KNOXVILLE, Tn- Johnson University is pleased to announce the addition of Bryon Lawhon as our new head women's basketball coach. Coach Lawhon previously served as the head women's basketball coach at Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) powerhouse Bryan College. Prior to that he served as an assistant coach for the women's basketball team for seven seasons and for the men's basketball team for eight seasons.
Coach Lawhon led the Lady Lions to a historic 2021-22 season. This incredible year saw the Lady Lions finish the regular season with a record of 29-0, making them the only undefeated regular season team in the NAIA that season, while also stretching their AAC winning streak to 88 straight games. This team broke 18 team records, had five All-Conference Team players, and had the AAC Player of the Year, AAC Defensive Player of the Year, and AAC Newcomer of the Year. During this fantastic season, Coach Lawhon was named the AAC Coach of the Year. Coach Lawhon was also named WhoopDirt NAIA Coach of the Week (Week 4). The Lady Lions finished the season ranked 9th in the nation and made it to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament to finish with an overall record of 32-2.
Since joining the women's staff in 2014-15, Lawhon helped lead the Lady Lions to six AAC Regular-Season Championships, four AAC Tournament Titles, seven NAIA National Tournament appearances, and two Sweet 16 berths.
"We are excited that Coach Lawhon is leading our women's basketball program into the future," said athletic director and head men's basketball coach Brandon Perry. "Bryon and I have known each other since I started coaching in 2015 and I have always been a fan of his recruiting ability and how he leads his team. Beyond that, Coach Lawhon views athletics as a form of human development, teaching his players about character and the importance of education. I believe this is a great day for Johnson athletics and I cannot wait to see what the future holds."
When asked about his feelings towards his new role at Johnson, Coach Lawhon shared, "I am honored and thankful to be named the head women's basketball coach here at Johnson University. I want to give praise and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to have this awesome opportunity! I want to thank coach Brandon Perry (athletic director), coach Dayna Carter (assistant athletic director) and Dr. Tommy Smith (president) for believing and entrusting me with leading the women's basketball program. We will work tirelessly every day to bring this program to a championship caliber with young women who will make the entire University proud."
Lawhon has led recruiting in his years with Bryan College, including six NAIA All-Americans, 28 AAC All-Conference players, 13 AAC All-Freshman team members, five AAC All-Defensive team members, two AAC Freshman of the Year, two AAC Defensive Players of the Year, as well as one AAC Conference Player of the Year.
"We will set a bar of excellence and pride, on and off the court, within the Johnson University Lady Royals women's basketball program," Lawhon says. "I look forward to building and leading this program to new heights!"
Prior to coaching at Bryan College, Lawhon also coached at North Middle School in Lenoir City, TN. He helped lead the team to District Runner-Up, State Sectional berth, and a 19-4 record. Coach Lawhon has helped area high school coaches in player development and has worked several camps, including the University of Virginia and University of Kentucky skill camps.
Lawhon and his wife, Holly, have four children: Skylar (18), Zane (17), Chase (15), and Kali (12).