Alex Johnson Humbled by Sullivan Nomination
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Alex Johnson is one of the most accomplished student-athletes in University of Miami volleyball history.
The Tallahassee, Fla., native started every match of her Hurricane career, donning Miami’s orange and green colors in 125 matches. She finished her career ranked in the top ten in kills, points, assists, service aces, block assists, total blocks and digs in UM history.
Johnson is one of only two players in program history to record over 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in their career. She also appeared in four NCAA tournaments, playing a key role in maintaining the current five-year NCAA tournament streak for the Canes.
But Johnson’s long list of accolades continued to grow earlier this month when she was named one of 19 nominees for the 2013 James E. Sullivan Award, which honors the nation’s outstanding amateur athlete.
“It means a lot to me,” Johnson said of being among a prestigious group of nominees. “It’s always good to have your hard work recognized. To be honored among so many great athletes, including some high-profile names, is really great. It’s nice to know that people think you are on the same level as them.”
Given by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 and is based on character, leadership and sportsmanship. Notable recipients of the AAU Sullivan Award include: Mark Spitz, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Joyner, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, J.J. Redick, Tim Tebow, Shawn Johnson and Missy Franklin.
“I am proud of Alex’s accomplishments,” Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “She is a great player and great representative of our program. She has been a standout throughout her career and embodies the criteria of a Sullivan Award winner. I am very excited for her nomination and think she is very deserving.”
Johnson, who was an All-ACC performer, an All-Region player and All-America honorable mention in her time at Miami, says the nomination for the Sullivan Award ranks among her biggest achievements.
“This ranks right at the top with anything I have accomplished as an athlete,” Johnson said. “This is a prestigious award and knowing that your impact in the community plays a role in the nomination makes it mean a lot to me.”
Johnson was nominated by someone in her hometown of Tallahassee, which is also home to the Florida State Seminoles. Though she has spent the majority of the past four years in Coral Gables, the standout student-athlete has made an impact at home despite playing for the rival Hurricanes.
“I haven’t been home in Tallahassee much, so to see that people still feel I have an impact in the community there is special to me,” Johnson said. “It means a lot that they recognize me as an inspiration and a role model to the kids back home.”
An exemplary student, Johnson has earned a spot on the honor roll and dean’s list in every year at Miami and was a three-time All-ACC Academic selection. Johnson is scheduled to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Once she completes her undergraduate studies, she plans to continue her academic and athletic career.
“I made the decision to play beach volleyball and get my master’s degree,” Johnson said. “I’ve been training for that. I have a year to get ready so I am trying to prepare for that while finishing school here.”
Johnson’s next year will play a key role in her future. She will look to continue her success on the court and in the classroom to help her reach her ultimate goals.
“My goal is to become a CPA and work for an accounting firm,” Johnson said. “But I haven’t given up the hope of playing professional volleyball, yet. I am still trying to figure out what my next step is after I finish grad school.”
Former teammate Lane Carico, the only other player in Miami history to register over 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs, blazed the path Johnson is following. After completing her undergraduate degree at Miami, Carico went on to play beach volleyball while pursuing a master’s degree. She has gone on to become a sensation on the AVP’s Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, winning the Newcomer of the Year award after a stellar debut.
“I can remember watching Lane in the same position I was,” Johnson said. “It’s all about the drive you have to succeed. Seeing Lane and what she has done inspires me as I get ready for this.”
Voting for the 84th Annual AAU Sullivan Award will consist of an online ballot, the AAU Sullivan Committee, the National Governing Bodies of Sport in the U.S.A. and the D-I Sports Information Directors.
The results of the online ballot will account for one-third of the athlete’s overall score. The athletes were nominated by someone who thought they fit the requirements of outstanding athletic ability, strong character, leadership and sportsmanship. The public can cast their vote by going to www.aausports.org. Voting will remain open until March 23rd at 11:59 EST.
Three finalists will be named no later than March 28 and the winner will be announced April 11 at an awards ceremony at the AAU National Headquarters in Orlando.
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