FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Head Men's Soccer Coach Krystian Witkowski has named Johnny Raj as an assistant men's soccer coach beginning with the 2024 season. Raj returns to Fairfield where he spent six seasons as an assistant coach and four seasons as a member of the Stags' men's soccer team.
 
"We are thrilled to announce the return of Johnny Raj to Stag Country," Coach Witkowski said. "Johnny comes with a wealth of experience and championship pedigree, having succeeded both as a coach and player during his time at Fairfield University. His expertise in defensive strategies will be a great addition to our coaching staff, and his ability to develop strong relationships will benefit our entire Fairfield community. Johnny has an exceptional work ethic, a proven track record of leading his own program, and, most importantly, a deep understanding and passion for Fairfield University. Our program, and most importantly, our student-athletes, will benefit tremendously from working with Johnny."
 
"I want to thank Krystian for giving me this exciting opportunity to return to Fairfield University and help guide the soccer program once again," Raj said. "I would also like to thank Vice President of Athletics Paul Schlickmann for his trust in me. Fairfield is a place where I can call home. It has given me a lot of who I am today, and a place I hold very close to my heart. It is an honor to be able to come back and work with the players, Krystian, and the rest of the support staff. I look forward to helping execute the strategic vision that Krystian has for the program on and off the field. With a relentless  pursuit in excellence, I believe this program can accomplish consistent national success."
 
Raj brings extensive coaching experience across all levels of NCAA soccer including last season as the head coach at the University of Mount Saint Vincent where he led the Dolphins to an 8-5-4 overall record and a 6-2-3 conference mark. The Dolphins put together an eight-game unbeaten streak at the end of the regular season that sent the team into the Skyline Conference championship game. Mount Saint Vincent finished the campaign ranked 10^th in the nation for goals against average, allowing 0.87 goals per game.
 
Before accepting the post at Mount Saint Vincent, Raj served six seasons as an assistant coach at Fairfield University beginning with the 2017 campaign. In that season, he helped the team post a 12-5-3 overall record and capture the 2017 MAAC Regular Season title. The team went on to win the 2017 MAAC Championship and collect a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

In 2018, the Stags captured the MAAC regular season title for the second straight season after going unbeaten in conference play enroute to an 11-5-2 overall record. The Stags defeated ninth-ranked University of North Carolina-Wilmington during the campaign.
 
Prior to Fairfield, Johnny spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach at the University of Bridgeport under coaches Brian Quinn and Peter Doneit.
 
Raj was a four-year varsity soccer player at Fairfield University, beginning with the 2009 season. He earned three First Team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) honors as a defender following his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He started in every single game with one exception when he was sidelined due to an ankle injury. He served as a captain his final three years with the program, guiding the program to MAAC regular-season and tournament title during his career.
 
He was a First Team New England All Region as a junior and a senior as well as making the Herman Trophy Watchlist going into his senior year. 
 
Raj also spent a summer playing for the Chicago Fire in the PDL serving as club captain in which they reached the quarterfinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as an amateur side eventually falling to eventual champion Sporting Kansas City.
 
He also spent a year with Reading United as well as CFC Azul out of Connecticut again serving as a captain.
 
He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Master in Public Administration from Fairfield as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport.

Raj played with the New Zealand U20 national team before deciding to enroll at Fairfield University. He was also a part of New Zealand's Auckland City FC who were winners of the Oceania Federation and earned a berth to the FIFA Club World Cup.
 
Raj resides in Fairfield with his wife Kathleen and two dogs, Pearl and Koda.