MEDIA, Pa. — Brandi Johnson, a former Penn State Brandywine student-athlete is now applying the lessons she learned on the basketball court to lead her own team to success.
Johnson began her college career elsewhere but transferred to Brandywine knowing it was the right fit for her.
When asked why she chose Brandywine, she explained, “I really liked the atmosphere and being able to be close to family, while having the opportunity to get a Penn State degree.”
While majoring in communications, she also became a key contributor to the women's basketball program.
She went on to help guide the team through multiple successful seasons, highlighted by moments she will never forget.
Johnson said her favorite memory was the matchup with Lehigh just before the championship. “Beating Lehigh was always a lot of fun. We were down, and I started making threes,” she said.
Her coaches always had immense confidence in her, knowing she could change the momentum of a game — and that night, she did just that.
Times like that inspired her to pursue a career in coaching. After graduating in 2020, she drew on the lessons she learned on and off the court to pave the way forward, crediting Penn State Brandywine for providing the resources and opportunities that made it possible.
Nowadays, Johnson can be found doing what she loves — coaching girls’ basketball at her other alma mater, Strath Haven High School. After just a couple seasons of coaching, the opportunity arose for Johnson to become head coach and without hesitation, she took it.
Johnson is already making her mark.
“This past season we made history. For the first time since 1992, we made it to the Elite Eight in the state,” she said. “Fueled by a talented roster, positive mindset, and relentless effort, the team enjoyed a remarkable season.”
Her approach to coaching is rooted in what she experienced at Penn State.