With seven years of collegiate coaching experience already under his belt, including two years in NCAA Division I, Cory Johnson joins the University of Mary men’s basketball staff for the 2011-12 season and reunites with Marauders head coach Jevin Budde.
“I’m excited about Cory Johnson joining the coaching staff,” said Budde. “Since working with him at Bethany, we’ve developed a great relationship. Cory is a hard-working young coach who will be involved in all aspects of the program, from recruiting to player development. I have a lot of trust in him and believe Cory will help us continue the success we’ve built at U-Mary. “
Originally joining the Western Illinois University coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2009, Johnson spent two seasons as an assistant coach and the director of basketball operations with the Leathernecks. While at WIU, he was involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, scouting, video, player development, on-court coaching and monitoring the academic progress of the student-athletes. In his first season, the Leathernecks finished 10th in the nation in fewest points allowed per game while posting the most wins and the team’s best grade point average in 10 years.
Johnson began his collegiate coaching career at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. After leading the Vikings to sixth place in the NJCAA national tournament as team captain in 2004, he joined the BLC coaching staff for three seasons (2004-07) where Johnson and Budde worked together as assistant coaches. The pair helped guide the Vikings to a record of 17-15 and a fifth-place finish at the NCCAA tournament in 2006 after the squad won just three games the previous season. Johnson then joined the Carleton (MN) College coaching staff for two seasons as an assistant coach and video coordinator in 2007-09.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Johnson has worked over 30 youth basketball camps as a coach and coordinator since 2004. Most recently he served as the Assistant Director of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he helped the franchise prepare for the 2011 NBA draft.
A graduate of Cannon Falls (MN) High School, Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Minnesota State University Mankato in 2007. He spent one year teaching physical education and computer skills at St. Dominic School (K-8) in Northfield, MN, before returning to school to pursue a master's degree at Western Illinois. Johnson earned his master’s degree in sports management from WIU in 2011.
