to provide the best support for our student-athletes both on and off the field."
Originally from Holyoke, Mass., Johnson is a 2000 graduate of former NE10 member Merrimack, with a degree in finance, and was a two-time All-NE10 selection on the field for the Warriors. He later returned to his alma mater for a stint as an assistant coach after earning his master's degree in athletic administration from Springfield College in 2004. Prior to joining AIC, Johnson spent a year at then-NE10 member Massachusetts Lowell, where he worked as the River Hawks' External Affairs Coordinator.
Johnson replaces Jonathan Garbar, who recently departed after three seasons to take his first Division I head coaching job, with Florida International University. The 2018 NE10 Coach of the Year, Garbar guided the Ravens to NCAA Championship berths in 2017 and 2018, ending a six-year drought. In 2018, his squad claimed Franklin Pierce's league-record eighth NE10 title, which was the team's first conference crown since 2006. In all, Garbar put together a 34-15-6 mark over three seasons in Rindge.
"I would like to extend my praise publicly to coach Garbar for returning our women's soccer program to its rightful position in the national conversation and positioning us for future success," added Burleson. "I am also appreciative of the important work he undertook off the field, including the creation of the Justice in Action Athletic Alliance, a cause which we remain committed to moving forward."
Already working with the team, Johnson arrives in Rindge on a full-time basis beginning April 1. The women's soccer team is expected to return to the field for limited competition this spring, and Johnson will embark on his maiden full season at Franklin Pierce in the fall.
-Release provided by Franklin Pierce athletic communications-
ABOUT THE NE10
Beginning its 40th anniversary season, the NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
