The moment Leia Johnson steps onto the field, she knows who she’s playing for. “We know people care, and we have people to play for. Everyone shows up to the games to come and support,” she said. As a 17-year-old senior at Porum High School, Leia values her community’s support and uses it as motivation to give her best effort every game.
Leia’s softball journey started early. “I started playing softball when I was four with the Pink Pistols and loved it ever since.” Watching her older brother play baseball also fueled her desire to step into the sport. “It made me want to start playing softball.” Over the years, her passion has only grown, as has the bond with her teammates. “We’ve all been playing together forever, and it’s so fun.”
On the field, Leia takes pride in her versatility and leadership. “I am the power hitter, I clean up the bases, I play third and pitcher, and anywhere else the team needs me.” Preparation is key to her role. “I prepare for it by practicing and hitting,” she shared, balancing her time between hitting in the cage, practicing with her team, and doing individual lessons.
While Leia has achieved much success, the road hasn’t always been easy. “I thought about quitting and got in my head really bad, but I never gave up and pushed through it.” Her perseverance has paid off with memorable moments, like “beating teams that a lot of people thought we wouldn’t beat and going to play at the Hall of Fame Stadium.”
Leia’s future ambitions reflect both her love for the game and her desire to help others. “Out of softball, I want to go to college or play college softball and give lessons to young athletes,” she said. She also plans to enlist in the military, showing her dedication to serving beyond the field.
Grateful for the people in her life, Leia highlights the impact of her parents and coach Keely Hallman. “My parents both work and show up to the games and still support. Coach Hallman wants us to be the best we can be and shows us how capable we are.”
As Leia reflects on her career, she’s most proud of her personal and team growth. “I am most proud of how far I have come as a player and my team and how much I have succeeded throughout the years.”
