Pretty much everything Emma Johnson touched in her senior year of high school seemed to turn to gold.
During the 2014-15 season, the former Immaculata multi-sport star helped the Mustangs capture three B.C. high school girls’ titles—volleyball, basketball and soccer.
Johnson was a standout for the Mustangs at every provincial tournament, winning the Golden Boot Award (top scorer) in soccer, the top defensive player at the B.C. AA basketball championship, while earning second-team all-star honours at the B.C. A volleyball finals.
The 18-year-old Immaculata grad’s athletic exploits were acknowledged earlier this month, as Johnson was named Sport BC’s Female High School Athlete of the Year.
She was chosen ahead of Abbotsford multi-sport athlete Callum Pilgrim and Mission wrestler Alexia Seal.
“It was pretty surprising, there were some really strong athlete finalists in their respective fields, so I didn’t see this coming,” said Johnson, who recently completed her first season with the UBC Okanagan women’s basketball team. “It’s obviously a really nice honour.”
Mustangs’ basketball coach Dino Gini said athletes with Emma Johnson’s blend of talent and drive are few and far between.
“One of the most complete athletes I have coached…strength, quickness, explosiveness and leadership,” said Gini. “Most importantly a great person with a determination to succeed like no other athlete I have coached. Such a pleasure to coach and watch grow.”
Growing up in a sports-oriented home with three active sisters—Olivia, Hannah and Kate—Johnson couldn’t have asked for a better environment to nurture her skills and enjoy all that athletics have to offer.
Most importantly, Johnson said there has been plenty of support along the way, from family, coaches and friends alike.
“I’m really lucky because I have great family support systems, I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “When you go after dreams in team sports, the successes aren’t just your own, it’s winning with and and playing for other people that’s really so rewarding.
“My (high school) coaches were all great, too,” Johnson added. “They were all motivating factors for me and helped me all along the way.”
In addition to her decorated high school athletic career, Johnson was equally proficient in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her five years at Immaculata while also being placed on the Principal’s List and Special Merit List for academic achievement.
