Paul Johnson - President
Bright Stars Sports and Entertainment LLC were born out of a passion for community and athletic excellence. Founded in 2021 by Paul Johnson, the organization was created to provide a competitive youth sports program right here in Southern Hillsborough County. Our roots trace back to 2019 with the launch of our travel basketball program, and we’ve been growing ever since. Today, we are thrilled to expand our reach by offering competitive basketball for boys and girls (3rd grade- high school) in the local community.
Paul’s vision is backed by 30 of sports experience. A former high school and college basketball player, he transitioned his love for the game into a successful coaching career at the middle and high school levels. His leadership extends far beyond the sidelines; Paul has served as an Athletic Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Greensboro, NC, and held Assistant Center Director roles in Fayetteville, NC, and Winter Haven, FL.
A graduate of St. Petersburg College, Paul combines his background in General Studies and Sports Medicine with years of youth sports expertise to create a safe, fun, and competitive environment where young athletes can truly shine.
Nicole Cooper- Johnson - Vice President
As the Co-Founder of Bright Stars Sports and Entertainment LLC, Nicole is the heart and engine behind the scenes. While the action happens on the court, Nicole ensures that the experience is world-class for every athlete and parent involved. With over 20 years of experience in banking and management, she brings a level of professional precision. Her "safety-first" approach means that our organization is built on a solid foundation, allowing our coaches to focus on the game while she focuses on providing a sustainable, high-quality experience for our community.
A proud graduate of The University of New Orleans with a degree in Business Management. By managing every administrative facet with a "safety-first" mindset, she creates a seamless, stress-free environment that allows our coaches to focus on mentoring and our players to focus on having fun. Nicole is a firm believer in the power of youth sports to build character. Her goal is to ensure that every parent feels confident in our organization’s leadership and that every season is organized, professional, and focused on the success of our players.