Samantha Johnson plays volleyball and softball at Eastern Wayne, and she demonstrates an excellent team attitude on and off the court.

The Eastern Wayne senior, and this week’s Female Athlete of the Week, has made countless positive contributions to both teams.

“I started playing volleyball in my sophomore year, and I played softball, my freshman, through my junior year,” Johnson said. “My sister used to play volleyball, and I always wanted to play, so I tried out, and I went from there.”

Playing volleyball while still finding time to do her schoolwork, Johnson has managed to balance her athletic passion and academic obligations, although it has not been easy.

“I don’t see my friends as much as I used to, and that stinks,” Johnson said. “School is something that’s very important to me because I want to be successful in my life.”

The Warriors may not have won many games on the volleyball court, but the Warriors’ record is somewhat misleading. During Johnson’s time on the volleyball team, the Warriors bonded to become a family on and off the court, not just a volleyball team.

Last season, Johnson was second on the team in digs and third in aces. However, her role on the team goes beyond stats, Johnson’s value to the team is immense, and she has emerged as one of the team’s leaders.

“I like that when you’re on a team, you’re like a family,” Johnson said. “Volleyball is a safe place for me, and you get to meet friends and have a new family.”

Johnson, who plans on becoming a nurse practitioner, said she loves her teammates and coaches, and she cannot wait to get back on the court with them.

Focus is one of Johnson’s biggest strengths, and her focus is on display on and off the court. While many kids can struggle to focus on balancing work and school, Johnson spends her days working and making that balance look easy.

“I’ve been doing school all online, and it’s just different, and something you have to get used to,” Johnson said.

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