Westmont College Athletics

In 2021, Ellie Johnson received GSAC Coach of the Year honors for the second time in her career, after guiding the Warriors through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the chaos and COVID protocols Johnson led the Warriors back to the GSAC Tournament Semifinals, and also played a key role on coaching/mentoring the ITA Senior Player of the Year, Cade Pierson.

"It's an honor to be Coach of the Year especially in a conference full of great coaches," said Johnson. "I feel blessed to represent Westmont and be able to coach a team of excellent players and even more important, wonderful people."

Westmont Women's Tennis head coach Ellie Johnson led the Warriors to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament in 2018 and 2019.

After winning three matches in her first season in 2017, Westmont significantly increased its win total during the next two complete seasons that were played.

In 2019, Johnson coached Westmont to both the Golden State Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles. The Warriors were a perfect 12-0 in the GSAC regular season. Johnson was rewarded with the 2019 GSAC Coach of the Year and West Region Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year awards.

Johnson also received the West Region Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year award in 2018. Westmont placed second in the GSAC regular season that season and narrowly lost in the GSAC Tournament Championship, 4-5.

In 2020, the Warriors were just a half-game out of first place in the GSAC when the season was cut short due to the outbreak of COVID-19, with Westmont ranked #18 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll at the time.

A graduate of Concordia University Irvine, Johnson was a four-year starter for the Eagles. In her senior year, the team won the GSAC Championship with Johnson playing at number two singles and number one doubles. Johnson, who was nationally ranked in doubles at number 13, served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. Johnson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science.

After graduation, Johnson completed a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration and served as the assistant women’s tennis coach at Concordia. She has also served as a tennis teaching pro at the Woodbridge Tennis Academy.

Asked about her coaching style, Johnson responded: "I would describe myself as a positive motivator with an awareness of my players as individuals and team members. I hold my players to high standards with the purpose of guiding them to be the best students, athletes, and community members they can be. I believe confidence comes through preparation, practice and a desire to continually learn and grow.

"I hope to build on the solid foundation on which Westmont Tennis has been established," continued Johnson. "I hope to bring positive energy to the women’s tennis team with a focus on development. I seek to play a part in developing the players’ faith and spirituality and I plan to emphasize the importance of academic excellence.

"In order to develop the physical and mental fitness of the team, I plan to implement a year-round strength and conditioning program."

Ellie lives in Carpinteria with her dog Taz.