ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Coach Johnson enters his first season with the golf program. Johnson is no stranger to Bethel athletics, coaching the soccer and hockey programs for the past three years. He begins this season as head coach for both the men's golf team and the men's hockey team. Johnson brings a wealth of coaching experience, including time spent as an assistant golf professional in Woodbury, Minn.

Johnson looks to add stability and tradition to the Bethel Golf program. Joel is an alum of Bethel University and was a three-sport captain in soccer, hockey, and baseball. Johnson returned to Bethel in 2004 after serving as the first assistant for the University of Minnesota women's hockey team where he was responsible for a number of on and off-ice responsibilities. His time with the Gophers culminated with several WCHA league and tournament titles along with two national championships, the most recent being the 2004 NCAA national championship.

Coach Johnson states, "More than anything, I'm delighted to be working at an institution like Bethel where Godly character and integrity of our players, coaches, and staff comes first and foremost." Johnson continues, "The combination of academic excellence and competitive athletics at Bethel is second to none, and I hope to build upon that foundation. I look forward to developing a golf program that will establish tradition and compete with the other top teams in the MIAC."

Johnson, his wife Shannon, daughter Megan, and son Jacob reside in White Bear Lake, Minn.