SPASH’s Johnson Looking For The Next Level

<p>A couple weeks ago we highlighted an upcoming senior, [player_tooltip player_id="32739" first="Kayla" last="Lass"], from Steven’s Point (SPASH) who recently committed to UW-Green Bay.  Lass operated under the radar during her recruiting process as a hidden gem, and she isn’t the only hidden gem out of SPASH.  In 2017, SPASH went 26-13 and placed 2^nd in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.  They will have a tremendous group of athletic upperclassmen this fall with a ton of experience.  One particular shining gem is their 2019 5’8” Middle Blocker/Pin Hitter, [player_tooltip player_id="33082" first="Gabby" last="Johnson"]. </p> <p>Johnson led SPASH in 2017 in blocks with 30 solo blocks and 71 block assists, and when you see this kid jump, you will understand why she is so dominant at the net-because she can fly.  With a 27" vertical Johnson is explosive, and with her fast arm swing and 9’6" block touch, she can bury the ball.  She was second on the team in hitting efficiency with .217 in 2017.  It’s no surprise she earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.  During the 2018 Club season she made the Wisconsin Ice 17 Purple squad and was a key piece in their success winning the JVA Wisconsin Cup 17/18s division. </p> <p>Johnson is not only a standout on the court but also a conference champion in the triple jump and runner-up in long jump for track and field.   She finished 10^th in long jump at the State Track and Field Championships in 2018 after qualifying with an 18’3” jump.  Johnson is in the middle of the recruiting process and searching for the best fit for her to compete in college. </p> <p>She is open to competing in both volleyball and track and field and has talked with multiple schools in the Midwest.  She wants to compete at the highest level possible and to be with a highly competitive program because she plays with a great deal of passion and intensity, going all out on every play.  Her hard work ethic is shown in the off-season with her running footwork and plyometric drills anytime she has the opportunity.</p> <p> Let’s get to know Gabby…</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What are you looking for in a school/program?</strong></p> <p>I am looking for a program that makes me feel at home while I’m there, and that is extremely competitive.</p> <p><strong>*Any idea what you might plan on majoring in?</strong></p> <p>I plan on majoring in something related to journalism.</p> <p><strong>*When did you decide you wanted to compete in volleyball or track in college?</strong></p> <p>The moment I started competing in sports.</p> <p><strong>*What are your goals for this fall season?</strong></p> <p>My goals are to be on top of the conference leaderboards in blocks and kills and lead my team to a conference championship and a trip to the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>*What has been the highlight of your volleyball career so far?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>The highlight of my volleyball career has been having the opportunity to be coached by my mother.</p> <p><strong>*Favorite Class</strong>- Gym class</p> <p><strong>*Favorite Outdoor Activity</strong>- Going to the beach</p> <p><strong>*Volleyball pet peeve</strong>- Lack of effort</p> <p><strong>*Favorite way to score a point in volleyball</strong>- Stuff block</p> <p><strong>*Favorite TV Show/Netflix Binge-</strong> Riverdale</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>*Favorite Game Prep Food- </strong>Pancakes for volleyball and waffles for track and field</p> <p><strong>*Favorite Professional or Collegiate Athlete- </strong>Lauren Carlini</p>