ALBANY, N.Y. – Jim Lyons, the Russell Sage College Director of Athletics, has announced the selection of Matt Johnson as the new head women's lacrosse coach.

"We are thrilled to announce Matt Johnson as our new women's lacrosse coach," said Lyons.  "Matt's passion for lacrosse was evident during the interview process.  His extensive recruiting experience, coupled with his knowledge of New York and Capital District lacrosse in particular, will allow him to hit the ground running as he begins to build his program.  Our women's lacrosse program is in great hands, and we welcome Matt to the Swamp!!"

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and I am excited to make Russell Sage the best place to play lacrosse," said Johnson.  "I would like to thank Vice President Trish Cellemme and Athletic Director Jim Lyons for their faith in me to build something special. Thank you to Ryan Lanigan and the rest of the Sage Athletic Department for accepting me into their Russell Sage Family.  Thank you to the young women of Russell Sage Lacrosse for selecting me as their coach, to all of those who have taught me along the way and, of course, thank you to my wife Corinne for her relentless support. See you in the swamp. Chomp Chomp!"  

Johnson, a four-year letter winner on the nationally-ranked UAlbany Men's Lacrosse team, was in his third season as a volunteer assistant for the RSC men's lacrosse program. The Glenmont, New York native also previously served as the Offensive Coordinator at The College of Saint Rose and the Head Coach at Hudson Valley Community College.

As the head coach at HVCC from 2014-2019, Johnson, a Tewaaraton Award Watch List selection as a Great Dane, registered a pair of undefeated Mountain Valley Conference seasons.  The 2019 NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year reduced the Vikings' goals-against average from a level-worse 22.1 to 6.7, seventh-best in the nation, while improving the team's goal scoring from 7.1 goals per-game, to 13.6 goals per-game. He also improved the program's academic success, including producing nine Academic All-Americans during his tenure.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Johnson is the General Manager/Owner of the Onesquethaw Smoke Jr. B Box Lacrosse Club, and owns and operates the LaxJitsu Lacrosse Training Center.

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