Aug. 1, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn softball program has added former University of North Carolina at Pembroke head coach Steve Johnson as an assistant coach to work with hitters, slappers and infielders, it was announced by head coach Tina Deese.

Johnson joins the Auburn program after spending the last six years at UNC-Pembroke. He guided the Braves to a 46-14 overall record in 2008 and the Peach Belt Conference championship, going 17-1 in league play. Johnson also led the Braves to the program's first ever NCAA Regional appearance in 2008.

For his effort, Johnson and his coaching staff earned NFCA South Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

"Steve is a great fit to our program," Deese said. "He is energetic and that carries over to his approach on and off the field. He possesses a high level of competence in his teaching methods and knowledge of the game. Steve ran a disciplined program at UNC-Pembroke. He's highly motivated and we are all very happy to have him join our softball family."

A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson earned his undergraduate degree in U.S. history and secondary education from Wartburgh College, graduating cum laude in 1997. Johnson then earned a graduate degree in athletic administration from South Dakota State University in 2002.

"I am tremendously excited about coming to Auburn," Johnson said. "The SEC is the premiere conference in the nation. Having the opportunity to coach against such high-caliber teams is a challenge I am looking forward to."

Johnson began his professional coaching career as the head coach at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from 1999-2000. Johnson then served as the first assistant coach/graduate assistant at South Dakota State from 2000-02 before becoming the head coach at UNC-Pembroke.

While at UNC-Pembroke, the Braves broke 73 school records and had 39 players earn Peach Belt Academic Honor Roll accolades. Johnson compiled a 153-164 record as head coach with the Braves.

The Tigers finished the 2008 season with a 38-22 overall record and a 13-14 record in SEC play. Auburn advanced to the College Station Regional, marking the fourth postseason berth in the last five years.