top of page
Saint Johns University Minnesota Football Field

ABOUT US

Built by Johnnies, for Johnnies, to provide critical support for Johnnie Athletics

Our Mission - Passion

  • Assist Saint John's University coaches in recruiting and retaining the best student athletes at the NCAA Division III level

​

  • ​Create a transformative experience for SJU athletes that positions them for post-graduation success

​

  • ​Promote Saint John’s University as a leader in scholarship & competitive athletics

Founders Photos

Dan Smith

President

Co-Founder

A 1979 SJU graduate and Varsity Basketball player, Dan played semi-pro basketball in Europe after graduation, after which he was in chemical sales until going to medical school at the University of Minnesota.


Dan is a GI surgeon who spent the majority of his career in academic medical centers where he developed and ran innovative programs in medical technology, management and eduction, eventually becoming Chair of Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. Dan is now retired from his academic career and works as a private practice surgeon in Atlanta, and a consultant to start-ups in medical technology and healthcare management.


Founders Photos

John Soma

Vice-President

Co-Founder

A 2000 SJU graduate and Varisty Football player, John majored in Mathematics & minored in Education. After graduation, John was a high school math teacher who coached football & basketball at Woodbury High School. He became the high school athletic director at Woodbury & eventually Edina High School.


John now leads the Learning & Leadership Development program at Prime Therapeutics in Eagan, Minnesota. John is a long time resident in Woodbury, Minnesota. He and wife, Lynn, enjoy spending their time supporting their two sons.





 Johnnie Athletes Leadership

Our Operating Principles

  • Build a community of individuals and businesses interested in providing support to SJU Athletics through NIL

  • Coordinate relationships with SJU Student Athletes

  • Collaborate with SJU Athletics leadership to ensure NIL activities are consistent with the goals & values of SJU

  • Enable alumni and fans to be a part of SJU Athletic success & build lifelong relationships with athletes & future alumni

  • Amplify SJU reputation of success in scholarship and athletics

  • Comply with all State, NCAA rules and regulations around NIL

  • Coordinate with SJU Institutional Leadership & Advancement

bottom of page