Mark Johnson Announces Retirement

April 25, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- Mark Johnson, who just completed his 20th season as the head women's tennis coach at the University of Oklahoma, announced today that he is retiring from college coaching.

"I've been truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to coach so many very special players during the last 20 years," Johnson said. "They have proven themselves to be true student-athletes. I want to thank them for allowing me to be their coach and for the manner in which they continue to represent the University of Oklahoma. I'm looking forward to following the success of OU tennis in the upcoming years."

OU's leaders lauded Johnson's many years of service.

"The University deeply appreciates the leadership of Mark Johnson for the past 20 years and the positive impact that he has had on the lives of so many student-athletes," said President David L. Boren.

Vice President for Sports Programs and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione added, "The length of Mark's tenure speaks to the devotion he has had to this university and the appreciation we feel for his total commitment to our student athletes. He has been an outstanding representative for OU and an individual who conducted his program with great integrity. With his assistance, we have made tremendous strides in our tennis facilities and positioned tennis for many more victories in the future. We wish Mark and his family much happiness in his retirement from the college game."

Johnson started at OU in 1989 and during his career posted a record of 305-176 with 23 conference champions, four NCAA singles qualifiers and five pairs of NCAA doubles qualifiers. In addition, the three-time conference and one-time regional Coach of the Year has led 11 consecutive teams to Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic honors (this year's ITA honors are not yet announced). His teams also placed player on the All-Big 12 All-Academic team in 11 consecutive seasons.

In 1999, Johnson earned Big 12 Tri-Coach of the Year honors for his team's success. While in the Big Eight Conference, Johnson earned Coach of the Year honors three times (1991, 1994, 1995). He posted a combined record of 60-16 in the three years while claiming the Big Eight regular season title in 1994.

Under Johnson's direction, numerous players earned individual honors. Brandi Swan and Narelle Cox claimed four conference titles from 1993 to 1995 in singles and doubles. The doubles team of Nicole Kenneally and Jenny Del Valle were Johnson's first duo to advance to the NCAA Tournament in 1994. Monique Malan and Karla Golfin followed in 1996, advancing to the NCAA in doubles competition.

Anda Perianu, a three time All-Big 12 first-team member and two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, was named to the Big 12 10th Anniversary Team in April 2006.

In addition, the 1994 squad set an Oklahoma record with 22 consecutive victories in dual matches, claiming the Big Eight regular season title with a 7-0 record and finishing second at the Big Eight Tournament.

Johnson was successful in his playing career as well, claiming the No. 1 singles and doubles titles in the Big Eight Conference in 1981 and 1982. He was an NCAA All-American as a junior and led Oklahoma State to the Big Eight Championship that season.

After his playing career, Johnson stayed at OSU as an assistant coach, helping guide the Cowboys to the 1983 Big Eight title. He then served as a tennis pro at Quail Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City from 1984 to 1987, followed by
a one-year stint at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond before he accepted the head coaching position at the University of Oklahoma in 1989.

Johnson graduated from OSU in 1982 with a degree in business administration. His wife, Michelle, is an attorney and professor at the University of Oklahoma School of Law.

Castiglione said that OU will conduct a national search for Johnson's replacement and that the search process will begin immediately.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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