University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Five Minutes with Joel Johnson
5/28/2020 10:29:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Get to know the coaches and staff members who support the Gopher women's hockey program.
MINNEAPOLIS -- From the coaching staff to the support staff, the Gopher women's hockey team has a knowledgeable, passionate group of people dedicated to supporting its student-athletes both on and off the ice. Get to know the people behind the program who support the Gophers in their athletic and academic endeavors, this week featuring Associate Head Coach Joel Johnson.
When did you start working at the University of Minnesota?
Joel Johnson: I started working at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1999. I was with the team from 99-2004, then worked at Bethel University until returning for a second stint at Minnesota in 2010.
GS: How many years have you worked with Gopher Women's Hockey?
JJ: 15
GS: What's your alma mater and what did you study in college?
JJ: Bethel University, Physical & Health Education and Organizational Leadership
GS: What does your job entail?
JJ: My job is to be intentional in my influence of others so as to contribute positively toward their development as people off the ice and toward the success of our team on the ice.
GS: How did you get into your field?
JJ: I started teaching and coaching sports camps in the summer during my college years, and it's been my profession ever since.
GS: How did you get into your current position at the University of Minnesota?
JJ: The first time I was encouraged to apply by a friend who had already recommended me to Laura Halldorson… after a quick interview process, I was offered the job and took it. I started on a Monday, and we played our first game five days later. I still didn't even know everyone's name! The second time was different… Brad had asked me several years in a row if I was interested in coming back, but the timing wasn't right as I was able to be at home with my kids each morning and didn't want to give that up. When our youngest, Jacob, finally started school full time and the opportunity came up again, it was a perfect fit.
GS: What is your favorite part about your job?
JJ: The opportunity to be able to teach, encourage, challenge, and influence others and be a part of their lives. There is nothing greater, and I consider it a privilege.
GS: What challenges do you face in your job?
JJ: Lots of travel and time away from my family. And I don't like to lose.
GS: What is your proudest moment in your professional career?
JJ: The proudest moments of my career are when I hear from current or former players and realize that I made a positive difference in their lives.
GS: Did you ever play hockey? What's your hockey/athletic background?
JJ: I played hockey since I was little. My mom grew up in Roseau, Minn., and is an avid hockey fan… so I started playing hockey because of her influence. My dad grew up in India as his parents were missionaries there and so I played soccer because of his influence. When I got into high school, I started playing baseball because I had always loved playing in the street with my friends. I ended up playing all three sports throughout high school and also through college.
GS: What is your favorite memory in your time working with Gopher women's hockey?
JJ: Every championship season is a favorite memory. The first one in 2000 was remarkable and very special… and then winning at home in the undefeated season of 2012-13 is hard to top.
GS: If you could trade jobs with anyone in Gopher Athletics for a day, who would it be and why?
JJ: I think I'd like to be a photographer and capture some great game photos. Taking pictures has always been something I enjoy.
GS: What is your favorite sport or team (pro or college) to watch (of course hockey but what else)?
JJ: I will go with the Minnesota Twins. Nothing beats a nice day at the ballpark. I also love to watch the Masters golf tournament.
GS: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
JJ: As mentioned earlier I enjoy taking pictures... I'm also a runner and some days I actually enjoy it. Our family plays a lot of board games and card games along with ping pong in our free time which I also love. I really enjoy cooking when I have the time, as well as playing the guitar or the piano... and my favorite place to do all of these things is at our family cabin.
GS: Name something that people would be surprised to learn about you or something not many people know about you.
JJ: I taught myself how to play the guitar in college, and I play the piano by ear. I can't read music but if I can listen to a song, I can generally play it on either the guitar or piano.
GS: Fill in the blank: If I wasn't coaching hockey, I would be a ________________.
JJ: If I wasn't coaching hockey, I would be a teacher.
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When did you start working at the University of Minnesota?
Joel Johnson: I started working at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1999. I was with the team from 99-2004, then worked at Bethel University until returning for a second stint at Minnesota in 2010.
GS: How many years have you worked with Gopher Women's Hockey?
JJ: 15
GS: What's your alma mater and what did you study in college?
JJ: Bethel University, Physical & Health Education and Organizational Leadership
GS: What does your job entail?
JJ: My job is to be intentional in my influence of others so as to contribute positively toward their development as people off the ice and toward the success of our team on the ice.
GS: How did you get into your field?
JJ: I started teaching and coaching sports camps in the summer during my college years, and it's been my profession ever since.
GS: How did you get into your current position at the University of Minnesota?
JJ: The first time I was encouraged to apply by a friend who had already recommended me to Laura Halldorson… after a quick interview process, I was offered the job and took it. I started on a Monday, and we played our first game five days later. I still didn't even know everyone's name! The second time was different… Brad had asked me several years in a row if I was interested in coming back, but the timing wasn't right as I was able to be at home with my kids each morning and didn't want to give that up. When our youngest, Jacob, finally started school full time and the opportunity came up again, it was a perfect fit.
GS: What is your favorite part about your job?
JJ: The opportunity to be able to teach, encourage, challenge, and influence others and be a part of their lives. There is nothing greater, and I consider it a privilege.
GS: What challenges do you face in your job?
JJ: Lots of travel and time away from my family. And I don't like to lose.
GS: What is your proudest moment in your professional career?
JJ: The proudest moments of my career are when I hear from current or former players and realize that I made a positive difference in their lives.
GS: Did you ever play hockey? What's your hockey/athletic background?
JJ: I played hockey since I was little. My mom grew up in Roseau, Minn., and is an avid hockey fan… so I started playing hockey because of her influence. My dad grew up in India as his parents were missionaries there and so I played soccer because of his influence. When I got into high school, I started playing baseball because I had always loved playing in the street with my friends. I ended up playing all three sports throughout high school and also through college.
GS: What is your favorite memory in your time working with Gopher women's hockey?
JJ: Every championship season is a favorite memory. The first one in 2000 was remarkable and very special… and then winning at home in the undefeated season of 2012-13 is hard to top.
GS: If you could trade jobs with anyone in Gopher Athletics for a day, who would it be and why?
JJ: I think I'd like to be a photographer and capture some great game photos. Taking pictures has always been something I enjoy.
GS: What is your favorite sport or team (pro or college) to watch (of course hockey but what else)?
JJ: I will go with the Minnesota Twins. Nothing beats a nice day at the ballpark. I also love to watch the Masters golf tournament.
GS: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
JJ: As mentioned earlier I enjoy taking pictures... I'm also a runner and some days I actually enjoy it. Our family plays a lot of board games and card games along with ping pong in our free time which I also love. I really enjoy cooking when I have the time, as well as playing the guitar or the piano... and my favorite place to do all of these things is at our family cabin.
GS: Name something that people would be surprised to learn about you or something not many people know about you.
JJ: I taught myself how to play the guitar in college, and I play the piano by ear. I can't read music but if I can listen to a song, I can generally play it on either the guitar or piano.
GS: Fill in the blank: If I wasn't coaching hockey, I would be a ________________.
JJ: If I wasn't coaching hockey, I would be a teacher.
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