Cardinal Softball Hires Kevin Johnson as New Head Coach

Former Berkshire coach takes over Huskies program ahead of pivotal season in new conference

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cardinal Huskies softball team has hired Kevin Johnson as their new head coach, replacing Haley Adams. Johnson previously served as the bowling and junior varsity softball coach at Berkshire High School. He is tasked with leading the Huskies as they enter a pivotal season in the Northeastern Athletic Conference, with a roster full of young talent.

Why it matters

The Cardinal softball program is entering a new era, both in terms of leadership and conference affiliation. Johnson's hiring represents an opportunity to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and develop the team's young core into a competitive force in the NAC. The rivalry matchup against Berkshire under the lights will also be a highlight of the season.

The details

Johnson, a 1993 Berkshire graduate, has coaching experience at his alma mater, serving as the varsity bowling coach and junior varsity softball coach for the past four years. He stepped down as the bowling coach before this season but remained the JV softball coach. Berkshire's varsity softball coach, Joe Medlen, Sr., encouraged Johnson to apply for the Cardinal head coaching job, which he was formally approved for on January 28.

  • Johnson was formally approved as Cardinal's new head coach on January 28, 2026.
  • He will lead the Huskies in their first season in the Northeastern Athletic Conference.

The players

Kevin Johnson

The new head coach of the Cardinal Huskies softball team, who previously served as the bowling and junior varsity softball coach at Berkshire High School.

Haley Adams

The previous head coach of the Cardinal softball team, who served in that role for five seasons before Johnson's hiring.

Joe Medlen, Sr.

The varsity softball coach at Berkshire High School, who encouraged Johnson to apply for the Cardinal head coaching job.

Jimmy Soltis

The Athletic Director at Cardinal High School who hired Johnson as the new head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is a lot of young talent so that is why I really wanted to do it and develop the young girls and turn the program into something that was going to be very competitive for years down the road.”

— Kevin Johnson, New Cardinal Softball Head Coach (The Weekly Villager)

“He helped me make that decision. He approached me and said 'Hey Cardinal is looking for a head coach.' He said, 'I think that you would be a great fit', and I talked to Athletic Director Jimmy Soltis, and it just worked out.”

— Kevin Johnson, New Cardinal Softball Head Coach (The Weekly Villager)

What’s next

Johnson and the Huskies will face their first big test of the season when they take on rival Berkshire under the lights, a matchup that both coaches have been looking forward to.

The takeaway

Kevin Johnson's hiring represents a new era for Cardinal softball, as the program looks to build on its recent success and compete in the Northeastern Athletic Conference with a talented young roster. Johnson's experience and connections in the local softball community should help ease the transition as he puts his own stamp on the Huskies.