WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Athletics and Recreation has announced Cavell Johnson as manager of men's basketball operations and head coach, following a national search ahead of the 2025-26 season.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to step into such a coveted role and position. I am really looking forward to continuing to build and elevate the Golden Hawks program and culture," Johnson said, who has signed a five-year contract that runs through June 2030.
"We will set, and raise, the bars of excellence by pushing our student-athletes outside their comfort zones and empowering each one to choose growth for themselves and each other every day," he continued.
The 40-year-old Johnson becomes the 11th head coach in the 62-year history of the program after filling the role on an interim basis this past season as former head coach and current Raptors 905 assistant coach Justin Serresse announced the conclusion of his tenure with the team.
"The Golden Hawks community is excited to continue seeing Cavell's dedication and passion for the game lead to further success here at Laurier," said Director of Athletics and Recreation, Kate McCrae Bristol.
"There is great excitement about the positive impact he's made and values he shares, which will continue to positively impact our student-athletes and the broader program."
"I'm confident that his leadership will inspire our team to reach new heights both on and off the court."
Laurier's Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport, Ryan Lannan, highlighted Johnson's blend of basketball acumen, leadership, and character.
"His commitment to excellence, player development, and a winning culture will not only drive competitive success within U SPORTS and the OUA but also foster personal growth, community engagement and academic success for our student-athletes," Lannan said.
Johnson originally joined the Golden Hawks program in 2023-24 as an assistant coach and community outreach consultant.
Through Building Reputations 4 Nurturing Development (BR4ND), Johnson ran a mentorship program in partnership with A4C, using basketball as the conduit to empower youth to choose growth and develop the tools to navigate life's uncertainties.
Originally hailing from Kenbridge, Virginia, he played NCAA Division I basketball with the James Madison Dukes before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). At UMBC, Johnson earned a third-team All-America East and was named to the conference's All-Defensive team.
Johnson began his professional career in 2011 with the Beltway Bombers of the former American Professional Basketball League (APBL), where he won a championship and was named the finals MVP, along with a second-team All-APBL nod.
He came up north a season later, joining the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) and playing for the Saint John Mill Rats and Brampton A's from 2012-15. He was twice named to the All-Defensive team before winning the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
Over the next two seasons, Johnson went overseas to the Finish and Greek Leagues, and in 2016 signed with the KW Titans. He transitioned to the Titan's head coach role in 2017-18, holding the position until 2021.
Under Johnson, the Golden Hawks went 9-13 in the 2024-25 season and narrowly missed a spot in the playoffs.
"Growing our campus community as well as our reach beyond our campus will be an amazing journey," said Johnson. "As we embark on this journey, I hope to continue shining a light through our program for the youth of our community centers and schools to step into their greatness as well."
