US Field Hockey News

Thank you for posting Jody Johnston’s passing on your website. We knew she had friends here and internationally. We didn’t know she had accomplished so much and was so well respected in field hockey. Because she never spoke about herself that way. She didn’t brag or toot her own horn by any means. She was just "Joan" and "Aunt Joanie", very down to earth.

We are very proud of her for the contributions she has made to the sport of field hockey, and as a coach. If she only knew she was on the web what noise she would be making. There will always be an empty "field" in our lives and yours we’re sure.

Thank you,
Jody Johnston’s Family

USA Field Hockey Mourns the Loss of Jody Johnston

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey mourns the loss of long-time friend and devotee, Jody Johnston. Johnston passed away on Sunday, Sept. 21 after battling cancer. She was 73

A long-time member of USA Field Hockey's Board of Directors, Johnston served as the Sections and Leagues chair for the Association as well as chair of USA Field Hockey's Pacific Southwest section. She helped develop the sport of field hockey in the region through camps and the recruitment of coaches.

A former player, Johnston served as coach at El Cajon Valley High School even after her retirement form the school district in 1989. She was named the California Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1978.

In 2001, she was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions as a coaching legend and received additional coaching accolades from the High School Sports Association of San Diego.

Johnston was known for her meticulous and loving training of "ball kids" for area competitions, and traveled extensively to support the U.S. women's team in international play.

A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29 at the College Center Chapel in San Diego, Calif. A graveside memorial is planned for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Ingelwood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, Calif.

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