Pfeiffer names assistant women’s lacrosse coach

Published 2:01 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2025

MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University has announced the hiring of a new assistant coach for its women’s lacrosse program.

On Friday, the Falcons athletic department revealed that Chloë Johnson has been named as an assistant on coach Julia Barbato’s staff moving forward into the 2026 season that begins in February.

The Falcons are hoping to improve from a 2-11 (1-8 USA South) record they posted during the 2025 season.

“Pfeiffer women’s lacrosse is excited to welcome Chloë Johnson as our new assistant coach,” Pfeiffer Athletics announced on Friday. “Originally from Derwood, Maryland, and a record-setting athlete from Ohio State University, Chloë brings elite playing credentials, valuable coaching experience, and a strong commitment to leadership and inclusion to the Falcon family.”

As a former Buckeye standout player, Johnson brings an accomplished playing background to Pfeiffer’s program, highlighted by national and conference recognition throughout her collegiate career.

“Now, as a coach, Chloë brings that same intensity, IQ, and passion to developing our student-athletes — on and off the field,” the Falcons athletic department said of the two-time Big Ten Midfielder of the Week selection. “Join us in welcoming coach Chloë to Pfeiffer.”

She ranks first in Ohio State’s record book with a program-best 243 draw controls and record-setting season total of 124, along with 61 points, 48 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers over 63 games.

Johnson earned Honorable Mention All-America honors from Inside Lacrosse Women and USA Lacrosse Magazine, was named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association First Team All-Region and secured a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.

Pfeiffer’s women’s lacrosse coaching staff has taken shape heading into the future.

The university announced in May that Barbato, a 2024 Pfeiffer graduate, had been elevated to lead the university’s women’s lacrosse program in a full capacity following her time as an interim head coach during the team’s 2025 season.

After a four-year career for the Falcons where she scored 153 career goals and had 73 career assists (226 points), Barbato began her interim coaching tenure in the summer of 2024 following a comprehensive restructuring of the program.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Pfeiffer will aim to achieve its first winning season since 2019.