James Wood High School has hired Chris Johnson as its boys’ soccer coach, the school announced in a news release on Wednesday.
A Tazewell native, Johnson moved to Winchester last year and has experience as a player, official and coach, including nearly 15 years coaching high school JV and varsity soccer.
Johnson takes over for Ronald Velasquez. A Millbrook High School graduate, Velasquez led the Colonels to a 21-28-3 record in three seasons. The Colonels went 8-8-3 in 2025 and lost in the Region 4D quarterfinals. Velasquez’s most wins came in his second year, when James Wood went 9-7-3 and lost in the same round.
Johnson has served as an assistant coach and head coach for varsity programs at Rural Retreat High School, Richlands High School and Graham High School in southwest Virginia. Johnson has coached multiple district and regional championship and runner-up teams, and helped with teams that have participated in Virginia High School League state tournament competition.
Johnson served as the Dean of Students at Bluefield University and volunteered as the assistant coach for its NAIA men’s soccer team for one season.
“Coach Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to our program, having built extensive coaching experience across both the high school and collegiate levels,” said James Wood coordinator of student activities Ethan Waters in the release. “His proven leadership and demonstrated commitment to integrity were key qualities that made him the clear choice to lead the boys’ soccer program at James Wood. We are incredibly excited about the future of James Wood soccer under Coach Johnson’s guidance.”
In the release, Johnson said he’s eager to serve as coach.
“I firmly believe in creating a safe, fun, and inviting athletic environment that challenges student-athletes to be their best and grow in all areas of their life,” Johnson said. “I am excited to get started with the team and walk alongside players, coaching staff, the JWHS administration, and parents to create a future for JWHS boys’ soccer that is marked by success in the classroom, the community at large, and on the pitch.”