Mission Statement
At Twin City Thunder, our mission is to holistically promote and grow our student-athletes. The game of basketball brings us together but our desire to constantly improve, conquer challenges, and showcase greatness is what makes us family.
Ryan Johnson | Coach RJ
{Football, Basketball, Track}
A Winston-Salem native who moved to Ohio at a young age is now back in the community that started it all. Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge to the community with over 12 years of teaching and coaching experience. As a former Division One football player, Ryan’s main contribution to youth athletics has been on the football field.
Ryan has coached in high school athletics since 2008. He stepped away from the sidelines in 2020 to follow his children’s athletic careers and train athletes privately. Since moving to North Carolina, Ryan has found his passion pushing him back to the coaching arena with a renewed focus on developing future student-athletes holistically.
Ryan and his wife Erika Co-founded Go For Two Athletics and operated football camps in Ohio and Nevada from 2011 to 2020. Ryan is currently on the board for Football With A Purpose. A 501 c3 program aimed at helping underserved youth and their communities by providing them with free or discounted training programs and encouraging community engagements with events and fundraisers.
“It’s great to be back where it all began. It’s always been home. Every other street brings back a memory I didn’t know I had, and now I’m looking forward to creating new memories.” ~ Coach RJ
Erika Johnson | Coach E
{Cheer/Dance, Track}
A school-aged teacher for over 15 years with a degree in early childhood development, Erika’s passion has always been helping youth. By way of Ohio, Erika first showcased her coaching talents in 2015 helping build a youth cheerleading program with the Columbus Vikings Football Program. She also led a dynamic children’s dance team with Trailblazers Church Columbus until she and the family moved here to North Carolina in the summer of 2023.
Erika sits on the board for Football With A Purpose as well. She lends her knowledge, experience, and expert clerical skills. A graphic designer by trade, Erika is the creative vision behind many of the eye-catching graphics and gear for her youth programs. While she also took a step back from coaching in 2020, she often stayed involved behind the scenes as a creator for several programs.
“I’m excited about our new community and to get back to helping student-athletes. They don’t know how much they make their communities proud with their willingness to challenge themselves daily.” ~Coach E
Who We Are
The Twin City Thunder is a developmental basketball program committed to the student-athlete. Founded in 2024 with a desire to help grow the game of youth basketball, player skills, and confidence. At Twin City Thunder your student-athlete’s growth is our primary focus. We foster a family atmosphere and put the needs of our student-athletes first in all aspects of their lives.
Our top priority is always improving. We challenge our student-athletes on the court with drills, situations, and games that will challenge their basketball talents and basketball IQ. Off the court, we challenge our student-athletes to be leaders in both the classroom and the community.
The Twin City Thunder offers Girl’s Basketball and training sessions for grades 4 through 10. The Thunder are a proud member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).