Assistant Coach Dean Johnson
University of New England '86
19th Season

Dean Johnson is entering his 19th year as an assistant men’s basketball coach and his 15th season as head coach of the women’s softball team. He has also been the Associate Athletic Director in charge of NCAA compliance for the last nine years.

“We wouldn’t have the success we’ve enjoyed over the years without the tireless efforts of Coach Johnson,” said Corino. “I don’t think people realize what a hard worker Dean is. His loyalty and commitment to this school cannot be overstated.”

Johnson’s commitment to the College was recognized this past spring, when he received the prestigious Caldwell Cup from Caldwell College President Sister Patrice Werner.

Johnson came to Caldwell in 1990 after coaching on the high school and college levels. He served as an assistant coach for the 1988-89 University of New England’s men’s basketball team that won a school-record 24 games and was recently inducted into the UNE Athletics Hall of Fame. As Caldwell’s softball coach, Johnson has compiled a record of 403-200 in 14 seasons while capturing four Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament crowns. A four-time CACC Coach of the Year honoree, Johnson led the Cougars to the NCAA Northeast Region title and a berth in the Women’s College World Series in 2004.

A native of Belgrade Lakes, Maine, Johnson set many basketball records as a point guard at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Johnson graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. He earned a Master’s degree from Caldwell College in 1997.

Johnson resides in Denville, N.J., with his wife Christine and daughter Katelyn.

Assistant Coach Dave DeFerrari
Green Mountain College '86
Seventh season

Dave DeFerrari begins his seventh year as an assistant men’s basketball coach, as well as the Fitness Center Manager at Caldwell College. DeFerrari began his coaching career at the high school level before becoming, at the age of 25, the head coach at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh, N.Y., in 1989. He then spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Rutgers University-Newark before a two-year stint as the head coach at John Jay College in New York City, N.Y. Just prior to his arrival at Caldwell College, he served three years as the Director of Campus Recreation at Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Before starting his coaching career, DeFerrari was a standout point guard and captain at Green Mountain College, where he set the school record for career assists and games played. This past summer, DeFerrari was inducted into the Green Mountain Athletics Hall of Fame.

A native of Secaucus, N.J., DeFerrari received his undergraduate degree in Recreation from Green Mountain in 1986. He later earned his Master’s degree in Physical Education from Montclair State University. DeFerrari lives in Secaucus, N.J.

Assistant Coach Michael Lukacs
University of Maine '87
Second season

Michael Lukacs is now in his second year at Caldwell as an assistant men’s basketball coach. Lukacs arrived at Caldwell after serving as an assistant coach at Bloomfield College for the 2006-07 season. Before coaching at Bloomfield, Lukacs was an assistant coach at Kean University under former Caldwell assistant Bruce Hamburger for one year. He also brings head coaching experience to the Cougar staff, having served as the head coach at Pratt Institute from 1996 to 1999. After beginning his coaching career at the high school level, Lukacs entered the collegiate ranks as an assistant at Gardner-Webb University in 1991. He also worked as an assistant at Maine Maritime Academy and Newberry College before taking the head coaching position at Pratt.

Lukacs graduated from the University of Maine in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in education. He also serves as the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Caldwell.

A native of Somerset, N.J., Lukacs lives in Middletown, N.J. with his wife Rosalie.

Click here for head coach Mark Corino

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