LIESEL, Texas (KWTX) – Longtime Liesel High School softball coach Don Johnson has spent years working on his team to success on the field, but now Liesel Faithful is supporting him through challenges other than diamonds.
“I have a different perspective than the manager, but I have a daughter on the team,” said Riesel ISD principal Brandon Coop.
“The respect and admiration she and all the other girls have for him, he’s a grandpa, a father figure. I think that’s the perfect way to put it,” Coop said.
My beloved coach suffered a sudden brain injury last weekend and needed surgery immediately.
On Thursday morning, Liesel students and staff gathered to pray for the coach. He is a support show when he receives treatment in Houston.
Robert Little, athletic director at Riesel ISD, says that despite Johnson’s condition has improved recently, there’s a long way ahead of him.
“I felt really good when I got out there yesterday,” Little said.
“I think you know he has a path ahead of him, but anyone who knows a duck who doesn’t do things in an easy way anyway. So, again, you can’t say enough positive things about him.”\
No matter how difficult the fight is, both Cope and Little say that Coupon is the number of support for everyone.
“He’s very approachable and really cares about what’s going on on your day,” Little said.
“If you’re moving things forward, he’ll be the first person to tap you on the back. If he thinks you need a little tap in the back, he’s the same kind of guy,” Little added.
“His attitude and his approach really influenced me and has been affecting Liesel ISD for a long time,” Coop said.
“He has his legacy here along with his program and the girls he influenced.”
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