SAN DIEGO – San Diego softball and head coach MJ Knighten are excited to announce the addition of transfer right-handed pitcher Charlie Johnson to the team's pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season. 

Johnson excelled the last three seasons competing for Division II Sonoma State in the Bay Area, making 94 career appearances for the Seawolves she posted a 37-23 overall record to go along with a microscopic 1.86 ERA in 388.2 innings. Her phenomenal work in the circle helped Sonoma State to a pair of conference championships and earned her the 2023 Freshman of the Year award from the California Collegiate Athletic Association. 

"Charlie is exactly the kind of pitcher you want in your rotation," Knighten said. "Her mentality, experience, and impressive resume are exactly what our bullpen needs heading into this season. One of the first things she asked was, 'What do you need me from me on day one when I step on campus?,' and that question alone told us everything we needed to know. She's ready to make an immediate impact and represent San Diego with grit, pride and respect. She's already building strong connections with our returners, and I truly believe that will translate into meaningful leadership and influence within the team. I'm excited to see what she does in the circle this year. Big things are coming!" 

During Johnson's time at Sonoma State she earned five CCAA Pitcher of the Week awards and was a First Team All-Region and All-Conference honoree during the 2025 season. Not afraid to pitch deep into games, Johnson threw 23 complete games in 29 starts during her junior season at Sonoma State. Pitching in relief in her final appearance this last season, Johnson kept her team in the game by throwing 5.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run against Concordia. 

Johnson joins fellow transfer Kaylee Oh (Miami (OH)) in the San Diego 2026 recruiting class alongside freshmen additions: Seleny Chavez (Nipomo, Calif.), Abrielle Diaz (Riverside, Calif.), Liliana Esparza (Henderson, Nev.), Adiah Fountain (Northridge, Calif.), Analeese Garcia (Chula Vista, CA) and Ava Rojas (Benicia, Calif.). 

A San Diego native and an alumni of Del Norte High School in North County, Johnson will be returning to her hometown to compete at the Division I level ahead of her senior season. 

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