Lawrence Johnson Position: Assistant Coach (Pole Vault) Experience: 1st Season Alma Mater: Tennessee, 1996

Lawrence Johnson is in his first season as a member of the Gamecocks' coaching staff. His primary responsibilities include coaching the pole-vaulters and coordinating recruiting efforts. "I came to USC because of the opportunity to participate in the promotion and development of the USC track and field team," Johnson said. "I am very familiar, eager and excited about the competitive level present with the SEC and very impressed by the devotion to academics and athletics displayed within the USC staff, team, and culture. I look forward to being an active participate in the continued promotion and development of the USC pole vaulters and track and field team."

A two-time Olympian, Johnson's strongest year came in 2001 when he brought home a gold medal at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portugal at 5.95m (19-6.25). The same year he also took first place at the U.S. Indoor and Outdoor Championships. He ended the year ranked second in the United States and fourth in the world, his highest spot in both rankings. In 2000, Johnson earned the silver medal with a clearance of 5.90m (19-4.25) at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He also placed first at the U.S. Trials and the U.S. Indoor Championships. In 1997, Johnson earned his first U.S. championships, taking gold at both the indoor and outdoor championships in addition to being a silver medalist at the World Indoor Championships in his first full year as a professional.

Turning professional after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, Johnson finished eighth at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., after taking first at the U.S. Olympic trials. Earlier that same year, Johnson set an American and NCAA record at 5.98m (19-7.50) at Tom Black Track in Knoxville on May 25, 1996. He went on to become the 1996 SEC Indoor and Outdoor champion, the SEC and NCAA record holder, NCAA All-American and Athlete of the Year as well as NCAA outdoor champion.

Throughout his career, Johnson is a seven-time US national champion, four-time NCAA champion, six-time conference champion, six-time All-American and seven-time All-SEC selection. He was a three-time SEC All-Academic team member and a Student Athlete Advisory Committee selection.

Johnson holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from the University of Tennessee. He has a wife, Christina, and two daughters.