ASU Volleyball Team's Sarah Johnson Looks To Take Sun Devils to New Heights
Senior Sarah Johnson isn’t just the libero on Arizona State University’s
women’s volleyball team, she is also a vital part of the team’s
campaign for an NCAA championship this year, bringing valuable
leadership and experience to the young squad.
“I think few people see, and even less understand, the role SJ plays on
our team,
said Head Coach Jason Watson. “ While she's easily identified as our
libero, her leadership role is less visible. The direction she
provides, the competitive intensity she brings everyday and the drive to
perfect her position - those are the qualities I associate with her.”
This year, Johnson is looking forward to a long run in the NCAA
tournament, thanks to the help of some talented recruits. “Last year we
struggled, and that definitely made me stronger as a player, playing
through the tough times and battling over and over each game. Now that
I’m a senior I have to step up and help the underclassmen realize it
will take a lot of work to get where we want to be,” said Johnson.
Coach Watson is proud of Johnson’s continued improvement on the court.
“She has embraced the competitive nature of our gym and the Pac-10. I
believe we'll see the best from her this coming season. I know that she
wants to ensure she leaves our program better than when she entered.”
Originally for Phoenix, Johnson began playing club volleyball at age 12
before going on to play for Sunnyslope High School where she was a state
champion and named 2nd Team All-Region her senior year. She says she
chose ASU because it gave her the opportunity to play in one of the
biggest conferences in the nation while staying close to home.
The Exercise and Wellness major has lofty goals for herself once her
playing days are over. “I want to go to grad school and start my own
business as a personal trainer for pregnant women. I know a lot of women
who have struggled with weight issues after they had kids, and I want
to help them reach their goals.”
As to what advice she would give to young girls who want to play
volleyball at the collegiate level, Johnson says, “nobody can tear you
down except yourself.”
When not competing for ASU, Johnson enjoys playing sand volleyball and
working out.
