LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Rider University Athletic Director Don Harnum has announced the hiring of Blaine Johnson as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance. Johnson comes to Rider following two years as Director of Strength and Conditioning at Drew University, while also gaining past experience at NJIT, FDU and Rutgers.   

In his role at Drew, Johnson spearheaded the creation of the Strength and Conditioning department as the first hire of its kind in school history. Johnson's daily operations consisted of creating and monitoring Strength and Conditioning for 25 varsity sports. He also generated, budgeted, and executed a plan to expand the varsity weight room for athletics.

"I'm extremely grateful to be named the new Assistant AD for Sports Performance here at Rider University," said Johnson. "I'd like to thank Don Harnum and the search committee for their trust and belief in me. Having the ability to coach and make an impact at a University so close to home is one few people get to experience, and I'm incredibly excited for the task. Go Broncs!"

Prior to arriving at Drew, At NJIT, Johnson served as the lead strength and conditioning coach of the school's NCAA Division I men's tennis and swimming & diving programs while also implementing and teaching full programs and lifts to all other teams.
 
Johnson also worked as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University from 2021-23, when he created and executed strength programs for the Knights' Division I men's soccer, men's volleyball, and track & field (throws) teams. Additionally, he served as an intern at Rutgers University in 2021, organizing team lifts for the Scarlet Knights while also attending educational and professional development meetings.
 
Johnson earned a master's degree in sports management with a concentration in sports administration from Fairleigh Dickinson in May 2023. He also received a bachelor's degree in nutrition with a focus in health and exercise science from Rowan University in 2021.
 
A native of Mansfield, NJ, Johnson holds multiple certifications, including both strength and conditioning and first aid and CPR.