ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel University athletic director Bob Bjorklund has announced that Joel Johnson will be the head coach of Bethel's first ever women's golf team, which will begin intercollegiate competition during the 2008-09 academic year. 

Coach Johnson is no stranger to Bethel athletics, having coached both the men's and women's soccer programs from 2004-06 and the men's hockey and golf programs in 2007-08. Johnson brings a wealth of coaching experience, including time spent as an assistant golf professional in Woodbury, Minn.

An alum of Bethel University as a three-sport captain in soccer, hockey, and baseball during the 1990's, Johnson is looking forward to being involved with the start of a new varsity sport.  "I'm honored to be part of this program at its roots and I'm excited to see the level of talent that comes out for the team in the fall."

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 NCAA national championships.

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.”

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