It has been a week since West Fargo High girls hockey and softball varsity head coach Pat Johnson resigned. On Wednesday, February 5 Johnson met with West Fargo activities leadership over concerns from current players. During that Feb. 5 meeting he gave leadership a resignation letter, stepping away from coaching hockey and softball.
Following that meeting, former softball players coached by Johnson dating back over two decades released a statement voicing support for their former coach.
2014 West Fargo graduate Michaela Liebl sent a letter to WDAY Radio titled, “A Full-Circle Perspective: An Open Letter in Support of Coach Pat Johnson”. The letter includes perspectives and support from formers players who were coached/mentored by Johnson during his time coaching softball.
Here is the full letter with a list of former players supporting Johnson’s legacy of coaching:
From Former West Fargo Softball Players
Softball is a game of perspective. From behind the plate to the outfield fence, every position sees the field differently, yet each role is vital to the success of the team. The same is true in life.
For 30 years, Coach Pat Johnson was the guiding force for hundreds of athletes. His perspective as a coach extended beyond the game; he saw who we were as individuals and who we could become. He demanded excellence, but more importantly, he instilled confidence, resilience, and a relentless work ethic that shaped us not just as players, but as people.
The View from the Field: Nine Players, Nine Perspectives
Pitcher: “Coach Johnson taught me that confidence comes from preparation. That preparation is
about putting in the extra work when no one is watching, and holding yourself to a high standard. This lesson resonates in every aspect of my life, far beyond the field.” – Brittany Kapaun (Rheault), Class of 2014
Catcher: “As a catcher, you see the entire field, and you are a part of every play. The catcher is a leadership position; needing to be aware of every players’ role, the other team, and what comes next. Pat fostered my desire to be a leader. He challenged me to be a leader. He also trusted me to be a leader. Part of his teaching was leading by example. Whether it be hockey or softball, he was involved in all facets: the planning, coordinating, developing, and execution. He always saw the entire field and was a part of every play which has resonated with me. I continue to apply this leadership style to my daily life and career 15 years after my last game.” – Allison Dunham (Klug), Class of 2010
First Base: “ Having known Pat since I was a kid, I’ve witnessed firsthand the influence he has had on my family and me. Coaching both my sisters before me, Pat has been a constant source of encouragement and belief in our potential. His support and dedication shaped us into who we are today. From the very beginning, Pat saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself. He pushed me to be my best, instilling a sense of confidence and resilience. Through his guidance, I learned that hard work and dedication are paths to success. He taught us how setbacks are opportunities for learning and how perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. His lessons extended beyond the field, influencing our approach to life itself. The positive impact Pat has had on our lives is immeasurable. He has not only been a coach, but also a mentor and role model. His belief in us has inspired a belief in ourselves, empowering us to pursue our dreams with determination and courage. Without his influence, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today, ready to face the world with confidence and purpose.” – Emma Johnson, Class of 2023
Second Base: “Coach Pat taught me that hard work does not go unnoticed. If you are willing to put in the time and the effort, you will see results. He was our softball coach, but he was teaching us much more than just the game, whether we realized it or not. He taught us the value of teamwork and pushed us to become better – not just for ourselves, but for our team.” – Katie Smith (Gilbertson), Class of 2017
Shortstop: “Coach Pat taught me that the little things make all the difference. If you do the little things right, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. His guidance and lessons, from teamwork and hard work, have resonated with me far beyond the field. He has always cared about me as a person first. Without Pat, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He is more than a coach to me, just as I have always been more than an athlete to him.” – Lauren Diemert, Class of 2019
Third Base: “Pat was and always will be a fair coach who sees the value in hard work. He taught me the importance of doing the little things right day in and day out. This is a sort of integrity that has been permanently instilled in me in everything I do off the field as well. His lesson of taking care of the little things consistently has helped me accomplish academic, career, and personal goals I couldn't have accomplished without the other lesson he coached and coached well, the lesson of perseverance. His style of coaching prepared me for the real world and has given me the strength to be self-confident in everything I pursue with genuine intention. Much like a grandfather, he wanted great things for his players and cared enough to make sure every player that wanted to could improve their skills. Whether it was by staying late to hit more ground balls or riding a player about a bad habit they were trying to break, Pat has always given his heart to the game and his players with pride. ” – Abigail Carlson, Class of 2021
Left Field: “Pat believed in his players and pushed us beyond our limits. He made all the difference in the person I am today. He taught us the value of hard work, resilience, and integrity—lessons that go far beyond the field. His leadership shaped not just my game, but my character, and I carry those values with me in every aspect of life. I am a better human because of his influence.” – Jamie Johnson (Swenson), Class of 2000
Center Field: “Pat wasn’t just a coach, he was a teacher. Through every drill, every practice and every challenge, Pat instilled in us the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He taught us that success isn’t just about talent, but putting in the effort day after day, even when things get tough. It was never about being the best in the room, but about giving your best in everything you do. Pat showed us that with the relentless dedication and the right mindset, there are no limits to what you can achieve. We’re better athletes, better people, and stronger teammates because of his lessons that will stay with us forever.” – Hayle Gilbertson (SJ), Class of 2015
Right Field: “As someone who started their sports career late in middle school, Coach Johnson was patient, kind, and helped push me to be the best player and person I could be. He taught me valuable lessons about being a player, a teammate, and an individual. He instilled confidence, pride, a work hard play hard mentality, accountability, and so much more. The things he taught me have stayed with me a decade plus. I am thankful and so very grateful for those years.” – Amy Clark, Class of 2011
Coach Johnson’s impact on North Dakota fastpitch is unmatched. His coaching record includes 10 state championships, 20 consecutive conference titles from 1997-2017, two state hockey titles (2010, 2014), and six North Dakota High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year Awards.
Beyond the trophies and titles, his true legacy lives in the countless athletes he shaped into confident, hardworking, and resilient individuals. He built a program that was about more than just winning, but about growth, accountability, and pushing beyond limits.
Coach Johnson, from every perspective, and every position on the field, we want you to know: you made an impact that can never be erased. You not only built championship teams, but strong and determined women who carry your lessons far beyond the game and into our everyday lives. We are grateful for your leadership, your belief in us, and the example you have set.
Your legacy is forever.
With gratitude and respect,
Former West Fargo Softball Players,
Brittany Kapaun (Rheault) Class of 2014
Jamie Johnson (Swenson) Class of 2000
Amy Clark Class of 2011
Allison Dunham (Klug) Class of 2010
Sydney Reif (Greenlund) Class of 2012
Emma Johnson Class of 2023
Mikayla Johnson Class of 2019
Hayle Gilbertson (SJ) Class of 2015
Katie Smith (Gilbertson) Class of 2017
Courtney Docktor Class of 2024
Jen Smerud Class of 2001
Michaela Liebl Class of 2014
Reese Rudolph Class of 2024
Delia Osland Class of 2024
Alyssa Aarfor Class of 2021
Katelyn Kackman Class of 2025
Sydney Dye Class of 2024
Jadyn Iverson Class of 2021
Aubrey Finn Class of 2024
Abigail Carlson Class of 2021
Sophie Wick (Ochocki) Class of 2022
Lindsay Senf Class of 2001
Lauren Diemert Class of 2019
Ashlyn Diemert Class of 2021
Courtney Boll Class of 2019
