Coaches

Barbara "BJ" Johnson

Barbara "B.J." Johnson enters her fourth season with the Cougars in 2021.


Johnson reached the NJAC Tournament for the second straight season in 2019 with four Cougars earning All-NJAC honors and two being named to the IWLCA All-Region. Emily Bretschneider was named NJAC Rookie of the Year and an All-ECAC second team selection.


Johnson had a very successful inaugural campaign in 2018. The Cougars won 14 games, which tied a program season win mark and posted a 10 game winning streak to start the season. Kean made the NJAC Tournament for the first time since 2015, while four players were selected to the All-Conference and three to the IWLCA All-Region.


Johnson comes to Kean after stops at Rutgers University, Mount St. Mary's University, Penn State University, Temple University and The College of New Jersey.


She was a member of the Rutgers women's lacrosse staff as a volunteer assistant coach for the past four seasons.


Previously she served as the head coach of Mount St. Mary's for four seasons, leading the Mountaineers to three Northeast Conference Tournament berths. During her tenure Johnson coached one NEC Defensive Player of the Year (2011), seven All-NEC first teamers, seven All-NEC second-team selections and three All-Rookie team selections. In addition, the Mountaineers won the NEC Sportsmanship Award in 2011 and 2014.


In 2013, she guided Mount St. Mary's to the NEC Tournament for the 11th consecutive season and tied the NEC record with 15 overall trips. The squad put together a 6-3 record in the NEC.


Johnson made an immediate impact on the program in her first season in 2011, leading the Mountaineers to the NEC Championship game for the first time since the 2007 season and the fifth time overall. Mount St. Mary's finished 8-11 overall and 6-3 in NEC play.


From 2007-2010 she was an assistant at her alma mater, Penn State. While with the Nittany Lions, she was involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, working with both the offense and defense, scouting and film breakdown.


Johnson began her coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at The College of New Jersey, helping the team to the Division III National Championship game in 2004. She was an assistant coach at Temple for two seasons (2005-06), guiding the Owls to the Atlantic 10 regular season title in 2005.


A 2003 graduate of Penn State, Johnson earned Regional All-America honors in 2000 and 2001 as a midfielder with the Nittany Lions. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and earned her master's in physical education with a concentration in athletic administration from TCNJ in 2005.