Gabe P. Johnson

Biography

Gabe Johnson enters his second season as head coach of the Bryan College women’s basketball program and his fourth season at Bryan overall. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lady Lions have continued their long tradition of excellence. Johnson’s initial season (2022-23) saw the Lady Lions finish 27-5 overall and 23-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play, finishing first in the regular season and runner-up in the tournament. The Lady Lions received a NAIA National Tournament bid and numerous players received individual accolades: Destiny Kassner (AAC Player of the Year, AAC First-Team All-Conference, NAIA All-American Honorable Mention), Kaitlynn Hennessee (AAC Defensive Player of the Year, AAC First Team All-Conference, AAC All-Defensive Team, NAIA All-American Honorable Mention), Samantha Russell (AAC First Team All-Conference, NAIA All-American Honorable Mention), and Kadee Ferrell (AAC All-Freshman Team). Johnson served on the staff of the men’s basketball program in two stints, as Associate Head Coach (2021-23) and Assistant Coach (2012-13). Serving as the top assistant for Don Rekoske’s staff the last two seasons, Johnson was part of two winning campaigns, two consecutive 4th place regular season finishes in the conference, and a conference tournament runner-up finish in 2023. Johnson played high school basketball at Tennessee Temple Academy in Chattanooga for the legendary Kevin Templeton. Johnson was All-District, All-City, and All-State. He averaged 22 points per game his senior season and led Temple to the TSSAA Class A State Tournament finals. Johnson, a graduate of Bryan (B.S. in Business Management), enjoyed a basketball career of his own with the Lions (2003-2005). He was a two-year starter and captain. He averaged 13 points per game and led the NAIA in steals in his final season at Bryan. After finishing his collegiate playing career at Bryan, Johnson began coaching basketball in the Chattanooga area. He served as an assistant coach at Grace Baptist Academy (2005-2012), Silverdale Baptist Academy (2014-18), and Boyd Buchanan School (2018-21). While at Boyd Buchanan, Johnson was part of a basketball renaissance, helping the boys (2020, 2021) and girls (2021) programs make state tournament appearances. Johnson has also been heavily involved in player development, camps, and AAU basketball. He has directed the Warrior Culture Basketball Organization since 2020. Previously, he served as director of Pro Skills Basketball Chattanooga (2018-20) and the Chattanooga Force (2014-18). In each role, Johnson managed multiple teams recruited and trained coaches, oversaw program finances and marketing, and helped players work towards their full potential.

Johnson resides in Ooltewah with his wife Abbey. They have four children and one grandchild.