April 6, 2006

FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State soccer head coach Steve Springthorpe has announced the hiring of Christine Johnson, who joins the Bulldogs as an assistant coach.

Johnson, a four-year starter at the University of Florida from 2001-04, is reunited with Springthorpe and assistant coach Thomas Chestnutt. Springthorpe served as an assistant coach at Florida from 1999-2003 before arriving at Fresno State while Chestnutt spent time with the Gators as an intern.

"Christine's understanding of the game and ability to teach the technical side of the game are some of her strengths," said Springthorpe, now in his third season with the Bulldogs. "I had the opportunity to coach Christine at Florida and was so impressed with her technical ability on the ball. However, what stood out beyond her skill level was her passion and desire for the game and the intensity she displayed on the field. I believe Christine will bring those same attributes to our team through her coaching style."

Originally from Irvine, Calif., Johnson will serve as the program's recruiting coordinator and alumni/community relations liaison. She will work specifically with the midfielders.

Prior to arriving at Fresno State, Johnson served as a staff coach for the Douglas County Soccer Association in Lone Tree, Colo. In addition to her administrative duties, Johnson coached competitive youth teams while developing a conditioning program and supervising volunteer staff. She holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Diploma.

As a freshman, Johnson was the third-leading scorer on Florida's 2001 squad that advanced to the national semifinals. As a result, she was tabbed a SoccerBuzz.com Freshman All-American. Johnson was also a member of two SEC Tournament champion squads (2001, 2004) in addition to Florida's 2001 SEC title club.

Johnson attended Woodbridge High School in Irvine, Calif., where she was named Orange County Register Player of the Year and a Parade All-American her senior year. She was also a member of the 1998 U.S. National U-16 team.

A 2004 graduate of Florida, Johnson obtained her bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences.

In 2005, Fresno State (10-10-2) posted its first overall record of .500 or better since 2000, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in school history. Despite entering the conference tournament as a No. 5 seed, Fresno State posted three consecutive victories in as many days to capture its first-ever WAC Tournament title.