Arriana Johnson '19 Recruiting Profile

I am a 6’0” small forward / center that has played for Norcross High School, grades 9^th – 11^th, and will now play for Alpharetta High School, where I will complete my senior year. I will start by being as transparent as possible. I only just learned how to play basketball at 14 years of age, and I understand that this may perhaps be a little off-putting to some coaches. However, please allow me to provide some backstory and tell you more about who I am, my journey, and the plans I have for my future endeavors.

My 9^th grade year was the first time I would step foot on a basketball court, and it was apparent. I was out of shape, uncoordinated, and didn’t know how to dribble a ball to save my life. As a result, I endured a lot of skepticism and underestimation of my capabilities as a player, understandably so. However, I’m not one who gets easily discouraged; so with only a few months left before tryouts, I began learning how to play basketball, educating myself on the game and training my body day in and day out.

I was very dedicated to making the team, and so I did. I was now playing for a state championship winning school. To me, this is a true testament that hard work, dedication, and resilience can be rewarded. I must admit it was challenging at first, competing against girls who’d been playing since they were 4 or 5 years old but that did nothing but fuel me. Playing with highly skilled individuals have driven me to redefine my game and evolve as a player. My progression has allowed me to develop a well-rounded set of athletic skills and what I lack in experience, I make up for with resilience and grit.

I’ve worked extremely hard both on and off the court. Although I love playing basketball, my education is at the core of all that I do. I have a 3.0 GPA and I a member of the Student Council. I’m also a member of the Best Buddies Program, which creates buddy pairs between students with and without disabilities.

I envision my college years to be a personal growth period. My goal is to explore a nursing major that will position me well for medical school. I would be beyond ecstatic and appreciative if given the opportunity to obtain my degree all while playing collegiate basketball. On the court, I plan to be a dynamic player and a positive influence on the team. As I grow both physically and mentally throughout my college basketball career, I will strive to be an asset to the team. Most importantly, I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the court, knowing that the way I carry myself reflects my team, my coaches, and the school I attend.