Recruiting Assistance
College Advisor
Coach Johnny Raj, the RUFC High School Program Director, is entering his fifth season with RUFC. He currently serves as the Head Coach of the U14B Red and the assistant coach for the U17 and U19 Boys teams. Additionally, he holds the role of RUFC College Advisor.
Raj brings a wealth of experience to RUFC, having worked in various capacities with the Fairfield University Stags under Head Coach and mentor, Carl Rees from August 2017 - 2022, returning in 2024 as the Associate Head Coach under new Head Coach, Krystian Witkowski. He plays a vital role in team training, recruitment efforts, budget management, scouting report creation, compliance activities, alumni engagement, fundraising, and academic monitoring.
In 2023 he served as Head Coach of the Dolphins and Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. As head coach at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, he brought an inspiring vision to the program, instilling a relentless work ethic and fostering a culture of excellence that resonated on and off the field. In his first and only season, he led the Dolphins to remarkable achievements, including the nation’s 10th best defensive record. Under his guidance, senior goalkeeper and team captain Joey Luna earned national recognition, ranking in the top 7 for save percentage, while senior captain and winger Ian Lamas secured a top 10 spot nationally for shots on goal. His leadership culminated in a thrilling run to the Skyline Conference Tournament semi final, where the team showcased their grit in a narrow 3-2 loss to eventual champions Manhattanville College. His tenure was marked by exceptional achievement and a lasting impact on the program.
As a member of the RUFC community, you have the opportunity to discuss your college plans and seek advisory support from Raj. Feel free to reach out to him at jraj@revolutionunitedfc.com.
The off-field success translated to the pitch, as Raj played a large part in the team's regular season MAAC championships in 2017 and 2018, as well as taking home the conference title in 2018. That was reflected when the coaching staff took home Coaching Staff of the Year honors in both seasons.
Raj's collegiate coaching experience began in 2015 when he served on the University of Bridgeport's staff. From 2013-2015, he worked for Green Farms Academy as the middle school's soccer Technical Director, as well as an assistant on the varsity soccer staff.
Raj's playing career was as successful as his coaching career. He suited up as a defender for the Stags, beginning in 2009 until 2012. Raj started in all but one game throughout his collegiate career while serving as team captain in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. Raj was named first-team All-Region in 2011, second-team All-Region in 2012, was on the Herman Trophy watch list during his senior season, and was a part of the MAAC regular season and Tournament championship team in 2011. Raj was also Chicago Fire's U23 captain in 2011, represented New Zealand's U20 team in 2007's World Cup Campaign as well as their U23 team for the London Olympics, among other achievements.
Coach Johnny earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration from Fairfield, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport.
He currently resides in Fairfield, Connecticut with his wife Kathleen and two dogs, Pearl and Koda.
College Advice important information
Introduction Email College Advisor January 2021 *- Introduction email to Coach Johnny and key dates for the winter/spring of 2021
College Advisory Zoom Video Recordings
College Advising #1 - Recruitment Process Timeline - (COPY & PASTE LINK IN BROWSER)
College Advising #2 - Q & A with Current Division 1 Student Athlete - (COPY & PASTE LINK IN BROWSER)