KNOXVILLE, Tn – Johnson University is proud to announce the addition of a women's lacrosse program in spring 2023, and we're glad to announce that Madison Christian, who already serves as Johnson's Athletic Operations Coordinator, will also be head coach of the new team.

Coach Christian will be bringing Division 1 and junior college experience, as she played at Baltimore County Essex and Butler University. While at CCBC Essex, Coach Christian scored 109 goals in two years, totaling 115 points en route to becoming CCBC Essex's all-time goals leader for women's lacrosse. Additionally, she was also the first player to eclipse 100 goals for Essex since 1975. She also was named to the MDJUCO and NJCAA Region XX First Team. While at CCBC Essex, Coach Christian was also named female athlete of the year.

While at Butler, Coach Christian was named team captain in the program's inaugural season and scored the first goal in Butler women's lacrosse history. During this season she was 4th on the team in points and 3rd on the team in goals.

In terms of coaching experience, Coach Christian served as an assistant at Farragut High School in 2017-18. Additionally, she has served as an assistant at the Christian Academy of Knoxville from 2018-2022. Additionally, Coach Christian is a coach for Summit Lacrosse, a high school club team in the Knoxville area.

When asked about the addition of Coach Christian, Athletic Director Brandon Perry shared, "We are so excited about the launch of women's lacrosse. It is a growing sport in Knoxville and in Tennessee. We believe there is a real opportunity here for local kids to get a great education close to home and play the sport they love. Madison is going to be a great addition to our coaching staff and will do a tremendous job. It is tough to find a coach with her background, and her playing experience at both levels should really help her here. Plus, Madison is a quality person who cares for student-athletes and our Johnson community. I have no doubt she will build a quality program here that can compete well in the AAC."

When asked how she feels about her new positions, Coach Christian shared, "I am excited to bring collegiate lacrosse to Knoxville and to Johnson University. This is a unique opportunity not only for Johnson athletics, but for the community as a whole, since lacrosse is a rapidly growing sport across the nation. It provides an opportunity for growth here that really excites me."