Without Johnson's projected 11-man starting lineup for the 2007 season, a 5-12 overall record and 3-7 mark in SCAC play was the Majors' best conference finish since 1999. Plagued by injuries, Millsaps was four 1-goal losses away from its first .500 season since 1998, while showing vast improvement from a year ago.

During his playing days at Millsaps, Johnson was selected as the team's most valuable defensive player twice, NSCAA All-South Region Team twice and was also recognized as an honorable mention on the All-SCAC team his freshman year.

Prior to Millsaps, Johnson was the head women's soccer coach for four seasons at Pearl High School where he led the Lady Pirates to three consecutive 4A State Championship appearances and a state title in 2002.

Johnson holds a USSF National "C" licensure and currently serves as an Olympic Development Program Staff Coach, which he has done since 2000. Johnson has also coached with the Jackson Futbol Club and Rankin United (now the MS Fire). Johnson was also instrumental in developing the MS Soccer Development league, a program teaching age-appropriate soccer skills to 6-10 year olds.

"I am very happy to be back at Millsaps and to be given the opportunity to lead the program forward." Johnson said. "My goal is to build this program to be competitive in every league game, giving us the opportunity to win conference in any year. If we are able to do that, the players will have a first-class experience here and cherish their years at Millsaps College."

Members of Pinelake Baptist Church, Johnson and his wife, Kiley, reside in Brandon with their 3-year-old son.

Shane Barden
Assistant Coach
First Season
UT-Permian Basin

Shane Barden is the newest member of the Millsaps men’s soccer staff after being hired on August 1 and will handle day-to-day responsibilities including, but not limited to practices, games and recruiting in addition to being the South Region rep for the Select Uniform line (Varsity Soccer) in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

The youngest person in the US to ever hold a USSF National ‘A’ License, Barden has a solid coaching background that includes working at the high school and club level as well as the Olympic Development Program.

Barden played collegiately at Mercer University and at Richland College, later earning a spot in the professional ranks in the Dallas Metroplex area. He graduated from the University of Texas-Permian Basin several years later.

Barden and his wife Kellie reside in Ridgeland with their four boys, Chase (14), Reese (13), Sam (12) and Mac (9).