Last week Providence Academy Head of School Ben Holland announced the hiring of Damon Johnson as the school’s new boys’ basketball coach. Johnson, a former standout at Science Hill High School and the University of Tennessee, played professionally overseas for more than a decade and has been an assistant coach on the college level.
“Providence Academy is a Christ-centered school that strives for excellence not only in academics but also in the fine arts and athletics,” Holland said. “We foster a community which allows our students to flourish in all three areas while glorifying God. A man known for his Godly character, athletic prowess and years of coaching experience, Damon Johnson is a perfect fit for our school’s competitive program.”
As a player, Johnson led Science Hill to a state championship in 1990 and a runner-up finish in 1991. After a year in junior college, Johnson was a leader for the Volunteers from 1994-96, starting two seasons and being voted the best team player and most versatile player during his time in Knoxville.
Johnson played overseas for 11 years before serving as an assistant coach for the ETSU Lady Bucs and the men’s team at King College, which is coached by Johnson’s high school coach George Pitts. Johnson is a member of Science Hill’s Hall of Fame.
“I feel very honored and blessed to be a part of the Knight family,” Johnson said. “I love how God is the head of everything at Providence, and I believe this job was laid out for me with where I’m at in my life. Basketball is a tool for me to speak about God and life, and I look forward to leading Providence Academy in a new direction and making Providence Academy a staple in this area.”
