Darryl Johnston, a Richmond, Virginia-based coach and former athlete, recently shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey, and a surprising setback involving a coaching role at Manchester Middle School in Chesterfield, Virginia.
According to Johnston, he applied for the Head Basketball Coach position three months ago and completed the whole process, including a Zoom interview.
He says he was informed he had secured the paid head basketball coaching job, only to be later told he did not meet the necessary “qualifications.”
Darryl also claims his application was not processed adequately by an individual with the Chesterfield Public Education Foundation, ultimately preventing him from being hired.
Despite the frustration, Johnston expressed calm acceptance, crediting his faith for carrying him forward.
Johnston wrote:
“The odds have always been stacked against me in life, in coaching, in playing sports, but somehow I always find a way to push through“
Darryl Johnston
He described the challenges he’s overcome—losing friends to incarceration, drugs, and gun violence—yet emphasized that he continues to stand firm and invest in his community.
Johnston leads an after‑school program at his local community center, where he mentors young people.
He announced plans to expand his offerings, including a Wednesday evening “Pay What You Can” program from 6–8 PM, specifically targeting 15 students who may be struggling—such as those skipping school, smoking, or acting out.
“Let me work with them,” he wrote. “Let’s build something real.“
He also shared his intention to create a free men’s therapy group that will meet monthly, providing support for those in need.
Johnston encouraged anyone facing hardship to reach out to him for prayer, conversation, or simply a hug. He says the setback will not stop his mission to uplift others.
The community responded passionately, flooding his post with supportive messages calling him a role model, a community champion, and a positive force. Many urged him to pursue opportunities in nearby districts such as Richmond or Henrico, where they believe his work would be valued.
One supporter wrote:
“You’re amazing and your work speaks for itself. Keep pushing forward!”
Another added:
“Sometimes the job you want is beneath what God knows you deserve… He has bigger plans for you.”
As he continues to lead youth programs and invest in Southside communities, supporters believe greater opportunities lie ahead for Darryl, whose work has already changed the lives of countless individuals.
Darryl Johnston is a Former L.C. Bird High School Multi-Sports Athlete
Darryl Johnston is a former multi-sport athlete from L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, Virginia, where he graduated in 2009.
Standing 6 feet tall, he played both basketball and football at the varsity level.
On the basketball court, Johnston wore jersey #00 and played as a guard during the 2008–2009 season, helping L.C. Bird achieve a 20–6 record, including a 13–3 regional mark for second place, while the team earned a national ranking of No. 3511 and a Virginia state ranking of No. 75.
As a junior in 2007, he wore jersey #21 and remained in the guard position, contributing to an impressive 24–4 overall record, a perfect 16–0 regional performance for first place, a national ranking of No. 1538, and a state ranking of No. 20.
During his senior football season in 2008, Johnston competed as both a quarterback and wide receiver, guiding L.C. Bird to a 9–2 overall record and a flawless 8–0 regional finish for first place, earning a national ranking of No. 1374 and a state ranking of No. 42.
Now, Darryl Johnston serves as the founder of The Rock Project in Richmond, Virginia. This youth-focused organization provides a community center and after-school programs for underserved children and youth.
The Rock Project offers a safe space for children aged 5 to 18 to participate in various activities, including a music studio, gaming room, and weight room, as well as other community support initiatives, such as back-to-school drives and meal giveaways.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Darryl Johnston has around 13.9k followers on Instagram.
- He is happily married to Diamond.
