Maryland, February 25, 2025 – Maryland Rush is excited to announce the appointment of Chris Johnson as the organization’s new Director of Coaching. With extensive coaching experience and a commitment to player development, Chris will be instrumental in leading the club's coaching programs and fostering an environment where athletes can thrive.
Chris currently serves as the coach for the Maryland Rush 2011G Azzurri team, which has earned multiple accolades under his guidance, including the 2024 Maryland State Champions title and the EDP Division 1 Champions title (2019-2024). His expertise extends beyond Maryland Rush, as he also served as a Staff Coach for the Patuxent FC Women (USL-W Pre-Professional League) in 2024 and previously was a Senior Staff Coach at Maryland United FC (ECNL Club) from 2013 to 2023. During his tenure at Maryland United FC, Chris coordinated the U12-U14 ECNL RL Zone (2020-2021).
Chris’s remarkable career also includes a long tenure as a youth club coach for Freestate Soccer Alliance (1994-2013), where he led the Freestate Dragons to become Maryland State Cup Champions in 2010. His proven track record of success in competitive soccer further solidifies his reputation as one of the top coaches in the region. Johnson was also a staff member for the Maryland Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 1997-1999, primarily working his boys ages U17 and U14. During his time on staff, Johnson’s team won a Region I ODP Championships, and his roster included three national team players, as well as six regional pool players.
Chris is also a personal trainer to Professional, Collegiate and Club youth players with GoalQuest Soccer Training.
A Maryland native, Johnson played for Bowie (MD) High School, where he was a member of the Maryland High School State Championship team in 1987. He attended the University of Maryland (1989-93) and continued his soccer career playing professionally with the Baltimore Bays in the National Professional Soccer League.
His credentials include the USSF National D License, Maryland State Youth Soccer D License, MSYSA Fitness and Health Course Degree, and the NSCAA Advanced Regional and National Diplomas, all of which equip him to lead the next generation of coaches and players.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Maryland Rush family,” said Tim DeWitt, President at Maryland Rush. “His wealth of experience with both youth and pre-professional teams, along with his success in developing top talent, makes him the ideal person to help guide and enhance our coaching staff.”
With Chris’s leadership, Maryland Rush is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and to inspire young athletes to reach new heights.
