Johnson University Welcomes Ryan Bruce as Head Baseball Coach

Knoxville, Tenn., August 9, 2021 – Johnson is proud to announce the hire of Ryan Bruce as the head coach of the baseball team. Coach Bruce served as the interim head coach for the JU baseball team this past season and spent the previous two seasons as the assistant coach for the Royals.

Athletic director Brandon Perry clearly values Bruce's experience with Johnson. "We're looking forward to what the future holds," he said. "We've had Bruce here as an assistant coach for a couple years and he did a really good job, specifically in the recruiting aspect of coaching."

Coach Bruce will also be bringing playing experience. Prior to his coaching days at Johnson, he played four years as the starting third baseman for Tennessee Temple and was twice named to the All-Mid-East Region team. This experience has already helped Coach Bruce when connecting with players. "He has a great ability to connect and help form players spiritually, with who they are as people and who they are as players. We believe he's going to bring the kind of culture we are looking for here at Johnson."

When asked how he feels about his new position, Coach Bruce shared, "I am very blessed and excited for the opportunity to lead this group of young men on the field, but most importantly to prepare them for life after baseball. I have a great group of coaches I am looking forward to working with, as well. I can't wait to get our guys back on campus and work hard to pursue our goal."