Our guest on the Holding the Ladder in Sport and Leadership podcast is Samba Johnson, the Associate Head Coach for the women’s basketball program at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Since joining the staff in 2022, he has played a key role in revitalizing the team, tripling their win total in his first season and guiding them to a 17-14 record and Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) berth in his second season. Under his leadership, several Mustangs have earned All-Big West honors, including Natalia Ackerman, who was named First Team All-Big West and to the All-Defensive and All-Academic teams.
A Pittsburgh, PA native and former standout at NCAA Division II Chaminade University, Johnson has coached at nearly every level, including National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), NCAA Division I, II, III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and high school, across both men’s and women’s programs. His résumé includes stints at Lynchburg College, Longwood University, Friends University, Casper Community College, McCook Community College, University of Charleston, Cleveland State University, Ohio University, Stetson University, and Duquesne University, as well as head coaching roles at Penn State-New Kensington, La Roche College, and East Hill Christian Academy. Known for his mentorship, energy, and character, Johnson is praised by Cal Poly head coach Shanele Stires as a servant-leader who deeply impacts student-athletes both on and off the court.

You can learn more about Johnson here:

https://gopoly.com/staff-directory/samba-johnson/397