Ball State University Athletics
Caitlin Johnson Signs Contract Extension
September 30, 2026 | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell announced a contract extension for head field hockey coach Caitlin Johnson, securing her leadership of the program. The extension underscores the university's commitment to the culture and competitive foundation Johnson has established since taking over the program.
"I am grateful to Coach Johnson for her leadership of our women's field hockey program," said Mitchell. "Her commitment to developing our student-athletes on and off the field is evident, and I'm excited to see her continue to elevate this program."
Since taking the helm, Johnson has revitalized the program by instilling high standards and a competitive culture. Her leadership has already yielded significant milestones, including guiding the Cardinals to Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament appearances and securing back-to-back seven-win seasons—a statistical feat Ball State had not accomplished in over a decade.
Under her mentorship, standout student-athletes have garnered conference acclaim, highlighted by Michaela Graney earning the title of 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Johnson instantly made an impact during her 2022 debut season, leading the Cardinals to their first MAC Tournament berth since 2019 and their strongest conference performance since 2006.
Over her tenure at Ball State, Johnson has had multiple All-MAC postseason honorees along with a strong showing off the field academically, as the team has earned Academic All-MAC accolades along with National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) academic awards.
"I am honored to continue leading the Ball State field hockey program, and I am incredibly thankful to President Mearns and Jeff Mitchell for their trust and confidence in my leadership," Johnson said. "It is a privilege to represent Ball State and to have the opportunity to build a program and culture that our student-athletes can be proud to be a part of. I take great pride in the growth of our program, and in the opportunity to develop our student-athletes as competitors, leaders, and people. I am grateful for the support of our university leadership, alumni, community, program partners, and especially the families and student-athletes who make this program so special. I am excited about where Ball State field hockey is headed and look forward to continuing to build on what we have started together."
Prior to building her legacy in Muncie, Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Kent State. During her tenure, the Golden Flashes accumulated a stellar 34-18 record (20-5 in MAC play) and captured regular-season conference championships in 2019 and 2021. At Kent State, she was instrumental in developing four NFHCA All-Region honorees, 15 All-MAC selections, and dozens of elite academic performers—including 50 National Academic Squad members and six MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athletes.
Her coaching pedigree also includes three seasons as an assistant coach at Davidson College, a year as an assistant athletic-academic advisor at Old Dominion University, and club coaching experience with Focus Field Hockey Club in Norfolk, Virginia.
"I am grateful to Coach Johnson for her leadership of our women's field hockey program," said Mitchell. "Her commitment to developing our student-athletes on and off the field is evident, and I'm excited to see her continue to elevate this program."
Since taking the helm, Johnson has revitalized the program by instilling high standards and a competitive culture. Her leadership has already yielded significant milestones, including guiding the Cardinals to Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament appearances and securing back-to-back seven-win seasons—a statistical feat Ball State had not accomplished in over a decade.
Under her mentorship, standout student-athletes have garnered conference acclaim, highlighted by Michaela Graney earning the title of 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Johnson instantly made an impact during her 2022 debut season, leading the Cardinals to their first MAC Tournament berth since 2019 and their strongest conference performance since 2006.
Over her tenure at Ball State, Johnson has had multiple All-MAC postseason honorees along with a strong showing off the field academically, as the team has earned Academic All-MAC accolades along with National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) academic awards.
"I am honored to continue leading the Ball State field hockey program, and I am incredibly thankful to President Mearns and Jeff Mitchell for their trust and confidence in my leadership," Johnson said. "It is a privilege to represent Ball State and to have the opportunity to build a program and culture that our student-athletes can be proud to be a part of. I take great pride in the growth of our program, and in the opportunity to develop our student-athletes as competitors, leaders, and people. I am grateful for the support of our university leadership, alumni, community, program partners, and especially the families and student-athletes who make this program so special. I am excited about where Ball State field hockey is headed and look forward to continuing to build on what we have started together."
Prior to building her legacy in Muncie, Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Kent State. During her tenure, the Golden Flashes accumulated a stellar 34-18 record (20-5 in MAC play) and captured regular-season conference championships in 2019 and 2021. At Kent State, she was instrumental in developing four NFHCA All-Region honorees, 15 All-MAC selections, and dozens of elite academic performers—including 50 National Academic Squad members and six MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athletes.
Her coaching pedigree also includes three seasons as an assistant coach at Davidson College, a year as an assistant athletic-academic advisor at Old Dominion University, and club coaching experience with Focus Field Hockey Club in Norfolk, Virginia.
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