The Unsung Support System
Behind every successful coach is a support system that often goes unnoticed by fans and spectators. For Liberty University's hockey coach, Mark Johnson, that support comes from his wife of 25 years, Susan Johnson, who has played an integral role in the team's success behind the scenes.
"Susan is the heart and soul of this program," Coach Johnson says. "While the players see me on the bench directing practices and games, Susan is the one who creates the family atmosphere that makes our team special."
A Life in Hockey
Susan's journey in the world of hockey began long before she met her husband. Growing up in Minnesota, she was surrounded by hockey culture and developed a deep appreciation for the sport. When she met Mark, a promising young player at the University of Minnesota, she knew that hockey would always be a central part of their lives together.
"I think one of the reasons our marriage has been so strong is that I truly understand and love the game," Susan explains. "I know the demands it places on coaches and players, and I've always tried to be supportive of Mark's career aspirations."
More Than Just a Coach's Wife
At Liberty University, Susan has carved out her own unique role within the hockey program. She organizes team dinners, helps coordinate travel logistics, and serves as a mentor and confidante to many of the players.
"The players affectionately call her 'Mama J,'" Coach Johnson says with a smile. "She's someone they can talk to when they're struggling, someone who celebrates their successes, and someone who genuinely cares about them as people, not just as athletes."
Sophomore forward Ryan Miller agrees. "Mrs. J is like a second mom to all of us," he says. "She's always there with a kind word, a home-cooked meal, or just a listening ear. Having that kind of support makes a huge difference, especially for those of us who are far from home."
Balancing Family and Hockey
One of the biggest challenges Susan has faced over the years is balancing her role as a coach's wife with her responsibilities as a mother to their two children, now grown. "When the kids were younger, there were definitely times when I felt pulled in different directions," she admits. "But we always made it a priority to have family dinners together, even when Mark's schedule was hectic."
The Johnsons' daughter, Sarah, who played college hockey herself, says her mother's ability to juggle multiple roles was inspiring. "Mom taught me the importance of being supportive while still pursuing my own dreams," Sarah reflects. "She showed me that you can be a dedicated wife and mother while also making a difference in the lives of others."
The Rewards of the Role
Despite the challenges, Susan wouldn't trade her role for anything. "The rewards far outweigh the sacrifices," she says. "There's nothing more fulfilling than watching these young men grow and develop, both as players and as people."
Over the years, she has kept in touch with many former players, attending weddings, graduations, and even the birth of their children. "It's like watching my own extended family grow," she says. "That's the real blessing of this role."
Words of Wisdom
For other coaches' wives who may be navigating similar roles, Susan offers some advice: "Find your own way to contribute, and don't be afraid to carve out your own identity within the program. And most importantly, remember that you're making a difference, even if it's not always recognized."
She also emphasizes the importance of self-care. "It's easy to get so caught up in supporting others that you forget to take care of yourself," she notes. "Make time for the things that bring you joy, and don't feel guilty about it."
A Legacy of Love
As Coach Johnson looks ahead to what will likely be the final years of his coaching career, he's quick to acknowledge the impact his wife has had on the program's success. "We've built something special here at Liberty," he says. "And while I might be the face of the program, Susan is the heart that keeps it beating."
For Susan, the legacy she hopes to leave is simple: "I just want the players to remember that they were part of something bigger than themselves, part of a family that cared about them beyond their performance on the ice."
As the Liberty hockey program continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: the love and support of Susan Johnson, the coach's wife who has become so much more to the team she holds dear.