By Derrick Smith

During an athlete’s career, they make a lot of memories with their teammates and have some moments on the field that they will not forget. Jaci Johnson says that her most memorable moment on the field was when she and her teammates fought hard for a playoff victory. 

“The highlight of my career would have to be during the regional semifinals,” she said. “We were down by four and we rallied our way as a team to get the bases loaded. I was on second base and one of my teammates hit a grand slam. We ended up getting one more run that inning and winning the game. That experience was one I will never forget because we fought to the end and felt that all of our trials and struggles through the season paid off.”

Johnson is a senior at Tonkawa High School. She is a member of the softball and basketball teams and also serves as a manager for the baseball team. 

There have been people throughout her life and career that have been impactful on Jaci’s life. But she says that there is one person that has always been a role model for her.

“The biggest influence in my life is my mom,” she said. “She has shown me how to navigate through life with confidence in myself and my decisions. She also helps me keep a level head and to always have faith that God is in control.”

Becoming the best athlete that she can be has required a lot from Johnson, but she says that it is worth it when the work starts paying off.

“Practicing is the biggest factor in my success,” she said. “But also a positive and patient mindset is a necessity in succeeding in softball.”

Outside of athletics, Johnson is active in other groups throughout the campus and community. She is a member of the Student Council, Extended Studies, the Humanitarian Club, the National Honor Society, and she is also a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Blackwell.