Former Belgrade resident inducted into Caldwell Hall of Fame

CALDWELL, N.J. — Dean Johnson, who grew up in Belgrade Lakes, Maine, graduated from Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine, and the University of New England, was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Caldwell University in Caldwell, N.J. April 26.

Johnson developed the Cougar softball program into one of the top programs in the region and in the nation. Last season under Johnson, Caldwell captured the CACC regular season and Tournament titles to win the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Through 23 seasons Johnson compiled a record of more than 800 wins to rank in the top 20 among all active NCAA Division II softball coaches.
In addition to his duties as softball coach, Johnson is Caldwell’s associate athletic director. For his contributions to the university and its athletic department, Johnson received the Caldwell Cup from former president Patrice Werner in May 2008. He also is a member of the NFCA head Coaches and NCAA Division II Head Coach Connection committees. He has previously served on the NFCA Top-25 committee and is currently the chair of the NCAA Division II East Regional Advisory Committee.
Johnson was a standout point guard at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. He also played major modified fast-pitch softball, and in 1990 his team placed third nationally.
His family was in New Jersey to watch his induction into the Hall of Fame at Caldwell University.