Royals Men's Soccer Announces Coaching Staff Additions for 2026-27 Season

Johnson University Men's Soccer has announced several additions to its coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 season, welcoming Jared Roess, Sai Phut, and Cody Kihlberg to the Royals program.

The trio brings a diverse background of collegiate playing experience, professional academy coaching, player development, and sports analytics as the Royals prepare for the upcoming season.

Jared Roess joins the Royals after spending time in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he most recently coached with the Charlotte Eagles' USL Academy program. A former NCAA Division I student-athlete at Gardner-Webb University, Roess has built a reputation for developing players both on the field and in their walk of faith. His passion for mentoring student-athletes aligns with the mission and values of Johnson University Athletics.

Returning to JU is Sai Phut, a familiar face to the Royals community. A standout player during his time at Johnson, Phut has remained involved with the program by helping coach the Royals' reserve team while also gaining experience in club soccer. His technical knowledge of the game and commitment to developing players make him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.

Joining the program as Graduate Assistant is Cody Kihlberg, a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Data Science. Kihlberg brings a unique blend of coaching and analytical experience, having worked with Tennessee Women's Soccer, Nashville SC, and various youth development programs. Most recently, he spent the summer coaching with One Knox's USL Academy, where he continued to develop players while applying modern performance analysis techniques to the game.

Together, Roess, Phut, and Kihlberg add a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the Royals Men's Soccer program. Their backgrounds in player development, leadership, and analytics will help support the continued growth of Johnson University's student-athletes both on and off the field.

Johnson University Athletics is excited to welcome Jared, Sai, and Cody to the Royals family and looks forward to the impact they will make throughout the 2026-27 season.