About Us
About Coach Clarence “CJ” Johnson
Clarence “CJ” Johnson is a respected community leader, mentor, and basketball coach dedicated to empowering young minds. Born on December 31, 1955, in New York, New York, CJ’s journey has been defined by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He is a proud alumnus of St Pascal Baylon High School (Queens, NY) and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With a career spanning 41 years in community service, CJ began as the Program Director at the Belmont Boys Club in North Charlotte, where he mentored adolescents, organized summer league basketball, and provided recreational opportunities for children aged six to eighteen. He held various roles such as Executive Director of the Saint Francis job program and Jacobs Ladder job center, as well as Charlotte Park and Recreation.
CJ played a significant role in establishing the Charlotte AAU community through the Charlotte Sonics, nurturing talented players who went on to excel in major colleges and professional leagues. He also served as an assistant coach at Boston University and Johnson C. Smith University and was the head coach of the inaugural basketball program at Central Piedmont Community College.
He started coaching girls’ basketball as an assistant at Independence High School from 2005-2007. From 2007 to 2022, CJ made an indelible mark as the Mallard Creek High School girls’ basketball coach. His winning record of 248-66 speaks to his coaching prowess. CJ was named the Charlotte Observer Mecklenburg County Coach of the Year three times, a testament to his impact on young athletes.
Beyond the court, CJ was a friend to the Charlotte community. As a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity initiate, he demonstrated unwavering fidelity through community service and social events.