Johnson makes her return to the NKU sidelines as an assistant coach with the program, a role she held under legendary coach Nancy Winstel in the early 2010’s.
She makes her way back to Highland Heights after spending the past two years as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at national power South Dakota.
"It feels great to be back at NKU and to have the chance to work with Jeff again,” Johnson said. “It means a lot to be a Norse, and I am excited to share that excitement with recruits, coaches, and alumni."
“Gabby is an outstanding addition to our staff,” said Hans. “She brings multiple years of experience at various programs that will help us build NKU women’s basketball to a new level. Gabby has a great knowledge of the game and will connect with our current student-athletes as well as future Norse.”
Prior to South Dakota, Johnson spent the previous four seasons serving as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at a pair of Division I schools, including three seasons at the Missouri Valley’s Valparaiso and one year at the Big East’s Butler. While at Valpo, she helped guide one of the nation’s most impressive year-over-year turnarounds from 2019 to 2020. The Crusaders jumped 171 spots in the RPI, the largest leap by any NCAA Division I program that season.
Johnson also brings head coaching experience with her to Highland Heights. She served six seasons as the head coach of Dominican University, an NCAA Division III program in Illinois.
Previous assistant coaching stops from Johnson include Northern Kentucky and her alma mater, Thomas More College. She was on the bench for two-time National Coach of the Year Nancy Winstel’s final two seasons at Northern Kentucky.
Johnson graduated from Thomas More College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2009. There she led the Saints to three-straight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances as a student-athlete, reaching the Sweet 16 her senior season. She graduated with the third-most career assists in program history.
