HJ Cody Lakers basketball coach Teej Johannesson confirmed that he has been removed from his coaching position after publicly expressing his Christian beliefs and concerns about child transitioning.
On August 30, Johannesson published a lengthy Facebook post where he shared his frustrations over what he described as years of personal attacks due to his opposition to giving minors puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries.
Johannesson, who has coached for more than 15 years, said he dedicated his life to mentoring youth, not just in sports but in life.
“I’ve hugged kids when they cry. I’ve comforted kids when their emotions get too high or too low,” he wrote.
“I’m here to help kids become good fathers, husbands, and role models for future generations.”
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He stressed that his stance is not rooted in hatred toward transgender or LGBTQ youth but in his belief that medical interventions for minors cause long-term harm.
“Let me be very clear, I do not hate trans kids. I do not hate gay kids. I have so much love for all kids,” Johannesson wrote.
“My hatred is to an ideology that tries to solve a depression and anxiety problem with drugs and surgery.”
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Despite his insistence that he treats all players equally and coaches from a place of love and respect, Johannesson revealed that a small group had been campaigning against him for years because of his stance on the issue.
Hours after his first post, Johannesson followed up with a second statement confirming that he had been removed from his position.
“To say I’m heartbroken would be a massive understatement. Coaching is my lifeline,” he said.
Johannesson also urged parents, former players, and community members who support him to write letters to the superintendent and principal of HJ Cody High School.
He emphasized that he views the decision as unjust, but he remains committed to fighting back.
“I have a meeting with the superintendent of schools tomorrow,” Johannesson wrote.
“This is not over. We will fight for what is right.”
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The removal has sparked strong reactions from parents and players who say Johannesson positively impacted their lives.
According to Johannesson, many have already sent letters of support testifying to his dedication as a coach and mentor.
As of now, school officials, including Superintendent Ryan Sawula and Principal Alex Lambert, have not publicly commented on the controversy.
For Johannesson, the fight goes beyond coaching—it is about standing firm in his beliefs.
“God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors,” he wrote. “I believe this now more than ever.”
