The Lady Rams have already improved from last season, achieving a 13-7 overall record and 10-4 in conference games so far. The success has been a team effort, but senior guard Rachel Johnson has played a big role in leading the team. She scored her 1,000th college career point on Jan. 8 at West Liberty University.
Johnson has been playing basketball since she was 11, and has looked to her parents as role models on and off the court. She tried out for middle school basketball with a friend, fell in love with the sport, and it has been her passion ever since. She’s been aiming for the 1,000 point mark.
“This was a goal I had set for myself from the beginning,” she said. “I scored over one thousand in high school as well, so my next big goal was to do the same in college.”
The big improvement for the team could not have come at a better time for Johnson. The senior from Frederick, Md., wants the most out of this season.
“In the past year I have improved by playing each game like it is my last because this is my year. I don’t take basketball for granted as much,” Johnson said.
In addition to her own improvements, she has big goals for the team this year.
“My number one goal is to go out with a conference championship, since this is my last opportunity to do so,” she said.
Johnson and the Rams have eight games left in the season, giving them time to reach her goal.
She and the rest of the team have their next opportunity to continue improving their record on Feb. 2 when they travel to West Virginia Wesleyan College to take on the Cougars. This is part of a three game series on the road. Ram fans will have an opportunity to see the girls in action at home again on Feb. 12.