Dylan Buchanan
“It feels absolutely incredible,” Johnson said of her accomplishment. “I have been blessed to have been able to play with the teammates I have and been honored to have been coached by some outstanding people. I could not have reached this point in my career without my team and coaches, and it is an honor to be able to be in the EMU record book.”
Johnson’s years at school have been productive and busy. She played two sports (volleyball and softball) her first two years at EMU, after playing three sports while she was in high school.
“I am a very competitive and dedicated teammate, meaning that if I didn’t get my work done in the classroom, I wasn’t able to play the sport I love,” Johnson said. “I definitely learned to manage my time and do what I needed to do so that I was able to be on the court or field helping my team be successful.”
“[Jasmine] is the true definition of a leader,” said junior hitter Erin Brubaker. “[She is] incredibly hard working and sets a strong example for us to follow.”
Over the summer, Johnson did all she could to come into her senior season in the best possible shape.
“I wanted this to be my best season yet, physically and mentally. Over the summer, I lost 35 pounds in order to help be in the best physical shape I could be for my senior season,” she said. “Mentally, I knew nothing could stop me from playing this year and helping my team be successful.”
Johnson’s coach, Carrie Bert, appreciates her dedication to progress.
“She came in with the ability to play as a freshman, but has grown athletically and as a leader during that time,” said Bert. “I’ve never coached someone with such an innate understanding of the game. She is passionate and competitive, pushing her teammates and encouraging them both vocally and in how she plays. Her teammates trust, respect, and admire her, and that’s what I’d hope of any senior … I’m not sure what we’ll do without her.”
Perhaps they won’t have to do without her, however. Johnson is majoring in psychology and currently doing an internship with a school counselor, and hopes to return to EMU.
“I am loving it,” Johnson said. “So, I am hoping to pursue a career with a counseling degree. My hope for after graduation is to be able to come back to EMU as a grad assistant and be able to help volleyball while getting my masters in the counseling program.”
Student athletes don’t have much in the way of free time, but Johnson optimizes on what she has. “I love to hang out with my friends, watch Netflix, and listen to music when I have those free moments.”
Johnson is excited to see First-year Rachel Sauder works to clear the ball away from the goal and up the field during Wednesday’s match against Lynchburg. what her team can accomplish this year.
“My overall goal for this season is for us to make it to the ODAC Tournament. We have not been since I have been here, and I want it so so so bad.”
The volleyball season is far from over, so stay tuned for more.
