Johnson Named 2011-12 NJCAA Region III Athletic Director of the Year

CCC's Director of Athletics, Stacy Johnson, has been selected as the 2011-12 NJCAA Region III Athletic Director of the Year, as announced July 3 by Region III. 

Johnson came to Corning CC in 1996 as the women's basketball coach and Athletic Department Equipment Manager.  She served as the Coordinator of Athletics from 2001-2006 before being named the Interim Director of Athletics in July 2006 while she pursued her Master's Degree.  In September 2009, Johnson was named the Director of Athletics.  In 2010, Johnson was also given the responsibility of administrative oversight of the College's  fitness center, and in 2011, the Intramural & Recreation program was added.

During her tenure, Johnson has been active in the NJCAA and Region III by serving and chairing numerous committees and hosting several events.  She served as the MSAC (Mid—State Athletic Conference) President from 2007-2011.   Johnson has chaired NJCAA Region III Women's Volleyball and NJCAA Women's Basketball since 2007.  She also has served as a member of the NJCAA Region III Board of Director's since 2007.  Under Johnson's leadership, Corning has hosted fourteen Region III post-season tournaments, all NJCAA National Tournament qualifiers.   Academic success has been a priority for her student athletes.  Under Johnson's watch, CCC has produced 33 All-Americans in sport, but more importantly has boasted 17 NJCAA Academic All-Americans, 23 Academic All-Region athletes, 36 student athletes have made the Dean's List and 72 have been named to the President's List.  Corning also won the NJCAA Region III Sportsmanship Award for honor and integrity in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years as well as being recognized in 2010-11 by Region III for the Red Barons community service activities. 

Johnson was instrumental in the reinstatement of two sports at CCC; golf and bowling.  Since their reinstatement, both teams have had much success including numerous golfers competing at the NJCAA National Tournament as well as the most recent women's bowlers that won the 2012 NJCAA National Bowling Doubles title.  Johnson was also a key member in the creation of the Red Barons Classic Golf Tournament Fundraiser that just celebrated its 8^th Annual event.  The tournament has secured over $180,000 for the College's athletic department since its inception. 

Johnson had this to say when she learned of the award; "I am surprised, honored and humbled.  It is always the highest compliment to be recognized by your peers.  What is most flattering is to garner feedback that this program is respected at the NJCAA and Regional level for its competitive drive while maintaining integrity and respect.  Winning sportsmanship and community service awards as well as all of our student athletes that have won academic awards is what I hold as our measure of success.  Those things are more important than championships.  Those awards tell me we are sending the right message.  Athletics doesn't build character.  Good programs and good coaches build good opportunities to develop good character.  It doesn't happen by accident, and my goal is that we at Corning CC are that good opportunity for our student athletes.  This award is a team award, as most awards are.  Corning Community College, its Administrator's, coaches, student athletes, generous donors, faculty and staff have provided me with the tools to do my job.  They are to be commended for providing the support for us to excel.  I am proud to be a Red Baron and am very appreciative of this honor." 

Johnson has also served as the head coach of the highly successful women's softball program at Corning CC.  In her 15 years at the helm, the Red Barons have an overall record of 383-135.  Fourteen of Johnson's former players have earned athletic scholarships while she has guided 18 NJCAA All-Americans and 35 NFCA All-Americans.  Six of her players have been named MSAC (Mid-State Conference) Player of the Year and three have been named Region III Player of the Year.  Johnson was selected as the MSAC Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 as well as being named Region III Coach of the Year in 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2009.