Drexel University Athletics
Drexel Introduces Eric Johnson as New Head Men’s Tennis Coach
6/5/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Tennis
PHILADELPHIA – Eric Johnson has been named the Head Coach of the Drexel men's tennis program, Drexel University Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation Maisha Kelly announced on Friday. Johnson returns to collegiate coaching after working in the private sector for the last two years. In 2024, Johnson served as the assistant men's tennis coach for his alma mater, the University of Southern California. While with the Trojans, he helped capture a PAC-12 championship and a Round of 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
Prior to coaching, Johnson won two NCAA Team Championships while at USC as well as an ITA National Indoors Team Championship. He posted a dual-match record of 73-11. Johnson was a captain in his senior year. After his college career, he joined the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour, winning ITF Pro Circuit Singles Championships in Israel and in Greece.
"Eric's passion, competitiveness, and vision for Drexel Men's Tennis were impressive throughout the interview process," Kelly said. "He has a depth of experience at various levels of tennis as well as a proven track record of impacting winning, both as a student-athlete and coach. I'm excited to welcome him to Drexel and have him build upon the current momentum of the Men's Tennis program."
At USC, Johnson was instrumental in the recruiting and development of Learner Tien, the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) number four-ranked junior. Working with Johnson, Tien made it to the US Open Juniors Finals and won a professional ITF 15K Title in 2023. After his time with USC, Johnson worked as a professional private tennis coach in Princeton, N.J., where he worked with a diverse client base that included juniors, competitive high school players and adult members of all skill levels.
"I am honored and excited to join the Drexel Tennis family as Head Men's Tennis Coach," Johnson said. "I would like to thank Maisha Kelly and Greg Cusick for their confidence in me and for this incredible opportunity. I also want to recognize Coach Mehdi Rhazali for the incredible work he put into this program over his career here. Throughout this process, I was impressed by the vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence across Drexel Athletics. It is clear that Drexel is a place where student-athletes are supported, challenged and empowered to thrive both on and off the court. I can't wait to get to work alongside our student-athletes, alumni and the entire Drexel community as we pursue conference championships and build something truly special here. Let's go Dragons!"
Johnson has also served as an assistant head coach for the Columbia men's team and associate head coach for Cal Poly. With the Lions and Mustangs, he aided and developed top recruits to success and helped grow strong cultures within the teams.
Johnson graduated from USC in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
Prior to coaching, Johnson won two NCAA Team Championships while at USC as well as an ITA National Indoors Team Championship. He posted a dual-match record of 73-11. Johnson was a captain in his senior year. After his college career, he joined the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour, winning ITF Pro Circuit Singles Championships in Israel and in Greece.
"Eric's passion, competitiveness, and vision for Drexel Men's Tennis were impressive throughout the interview process," Kelly said. "He has a depth of experience at various levels of tennis as well as a proven track record of impacting winning, both as a student-athlete and coach. I'm excited to welcome him to Drexel and have him build upon the current momentum of the Men's Tennis program."
At USC, Johnson was instrumental in the recruiting and development of Learner Tien, the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) number four-ranked junior. Working with Johnson, Tien made it to the US Open Juniors Finals and won a professional ITF 15K Title in 2023. After his time with USC, Johnson worked as a professional private tennis coach in Princeton, N.J., where he worked with a diverse client base that included juniors, competitive high school players and adult members of all skill levels.
"I am honored and excited to join the Drexel Tennis family as Head Men's Tennis Coach," Johnson said. "I would like to thank Maisha Kelly and Greg Cusick for their confidence in me and for this incredible opportunity. I also want to recognize Coach Mehdi Rhazali for the incredible work he put into this program over his career here. Throughout this process, I was impressed by the vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence across Drexel Athletics. It is clear that Drexel is a place where student-athletes are supported, challenged and empowered to thrive both on and off the court. I can't wait to get to work alongside our student-athletes, alumni and the entire Drexel community as we pursue conference championships and build something truly special here. Let's go Dragons!"
Johnson has also served as an assistant head coach for the Columbia men's team and associate head coach for Cal Poly. With the Lions and Mustangs, he aided and developed top recruits to success and helped grow strong cultures within the teams.
Johnson graduated from USC in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
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