Jalavia Johnson '18 Recruiting Profile

When I first began my athletic career volleyball was the first sport I played. I started a couple of years later than the girls around me. They'd all begun developing who they were as players and I didn't even know the basics. Instead of giving up the moment I realized I was way behind the curve, I learned everything about the sport as fast as I could, and then got in shape as fast as I could. Before I knew it I was a starter leading my team. This experience not only helped me develop who I was as an athlete but as a student as well. My academics have always been pretty strong but my sports experience taught me that I could make anything a reality if I was willing to push for it including my academic goals.

My parents played a large role in this as well. They always raised me and my brother to be respectful, and with the mindset that nothing is given and everything is earned. When I was younger there were lots of things that I wanted, but my parents made it clear that if I wanted it there would be work involved. Though, at times back then, I may have found this excessive or unnecessary I can't thank them enough today because its given me the drive and mindset to be successful in anything I pursue.