By: Kiyoshi Fish
Changing Lives Beyond Basketball
Great coaches teach the game. Exceptional coaches change lives.
That is what separates Jami Johnson from other coaches. Her passion, ability to teach, and ability to lead a group of young women are admirable.
Sometimes, success is measured by a coach’s record and championships. Coach Johnson’s influence extends much further. Coach Johnson has built a reputation for developing student-athletes into confident leaders and ensuring they are accountable on and off the court.
Coach Johnson’s practices stand out because she teaches life lessons through them. Coach Johnson uses the basketball game to teach her student-athletes about accountability and teamwork.
Coach Johnson’s Foundation Built on Excellence
Coach Jami Johnson graduated from Bradshaw Mountain High School in 1996, where she was a four-year varsity starter, earned multiple All-Conference honors, and became the first girl in program history to score 1,000 points. Basketball has always been Coach Johnson’s love.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University.
With more than 10 years of coaching experience in New Mexico and Arizona, Coach Johnson’s coaching experience is evident. In 2002, she took over the Mayer High School program and was named 2A North Canyon Region Coach of the Year in her first season. In 2023–2024, she was named Prescott High School Coach of the Year.
Coach Johnson is married and has three children–all boys.
Building Relationships that Matter
One of Johnson’s greatest strengths is her ability to build relationships. Coach Johnson is very approachable. She takes the time to learn about her players and wants to understand their strengths, goals, and even their challenges.
Her impact is also evident in how she develops players. Coach Johnson consistently helps improve her players’ basketball IQ, confidence, and understanding of the game. Coach Johnson prepares her student-athletes not only to succeed in high school but also in life.
In her short time at Liberty High School, Coach Johnson has already changed the girls’ basketball culture. Her team performed very well at the Thunderbird League. She has created an atmosphere of accountability, hard work, discipline, and a “Team First” mentality.
Coach Johnson’s Holistic Approach
What stands out about Coach Johnson’s coaching philosophy is her holistic approach to the game. She believes in ensuring that the athlete is nurtured physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her approach is unique because it sets her student-athletes up not only to be successful in basketball, but in life. This sets the standard, allowing her players to feel supported and empowered. Mutual respect is also a pillar that Coach Johnson thrives on building within her programs.
This is Coach Jami Johnson’s legacy.
She is more than a coach. She is a teacher, a leader, and an exceptional coach who will leave a lasting impact on her players. The Liberty Lions Girls Program will be a team to watch this season and in the years ahead.
