News Summary
After a remarkable 37-year career, Scott Johnson is set to retire from his role as associate athletic director for sports medicine at Old Dominion University. His tenure saw huge advancements in the athletic training program, recognized among the best in mid-major universities. Known for his unwavering dedication, Johnson leaves behind a legacy of support for student-athletes and a significantly expanded athletic training staff. As he transitions into retirement, family time and the future of ODU’s training program under new leadership are his next steps.
Norfolk, Virginia – After an impressive 37-year career, Scott Johnson is retiring from his position as associate athletic director for sports medicine and athletic training at Old Dominion University (ODU). His retirement comes following a commendable tenure where he significantly contributed to the advancement of ODU’s athletic training program, recognized as one of the top programs among mid-major universities.
Johnson has dedicated the last seven years to serving as the associate athletic director, having played a pivotal role in the evolution and expansion of ODU’s sports medicine and athletic training staff. Over his long career, he aided thousands of student-athletes, ensuring their health and well-being while they pursued their athletic ambitions. During his time, the athletics training staff grew from three to eleven members, a development that coincided with both the university’s expanding athletics program and the NCAA’s revised requirements for athlete care.
Dr. Wood Selig, the director of athletics at ODU, has acknowledged Johnson’s steadfast leadership and invaluable contributions to the athletics department. He highlighted the unwavering support Johnson provided, which played a significant role in fostering a robust environment for student-athletes.
Johnson’s journey into the realm of athletic training began as a wide receiver at Bridgewater State College, a Division III institution in Massachusetts. Motivated by the guidance and support he received during his own athletic career, he chose to pursue a path that would allow him to assist future athletes. Although he was initially unfamiliar with ODU during his senior year of college, he learned about the institution from a classmate who attended graduate school there.
Being part of a pioneering athletic training program, Johnson became close friends with Marty Bradley, the founder of ODU’s athletic training curriculum. He succeeded Bradley as the program director after Bradley’s retirement in 2018. Throughout his career at ODU, he was prominently involved with many sports teams, notably the men’s basketball team, which included witnessing their historic NCAA Tournament upset over Villanova in 1995.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Johnson faced personal hurdles, including enduring a painful kidney stone while traveling with the basketball team. Despite these challenges, some of his most cherished moments involve watching athletes overcome serious injuries to achieve their goals, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
As Johnson steps down at the age of 60, he plans to devote significantly more time to his family, including his wife, Elana, and their two sons, Andrew and Michael. Recently, the Johnson family relocated to Newport News to be closer to their first grandchild, emphasizing family time as a central focus for the next chapter of his life. He recognized that his career required substantial sacrifices, particularly concerning familial relationships.
Johnson’s departure is marked by the appointment of Elizabeth Jones, a former staff member at William & Mary, who will make history as ODU’s first female head of sports medicine. Johnson believes that while he has not laid out extensive plans for his retirement, stepping back feels timely, especially in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Johnson’s contributions have set a solid foundation for the future of ODU’s athletic training program, ensuring the well-being of student-athletes for years to come. His legacy will continue to impact the community he has served diligently through his career.
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Additional Resources
- ODU Sports: Scott Johnson’s Retirement
- Wikipedia: Athletic Training
- ODU Sports: Elizabeth Jones Hired
- Google Search: Old Dominion University Athletic Training
- ODU Sports: Hiring of Lafrancis McPherson
- Google Scholar: Athlete Care
- ODU Sports: Jena Virga Honored
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletic Training
- ODU Sports: Sports Hall of Fame Induction
- Google News: ODU Athletics
