Johnson to serve as Foundation Chair

Danny Johnson, a 1997 graduate of the University of South Carolina and a rugby alum, has been elected chairman of the Carolina Rugby Foundation.

He replaces Robert Balmer, who has served as chairman for four years.

Johnson, who has 27 years of experience in sales and sales leadership, lives in nearby Swansea and reconnected with the program two years ago through the USC rent-a-rugger initiative, which puts athletes to work in the community for a donation.

“I signed up, and it has been a gift to get to know many of the young men in the program,” he said. “I started going to games, got to know Coach Roberts and his coaching staff and am really excited about our phenomenal progression.”

Johnson joins Bill Rhoden ’91, Chris Murphy ’91, Phil Harris ’08 and Wyatt Shepherd ’93 as board officers. Balmer will continue his work for the Foundation as Chairman Emerita, a non-voting position.

Under Balmer’s leadership, the Foundation and the USC program have elevated fundraising, alumni engagement, communications, recruiting and helped the Gamecocks emerge as one of the best teams in the competitive Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference. Balmer also spearheaded the 2021 effort to bring Coach Roberts to USC as an employee of the university.

“I want to continue the momentum that Robert, the Foundation, and Coach Roberts ignited three years ago,” said Johnson. “Since I re-engaged with the program, I have enjoyed mentoring some of our young men. And I want to create opportunities for our rugby alumni to connect with our players to promote mentoring and career advancement.”

Johnson joined the USC rugby club during his freshman year. He played lock, flanker and 8-man and graduated with a BS degree in Management and Marketing. Most recently he served as Vice President, Research and Development for Zeus Industrial Products.

As Chairman, Johnson also wants to bring more rugby alumni under the Foundation’s big tent.

“We have done a great job with this, but need to continue the work,” he said. “We want all of our alumni to come to our events, contribute to our Endowment and celebrate our successes.”

Johnson and his wife of 23 years (Lexa), have one daughter Davin, who is a recent graduate of Wofford College.