ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Director of Athletics Christy Malone Fleagle has announced the hiring of Joan Johnson as the next Head Field Hockey Coach at Cedar Crest College. Johnson arrives from Medaille University, where she served as the Head Coach of the Mavs' field hockey program for one season. Medaille University announced it was permanently closing after August 31, 2023.

"Joan is a true competitor who has great experience as a head coach at Division III institutions and wonderful experience with USA Field Hockey," said Fleagle. "She'll hit the ground running here at Cedar Crest. Joan is a great mom, coach, and role model and she will be an awesome addition to our department and coaching roster. We are excited about the future of the Cedar Crest College field hockey program as we welcome Coach Joan and her family to Allentown."

During her time in Buffalo, Johnson coached the Mavs in just their second season in program history. In addition to overseeing all aspects of the Medaille field hockey program, she was also the Advisor of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the SAAC Liaison for the Empire 8 Conference SAAC group. In the Fall of 2022, Johnson was chosen as the Division III representative for the NCAA at the opening round of the national tournament, hosted at the University of Rochester.

Prior to Medaille, Johnson served as the Interim Head Field Hockey Coach at Juniata College for one season. She was hired one week prior to the 2021 season and was responsible for all aspects of the program including organizing practices, competitions, while supporting 25 student-athletes in their academic endeavors.

Before Juniata, Johnson spent six years as the Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach at Chesapeake High School in Pasadena, Maryland. She led the team to State Championships 2016 and 2017, State Finalists in 2018 and Semifinalists in 2014 and 2015.

From 2006 to 2021, Johnson was the Founder, Director, and Head Coach of the Gaels Field Hockey Club in Severna Park, Maryland. Additionally, she was the Club Representative on the Board of Directors of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) from 2019 to 2021.   

Johnson also serves as the Club Director and Head Coach of the Maryland Monarchs Field Hockey Club in Severna Park, Maryland and is a USA Field Hockey Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Coach. She is also a selector for the for USA Field Hockey Nexus in all regions across the country and a selector for Team USA Women's Indoor tryouts.

"I want to express my thanks and gratitude to Athletic Director Christy Fleagle and the search committee for making me feel at home when visiting Cedar Crest and for placing their trust and confidence in me to lead this program," stated Johnson. "I am excited to get to campus and start the work to carry on the winning traditions already established in the conference playoffs. Special thanks to my family for all of their support in supporting my field hockey dreams."

Johnson inherits a program that is coming off a season where the Falcons posted an 8-9 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in conference play. Cedar Crest qualified for the conference tournament which culminated in a semifinal appearance. Johnson will also oversee the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the Cedar Crest College Athletic Department.

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