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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Ally Johnson (Underwood)

By Craig Olson, 04/29/20, 7:00PM CDT

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Underwood senior Ally Johnson was a member of both the volleyball and basketball teams for the Rockets throughout her high school career. 

Her volleyball coach Diane Ross said, “Ally was a 3 year starter on our Rocket Volleyball team.  She trained hard in the off season to become a more physical player.  Her leadership demeanor was very valuable to our team both on and off the court. She has a genuine concern for everyone and demonstrates that throughout our practices and matches, by maintaining a positive attitude and offering encouragement to her teammates.”

Her days of competing in sports are behind her, but she is planning on attending Minnesota State University – Moorhead in the fall, working toward a degree in Speech Language Hearing Sciences.

“My favorite sports memory would have to be making it to the section finals in basketball my sophomore year,” said Johnson. “Nothing beats that feeling of being a part of a buzzer beater, and having that buzzer beater push you to sections was even better!”

“Ally is an extremely hard worker and a great teammate, she has been a joy to work with the past few years,” noted Underwood Girls Basketball Coach Brian Hovland.  “She worked really hard to contribute to our team both on and off the floor.  My best memory of her is when she hit the game winner at the buzzer vs. Wheaton at home this year, the look on her face was priceless and is something I will never forget.”

“Sports have impacted my life in countless ways,” shared Johnson.  “The first is how sports have connected me with friends, family and my community.  I was able to make many important relationships throughout my sports journey.  The second is the lessons I learned from sports.  I value and understand teamwork, work ethic, leadership and time management much more since participating in volleyball and basketball.  The last way sports have impacted me is how they both shaped me as individual.  Sports taught me to be confident and how to own up to my mistakes.  I would not be me if I did not play both of these sports.”

In the classroom she enjoyed College Ceramics, Independent Art and College Writing as her favorite subjects.

“Not being able to go to school this spring has been a struggle, knowing I am missing out on so many memories that others have made,” acknowledged Johnson.  “The thought that keeps me positive is knowing I am protecting others I love by staying home.  Having social media is a plus too, because I can still contact my fellow classmates and keep in touch with them through the pandemic.”

To the underclassmen, Johnson has this advice, “cherish every moment you have.  Even when you don’t want it to, time keeps ticking, so make sure you are taking advantage of every second.”