Emory University Department of Athletics announced the naming of the men's soccer locker room in honor of former head coach and administrator Dr. Tom Johnson Friday evening with a special dedication reception preceding the Emory and Oglethorpe non-conference match at the Woodruff PE Center.
Dr. Johnson was a long-time and valued member of the University's physical education and athletic departments, serving as a coach on both the track and field and men's soccer coaching staffs. With the soccer program, he spent the 1963 and 1964 seasons as an assistant coach before being elevated to the head position in 1965.
During his memorable 22-year run as head coach of the men's soccer team, the Eagles posted an overall record of 200-110-30 record, with many of those victories coming against NCAA I and II schools, as well as NAIA programs. His 1984 team was Emory's first to receive a bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, and the Eagles also received another postseason nod the following campaign. He directed the team in its inaugural season of University Athletic Association play in 1987, and his last collegiate win was a 2-1 decision over Vanderbilt University that same year. He was named the Southern Region Coach of the Year in 1983 and 1984. In 1993, he was inducted into the Emory Sports Hall of Fame.
Dr. Tom Johnson passed away in September of 2016 at the age of 78.