Passing the ball : Johnson continues father’s coaching legacy
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ian DuVernay
DON’T LOOK BACK | The positive, future-focused mentality that Rob Johnson has brought to the varsity basketball team is something that junior and varsity basketball player Brady Beers believes has improved their game. “Coach Johnson is very big on the mental aspect of the game,” Beers said. “He always wants the team to focus on the next play, and not dwell on the mistakes we made in the past, and I think that’s very helpful for the team.”
January 11, 2023
Leaving the gym after a day as a youth summer basketball coach, Rob Johnson knew that he had discovered something he was passionate about. As a high school junior, Rob Johnson realized that he wanted to be a teacher and basketball coach. Now a social studies teacher and boys varsity basketball coach, he has achieved those goals.
The moment that Rob Johnson had the opportunity to coach, he took it. At the age of 20, he was brought onto his first team as a JV basketball team as assistant coach and he has coached every year since. This year, taking the reins as head coach of the North varsity boys basketball team, he feels that his past basketball and coaching experiences have prepared him for the role. He began by focusing on building relationships within the team, something that he believes is important in creating a successful group dynamic.
“It’s been a lot of fun getting to be around the guys and getting to know them, and them getting to know me too,” Rob Johnson said. “We are starting to build a lot of team comradery and we are starting to put things together.”
The team’s bond has led to an increase in both energy and support on the court. Junior and varsity basketball player Brady Beers attributes the increase in spirit to Rob Johnson and says it has ultimately led to a stronger performance.
“Coach Johnson has the team feeling more energetic,” Beers said. “We clap it up after drills at practice and when the team has more energy, we tend to play better.”
While the players’ newfound energy can be accredited to their coach, Rob Johnson’s energy stems from his coaching experience with his dad, Bob Johnson. From kindergarten to high school graduation, Bob Johnson coached his son on the basketball court. They went on to coach together and bonded over their love for the sport. Bob Johnson notes Rob Johnson’s growth throughout his career, specifically the stability and warmth that he brings to every team he coaches.
“The level headnesses that he coaches with [has grown],” Bob Johnson said. “He never gets too low when things are going poorly, and the love that he shows his players and students— you can feel that they truly want to do well with him.”
Support from his father is something that pushes Rob Johnson to coach with intensity, determination, love and focus. He believes he has learned many valuable lessons through his leadership experience alongside his father, and that Bob Johnson’s support for the North team has increased his drive and desire for success.
“I [previously] brought my dad in as my assistant coach so it came full circle for us and it was pretty cool,” Rob Johnson said. “He just stopped coaching with me but he comes to every game to support me no matter if it’s here or out on the road.”
The boys team is 2-2 as of Dec. 22, and Rob Johnson has high hopes for the rest of the season. He sees progress at practice each day and is confident that his team will be solid against top teams due to their determination and love for each other.
“[I’m looking forward to] continuing to get better every single day, continuing to build that relationship and chemistry with the guys here and hopefully play our best basketball when it gets into March,” Rob Johnson said.
