Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylie Johnson.
Hi Kylie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, sports were a constant presence in my life, shaping my character long before I fully understood their impact. They became more than games to me; they became my classroom. Sports taught me discipline when things were hard, confidence when I doubted myself, and resilience when quitting felt easier than continuing. Through every win and loss, I was learning how to lead, how to compete with integrity, and how to stand firmly in who I was becoming. Those lessons didn’t just build an athlete, they built the woman I am today.
As I grew, so did my understanding of the power of sports. I saw how they could open doors, change mindsets, and give young people a sense of belonging and purpose. In 2017, I stepped into coaching, answering a calling that felt bigger than myself. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching volleyball, basketball, track & field, soccer, and flag football. Each sport, each season, and each athlete added another layer to my growth as a leader, mentor, and role model.
Today, I serve as Southwest High School’s Girls Athletic Coordinator, Head Volleyball Coach, Head Flag Football Coach, and an assistant in Track & Field. These roles are more than titles, they are responsibilities I carry with pride. Every day, I get to pour into young women, helping them see their potential before they fully recognize it themselves. I strive to be the leader I once needed: strong, empowering, and unwavering in my belief that greatness isn’t limited by background, circumstances, or demographics.
My passion has always been rooted in working with youth and instilling a simple but powerful truth, no matter where you come from, you can build something meaningful with vision, passion, purpose, and a strong work ethic. My life has become devoted to this career not for the money, but because this work is truly my gift. Coaching isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am. Through sports, I found my voice, my strength, and my purpose, and now, I get to help others do the same
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey, however, was not without its challenges. Before I could step into leadership, I had to learn the value of riding in the backseat as an assistant coach. That role required patience, humility, and trust in the process. I didn’t always see eye to eye with every leadership style I encountered, but each experience taught me something invaluable, how to listen, how to adapt, and how to lead with intention when my time came.
Coaching itself brings its own set of challenges. Losses test your resolve. Working with pre-teens and teenagers requires emotional intelligence, consistency, and grace. There are moments when progress feels slow and frustration sets in, but those moments are also where growth takes place. Every setback, every difficult season, and every hard conversation has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient coach and leader.
I’ve learned that life, and a meaningful career, is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to be uncomfortable. Because in discomfort, there is growth. Those uncomfortable moments sharpen character, strengthen leadership, and prepare you for greater responsibility. Embracing those challenges didn’t just make me better at my job, it made me better as a woman, a mentor, and a leader.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Girls Athletic Coordinator, I oversee every sport on campus and serve as an administrator of athletics. My responsibility is to ensure that every program is supported, organized, and positioned for success. Much like a principal represents a school, I represent the athletic department, my leadership, decisions, and standards are always on display. I take pride in creating an environment where coaches feel backed, athletes feel valued, and programs are given the resources they need to thrive.
As a head coach, my focus shifts to building and sustaining successful programs rooted in growth, retention, and competitive excellence. Wins matter, but development matters more, developing confident athletes, strong teams, and a culture that lasts beyond a single season. What sets me apart is my passion. Once I commit to something, I lead with passion and purpose in everything I do. My motto is ALL IN, and I live it daily.
My players are not just athletes on a roster, they are my players, and I take ownership of their experience. I strive to create an environment they will cherish long after their playing days are over. Coaching for me doesn’t end when practice does. I make myself available beyond the field, understanding that impact often happens in the moments in between.
Our programs are built on connection and community. We share team dinners, participate in team-building activities, and take time to enjoy being part of something bigger than ourselves. Through it all, my mission is to empower the next generation of women, to be resilient, to work hard, and to believe in their ability to accomplish far more than they ever imagined.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities most important to my success begin with passion. Passion is the engine behind everything I do. When I commit to something, I’m fully invested, mind, heart, and energy. That passion fuels long hours, difficult conversations, and the consistency required to build strong programs and meaningful relationships.
Empathy is equally essential. Working with young athletes requires the ability to meet them where they are, understand their challenges, and lead with compassion. Empathy allows me to coach the whole person, not just the athlete, and to create an environment where young women feel seen, supported, and valued.
Purpose gives direction to my work. I don’t coach just to win games, I coach to develop resilient, confident leaders who carry lessons far beyond the court or field. Having a clear purpose keeps me grounded and focused, especially during challenging seasons or moments of doubt.
Commitment ties everything together. Commitment means showing up consistently, being available beyond the job description, and staying ALL IN even when the work is uncomfortable or demanding. It’s the willingness to pour into others long after the scoreboard is turned off.
In addition to these, resilience has been critical to my journey. Losses, setbacks, and adversity are inevitable, but the ability to adapt, learn, and move forward stronger has shaped my leadership. Authenticity also plays a key role, I lead as myself, believing that genuine leadership builds trust and lasting impact. Finally, vision allows me to see potential before it fully develops, both in programs and in people.
Together, these qualities don’t just define my success, they define the leader I strive to be and the legacy I hope to leave in the lives of the young women I have the privilege to coach.
