Kyle Johnston

Kyle Johnston joined the Duke University men’s soccer program in February 2024 and currently serves as the assistant coach specializing in goalkeepers for the Blue Devils. In his first year with the team, he helped mentor goalkeeper Wessel Speel, who earned First Team All-America honors, was named ACC Goalkeeper of the Year, selected First Team All-ACC and recognized as a MAC Trophy semifinalist. Speel started all 19 matches, played 1,640 minutes, posted a 0.99 goals-against average and a .714 save percentage under Johnston’s guidance. Before arriving at Duke, Johnston worked as the goalkeeper coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s soccer program during the 2023 season. Under his watch, the team allowed just 15 goals in 22 matches (a 0.68 average), recorded eight shutouts and achieved a .828 save percentage, with the starting goalkeeper leading the conference and placing third nationally in both metrics. Johnston began his collegiate coaching journey at his alma mater, University of the South (Sewanee), before moving to the College of Charleston where he served as assistant coach and director of goalkeeping. As a student-athlete at Sewanee, he was a two-time captain, four-time All-Conference honoree, and finished his career with 66 appearances. He graduated in 2019 with a degree in International and Global Studies, then played in the United Soccer League for Carolina Dynamo and Houston FC before focusing fully on coaching. In 2024 he earned the Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma from the United Soccer Coaches Association.