Ron Johnson

Davidson Day School has hired Ron Johnson, a former Barry University college player and now an administrator at the University of Georgia, as boys’ basketball coach and Dean of Student Life.

Athletic Director Kevin Buechler had coached the team while the school searched for a permanent coach. Davidson Day announcement follows …

DAVIDSON DAY TABS RON JOHNSON AS HEAD BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

SOURCE: Davidson Day School

Local Coaching Great Returns to the Charlotte Area in a Big Way

May 7, 2009 – Davidson, North Carolina – A new era in the Davidson Day Basketball program began Wednesday, May 6, as local coaching great Ron Johnson returned to North Carolina and was named the head boys basketball coach. The former Barry University basketball standout comes to Davidson Day following a stint as program coordinator for the University of Georgia Men’s Basketball program.

“It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to work with Ron,” Davidson Day Headmaster Bonnie Cotter said. “His commitment to excellence and his profession will help to establish a highly competitive athletics program at our school, and his integrity defines an even greater role as a mentor and role model for our students.”

Johnson brings a wealth of experience to Davidson Day, on both the high school and major Division I college landscape, as coach and administrator. Prior to arriving at Georgia, Johnson was the Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cannon School in Concord, N.C. In his four years at Cannon (2004-08), Johnson led the Cougars to a record of 98-27 and his teams won three straight conference titles, advanced to three State Final Fours, and won the 2006 North Carolina Independent School State title.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to build a quality, competitive, and respected program at Davidson Day School,” said Johnson. “It’s a tremendous opportunity that I’m looking forward to.”

Davidson Day Director of Athletics Kevin Buechler adds, “Having Ron join our team reinforces Davidson Day’s commitment to offer our students exceptional coaches and mentors. From a basketball standpoint, we have brought in a true teacher of the game. Our athletes will become better ballplayers, better teammates, and better men under his tutelage.”

A native of Somerset, N.J., Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from Barry University in Miami, Fla., in 1989. While at Barry, he was a four-year starter and holds the school’s career records in scoring and steals. His #12 jersey was retired by Barry in 1989, and he was named to the University’s Athletic Wall of Honor in 1994

Johnson has held the position of Head Boys Basketball Coach at two high schools in Florida: Central Catholic High School in Melbourne (1994-97) and The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach (1998-2003). While at Benjamin, he was named Palm Beach County Coach of the Year three times, and was named State of Florida Coach of the Year in 2001 when his team captured the State of Florida Class 2A State title. In addition, he had one-year stints as Assistant Coach at Binghamton University (1997-98), and at The SEED School in Washington, DC (2003-04) where he was the Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach.

Johnson is married to the former Tracy Pinkney of Garden City, New York, and has four daughters: Geminise, 18; Jovvian 17; Aysia 11; and Ronni 6.