Head Coach, Andrea Johnson

I am a mom, runner, and teacher. Running has been a big part of my life since high school, resulting in becoming a member of the USF Women's Cross Country Team. I have a Master's of Science in Kinesiology , am working on my Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership (looking at social justice, athletes, identity, and success), and have been coaching runners since 2006. I am USATF Level 2 Certified with a Specialization in Youth Coaching and have a USATF Cross Country Specialization Certificate .

After college I began coaching high school, but once I became a mom it was harder to coach and as a result I took a break from coaching. However, at the age of 5 my daughter asked about running and from that came the Oakland Cubs. I currently coach high school cross country/track and field as well as the Oakland Cubs. I take pride in helping athletes reach their goals and helping many runners make it to state (individual and teams) and Junior Olympics. 

My philosophy for youth sports and activity is to first have fun. Activity is something children need to learn to do as a part of life in order to stay fit and healthy, and if it is not fun they will not want to do it. While having fun they also learn technique and skill, and all runners have the opportunity to compete if they choose. 

I hope to encourage the next generation of runners, athletes, and mentors! 

My Coaching Philosophy 

Running is a great activity to learn and try at a young age. It allows children to see their hard work pay off in concrete ways: TIMES, SMART GOALS, and PERSONAL BEST! It is also an activity that can be enjoyed with parents and friends. Running has many proven health benefits, and being active helps children in school as well as keeps the fit and boost immune systems.

As a coach I want my runners to enjoy running, have fun with their teammates, learn technique, and feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. I also hold sportsmanship very high and teach my athletes to be gracious competitors. I understand that competition is not for every child, which is why no child has to compete. Practices are fun and a good part of a healthy routine whether or not a child competes. 

I love running and hope to pass that love on to future generations. I was inspired by my 5yo daughter to start the team and it was the best thing I could have done. I love it! Being a coach allows me to have a positive impact on youth and is a job I take seriously. Oakland Cubs is not only a team, but a family

Assistant Coach, Tonya Piergies

Specialties: Jumps, Hurdles, Throws

Tonya Piergies is a former multi-eventer who competed for and captained the women's team at Carleton College. While there, she earned All-Conference honors in the pentathlon (2019), All-Conference honorable mention in the pentathlon, heptathlon, and long jump (2017, 2018, 2019), and Academic All-Conference honors (2017, 2018, 2019). Additionally, during her senior year, she received the Ele Hansen award, which is given to senior female student-athletes who brought the joy of participation to sport and who positively influenced others through their example, service, and leadership. Tonya helped coach the hurdlers, jumpers, and throwers of the Oakland Cubs in 2021, and she is excited to return in 2022! While coaching, she hopes to cultivate a supportive team culture and assist athletes in the process of chasing their goals. Outside of coaching, Tonya is a Developmental Psychology PhD student at UC Davis and a member of several running clubs.

Dynamic Stretching Drills

Mini Javelin Techniques

Long Jump for Beginners