Question: Wasn’t it hard on the boys’ egos back in those Little League days to know you were the team’s best catcher?
Johnson: “I think they were glad to have me back there. The opposing teams knew you better kind of watch out because I sort of had a reputation in the league. I wasn’t mean or anything like that. I was a very nice little girl, but athletically I was known through the league. I think everyone was kind of happy to have me on their team.
“I always played up a league (for my age). As a 10-year-old in the majors, I hadn’t hit any over (the fence) but I hit several to it. Once I went to softball, coaches have said I have a baseball swing that has changed into softball. I still have a little bit of a baseball swing, but not as much.”
Question: How did you make the move to shortstop?
Johnson: “I started playing softball in the fourth grade around age 11. I had finished my baseball season and my cousin was playing softball and they needed players. I tried out and didn’t promise anything and decided to give it a shot. I think they had me at third base in the beginning and then I was in center field at practice just shagging balls and I ended up becoming a center fielder for a while. Then I was second base for a long time and coach decided to switch me to shortstop and it kind of stuck. When I came to Kentucky, I played third base for a year. So I have played a little bit of everywhere. I played a summer at first base. I am a jack-of-all trades. I definitely have knowledge of most positions.”
Question: Have you just always been blessed with a strong throwing arm?
Johnson: “I have. I am not sure where it comes from, but I guess it is a blessing to have.”
Question: When you are not playing softball, what will you do?
Johnson: “I am kind of a workout junkie. I like to work out a lot. I like to relax. I am really low key. Shopping on occasion. Reading, it has to interest me. If I don’t like it, I will close it and go do something else. Anything athletically I like. I play Frisbee.”