Assistant Athletic Director Sarah Johnson steps out on the hardwood court. Her worn out athletic shoes squeak as she walks out to the center of gym and begins stretching. 1. Breathe. 2. Breathe. 3. Breathe. For Johnson this is routine. This is her natural habitat. Sports and exercise have always been part of her life and always will be.

Last year, Johnson’s title was Event Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. This year she is taking on the the job as Assistant Athletic Director.

“I was looking to stay in the realm of administrative jobs and sports and the job [Sion] had open kind of fit for me,” Johnson said. “This is where I wanted to be and this position kind of evolved into what I wanted it to be.”

Johnson has an extensive background in sports starting with playing volleyball in college at Pittsburg State University. While there, she got a job in the academic compliance office for the athletic department. After graduation Johnson’s first job was in college admissions working with student athletes as they transitioned to college.

“I love the team aspects of sports. I’ve never been the best player but I enjoy the friendships that you make along the way,” Johnson said.

As to what she wants to do and bring to this position, Johnson has a lot of ideas brewing.  Not only is she trying to take on the day to day priorities like transportation, officials and team logistics, but she is also trying to start and promote more wellness programs at Sion.

“We have Storm Fit, the strength and conditioning program [and] I am bringing in a yoga instructor once a week on Tuesday mornings,” Johnson said. “Also, I am starting a college recruitment for student athletes who are interested in playing sports in college with Ms. Stein.”

Johnson is also the Junior Varsity volleyball coach which she says helps her be more a part of the girls’ experience at Sion. Johnson has loved the sport since her mom sent her to volleyball camp the summer of her sixth grade year. And she has the same philosophy coaching it as when she did playing it.

“I love this sport because of the life lessons it taught me and the people it brought into my life,” Johnson said. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know the girls, get to know their families and teach them life skills through sports.”

Students try to take what they learn from Johnson on the court, into their lives.

“She is definitely on my list of top 10 coaches,” Sophomore Ava Rawson said. “Her love for each player is rivaled only by her love for Justin Timberlake.”

Teaching students about life lessons is what Johnson loves most about her job. Being able to watch her players grow through sports is important to her.

“There are two things in your life you can control everyday: attitude and effort,” Johnson said. “I truly believe that on the court, in life [and] in general, the opportunity to be able to teach them those things, that are important for the game but translate over into life …  I love that part of [my job].”