Johnson Takes Helm as Franklin Pierce’s Permanent Athletic Director 

RINDGE, N.H. (1/24/25) - Franklin Pierce University has announced that Matt Johnson, who has served as Franklin Pierce's interim Director of Athletics since the summer of 2024, will become the university's full time Director of Athletics at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. Johnson, who will also continue in his role as head coach of the Franklin Pierce women's soccer team, becomes just the third Athletic Director in the history of Franklin Pierce Athletics. 

"I'd like to thank President Peter Eden for his support and guidance over the past six months, and for giving me an opportunity to lead this department on a more permanent basis," said Johnson. "February 1st marks the start of my fifth year at Franklin Pierce and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty and staff.  This truly is a special place and I'm fortunate to come to work here every day.  I'd also like to thank former athletic director Rachel Burleson and former President Kim Mooney for believing in me and setting me up for success as an administrator and coach." 

In his dual role as interim Director of Athletics and head women's soccer coach this past year, Johnson led the team to a historic season, including an NCAA Final Four appearance and the program's first NE10 Championship under his leadership. The team produced two All-Americans, and Johnson earned recognition as the New England Soccer Journal DII Coach of the Year and the United Soccer Coaches DII Women's Soccer East Region Staff of the Year. 

Johnson brings over a decade of athletic administration experience to the position. Before joining Franklin Pierce, he spent 16 years at American International College (AIC) in Springfield, Massachusetts, a fellow Northeast-10 Conference institution. Johnson joined AIC in 2004 as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and was promoted to Associate Athletic Director in 2011. During this time, he also led the Yellow Jackets women's soccer team to numerous successful seasons. 

In 2014, Johnson was named AIC's Director of Athletics, where he served for six years, overseeing department growth and competitive success. He returned to the sidelines in 2021 as the head coach of Franklin Pierce Women's Soccer, a role in which he has continued to excel. 

Johnson's transition to full-time Director of Athletics marks an exciting new chapter for Franklin Pierce Athletics, as the university continues to strengthen its competitive standing in the Northeast-10 Conference and NCAA Division II.