Johnson-Klein named ‘Best Personality’

Stacy Johnson-Klein

Fresno State women's basketball head coach Stacy Johnson-Klein was honored in Fresno Magazine's "Best of Fresno" issue, earning the distinction of "Best Sports Personality" in a poll conducted by readers of the publication.

Johnson-Klein received the award at the second annual "Best of Fresno" event in September, which benefits the March of Dimes.

"I think this is definitely a fun thing," said Johnson-Klein, who arrived in Fresno in April 2002 and enters her third year as head coach of the Bulldog women's basketball program. "I would really like to thank Fresno Magazine and its readers for taking an interest in our sport. There are so many well-known sports personalities in this community and I am thankful for the opportunity to be associated with such great individuals in our industry."

Since her arrival in Fresno, Johnson-Klein has enjoyed success on the basketball court in addition to taking an active role in the community.

In her first two years as head coach, Johnson-Klein has engineered the resurgence of women's basketball at Fresno State. During her first year, she led the Bulldogs to one of the best seasons in school history and guided the squad to its first postseason appearance since 1990. Attendance records have tripled in each of her first two years, including a No. 19 national ranking during the inaugural campaign in the Save Mart Center. In addition, her squads have maintained an overall team GPA of at least 2.9 in all four semesters under her watch.

Johnson-Klein's teams are also heavily involved within the community, routinely making appearances at different events. In the past year alone, the Bulldogs have teamed with organizations such as Youth for Christ and She-SO, acted as chaperones at Florence Rata High School's annual junior/senior prom and made multiple visits to area hospitals and schools.

An aggressive marketer of her program, Johnson-Klein has watched two of her annual fundraising events ( Kitahara Golf Classic and Fall Frolic) continue to grow among the community. She has also been instrumental in creating programs such as the Junior Bulldogs and Fresno State Ball Girls.

There is always something on the calendar for Johnson-Klein, who juggles the demands of coaching with the duties that go along with being a mother of five children. She has spoken to hundreds of local civic organizations and participated in additional philanthropic activities.

Other "Best of" award winners were recognized from categories including elected officials, radio/television personalities, restaurants, golf courses, local businesses and community activities.