The life of an all-conference college baller is not one that is easy to obtain. Born and raised in Statesville, NC, Briana “Bri” Johnson is currently a Catawba College Women’s Basketball athlete finishing her junior season. As she enters her final colligate season, she is no longer a stranger on the court. Johnson got a head start on her basketball career at the age of 5. She attended North Iredell High school where she was a four-year varsity starter. While in high school, she scored the 1000th point of her career and was county player of the year in 2011.
In 2012, Johnson began her collegiate basketball career when she signed to Belmont Abbey College located in Belmont, North Carolina. Johnson played in eight games and scored a season high of seven points against Mount Olive. However, due to circumstances with the Belmont Abbey head coach, Johnson transferred to Catawba College after her freshmen year. Johnson discovered Catawba through her step-dad who was in contact with the Catawba Women’s Basketball assistant coach, Terrance Baxter. Johnson states “I didn’t like Catawba at first but I realized it was the best thing I could have done because I got to learn the system.” Johnson redshirted her first year due to compliance rules with NCAA regarding transferring.
Johnson began her career at Catawba College in 2013. In the 2014-2015 season, Johnson was named two team all-conference player in the South Atlantic Conference. This was Johnson’s first season playing after being redshirted the year before. This 2015-2016 season, Johnson was named the South Atlantic Conference preseason 1st team all-conference. She has also been named the player of the week in her conference. She is also one of the leading scorers for the Lady Indians.
Despite all of her basketball achievements, the hustle of a college baller does not end on the courts. Her academics have always been the best, as she maintains above a 3.0-grade point average. Catawba College head coach, Angie Morton said, “Johnson is a great example what hard work will do for you.” Johnson is majoring in exercise science.
Johnson’s motivation and love for the game demonstrates her ability to work hard on the court and in the classroom. Along with playing ball for a Division 2 college, Johnson also coaches youth in her community to help them better their basketball skills. With the continuous support from her parents at every game, Briana Johnson strives to achieve the most success and benefit the Lady Indians Basketball Team.
