Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) is excited to announce Sammy Johnson Jr. as the new Head Coach for the Ridge Runner Women’s Basketball team. With an impressive background in coaching and player development, Coach Johnson is eager to build a competitive and dynamic program at PCCUA.
Coach Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership: Psychology and Counseling from Ecclesia College, where he also played NCCAA Division I Basketball. His coaching experience spans multiple levels, including collegiate, high school, and AAU basketball.
Most recently, he served as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, where he focused on player development, film study, academic support, and event coordination. Prior to that, he served as Women’s Graduate Assistant Coach at Charleston Southern University during the 2023-24 season. His experience also includes head coaching roles at Fairley High School and Southeast United Basketball (AAU), where he built strong recruiting connections and helped place athletes in Division I programs.
Coach Johnson has wasted no time in shaping the future of the Ridge Runner Women’s Basketball team. Since stepping into his role, he has already offered 13 basketball scholarships to promising student-athletes, reinforcing his commitment to building a strong foundation for the program.
PCCUA Athletic Director Kevin Arnold expressed his excitement for the new hire, stating: "We are excited about the opportunity to bring in a new head coach for the PCCUA Women’s Basketball team. This is a chance to build a strong foundation for our program and create new opportunities for our student-athletes. We’re looking for a leader who will inspire, develop, and push our team to the next level. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Ridge Runner Women’s Basketball."
Coach Johnson is equally enthusiastic about the journey ahead. "I’m honored to join PCCUA and take on the challenge of leading the women’s basketball program.My goal is to build a culture of hard work, discipline, and success—both on and off the court. We want to compete at a high level, develop our student-athletes, and create a program that the college and community can be proud of."
With Coach Johnson at the helm, the future of PCCUA Women’s Basketball looks bright. The program is already taking strides in recruiting top talent, and anticipation is high for an exciting upcoming season.
