College of Saint Mary

Bio

OMAHA, Neb. – Mike Johnson is excited to remove the "interim" tag from his coaching position.

Johnson has been named the new head tennis coach at College of Saint Mary. He previously served as the assistant coach at CSM last fall and then was named the interim head coach for the spring season.

"After a short season helping out the CSM tennis program, I am happy to help lead the program in a new, exciting direction," Johnson said. "The athletes on the team are hungry for tennis knowledge and they all come from a different tennis background. This coming season we are really looking to tap into the potential of our younger talent, as well as support the leaders on our team."

Johnson said his goal will be for the Flames to compete at the top of the Great Plains Athletic Conference while also focusing on growing the game of tennis.

"Our goal is to compete at the highest level," Johnson said. "While most of our goals are on-court, we also have our sights set on helping girls in the Omaha tennis community. Aligned with the mission of the College of Saint Mary and the Sisters of Mercy, we plan to get out into the community and share our love for the game with aspiring young female athletes.

"I am excited for this year's athletes and the goals we have for the team."

Johnson brings a wealth of tennis knowledge with his 20+ years in the tennis industry. Some of his many honors include: USTPA Elite Professional, PTR Professional, 2022 Genesis Health Clubs Tennis Director of the Year, 2021 USPTA Tennis Professional of the Year (Missouri Valley), 2020/2021 Director of the USTA Nebraska Member Organization of the Year, 2012/2014 Lifetime Fitness Tennis Annual Artistry award winner, 2015 USTA Northern National Nominee for Life Time achievement award for contributions to adult tennis development, 2012 Jack Dow Award for adult tennis development (USTA Northern) and 2004 Coldwell Banker USTA Northern Award for outstanding contribution to adult tennis.

He's currently the Director of Racquet Sports at Genesis Health Clubs in Omaha, Neb.

CSM Director of Athletics Jeff Johnson is excited to promote Coach Johnson to the head coaching role officially.

"Mike is not new to our tennis team," Johnson said. "With his background in teaching tennis he will be able to really help our athletes improve and grow in the game of tennis. Mike knows the tennis community and will be able to find athletes who are the right fit for our school and program.

"We are all excited to see where Mike can take our program."