ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Piper Johnson

Dr. Phillips High junior Piper Johnson is having one of her best lacrosse seasons yet and averaged four goals per game against Ocoee and Trinity Prep. She also scored a goal in the last minute of play to secure Dr. Phillips’ 11-10 victory over Trinity. 

How have you been doing so far this season?

It’s been my best season so far. Just being an upperclassman, I kind of feel like it’s my turn to take charge, and I see an improvement in myself. I was on a club team this summer, and I think it really helped improve me as a player.

What has the team’s chemistry been like this season?

It’s never been this great before. We’ve known each other for a long time, so I feel like it’s blending really well and everyone just loves each other, honestly. 

How did you get started playing lacrosse?

I started in fourth grade. I had just finished soccer, and my parents wanted me to get involved in some kind of sport. My sister brought a flier home from school one day for lacrosse. I had always played it a little bit every day in P.E. during school, so I tried it, and it just stuck. 

What is your club team?

Last summer, I was with a team called Rev, which is short for Revolution. They left Florida, so now I’m on a club team called Storm, and a lot of the girls on the team are on Storm, too.

What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch?

Probably track, because my whole family is a family of runners, and I ran track in ninth grade. I just love seeing the sprints.

What is your favorite team to play on your schedule?

Probably either West Orange or Olympia. Even though they’re our competitors, it’s a good game, and we can really see what we need to work on.

Do you have a favorite quote or lyric?

Probably “Everything happens for a reason.” So many events have occurred in my life, and I know it happens for some reason, and I’ve seen in the future that it does. I know that events in the past have happened to lead me to where I am now, and that’s what I go by.

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?

It’s kind of cheesy, but my parents! Especially my mom, she’s just such a strong figure in my life. She’s very athletic and prosperous in her job, and I really look up to her.

If your friends and family had to describe your personality in one word, what would it be?

I guess I would say caring. I just really like helping people. I’m in a class now where you help mentor special-needs kids, and I really like it. 

Do you have any plans for after high school?

I feel like I’ll know by this summer whether I want to play lacrosse in college or not, because I’m on a club team and I’ve been seeing colleges and whatnot, but I’m just not yet 100% sure of what I want to do yet.

What’s your current favorite TV show?

Either “The Office” or “Friends.” They’re always my favorite!