Story courtesy FAN ZONE by Wendy
Photo by Ty Hortsman – Panther Vision
“No matter what lies ahead, God is faithful.”
For Jordan Johnson, a freshman at Stigler, those words guide her through every day of her life. Even with the delays that students are enduring, Jordan has already achieved greatness just in the six months she has graced the halls at SHS.
Like most first-year high school students, Jordan is learning to find her way and has continued to play the sports she loves: softball and basketball. The young lady has already etched her name in the school’s history as a member of the first fastpitch softball team to make it to the state playoffs.
“It felt unreal. I couldn’t believe that I get to play with such a great group of girls,” she said. “I will never forget the seniors that played their last game there. I remember how much fun we had on our way there and how awesome it all felt as we made history together. If given another shot at the title next season, we will be ready for that stage.”
Wearing the number 23 jersey for both sports, Jordan has given her all, whether on the field or court. When asked what she loved most about being a Lady Panther, she didn’t hesitate to respond.
“The best thing about being a Lady Panther is the fact that we made history that no other softball group could and standing next to my best friends while we did it,” she said with a smile. “I am excited to see what our group of girls do in the next few years, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the basketball season holds.”
Jordan picked up her first basketball when she was seven years old. Since then, the freshman starter has honed her skills and has averaged nine points and four steals per game in her high school career.
“Jordan is a remarkable young lady. As a freshman, we have put a lot on her shoulders,” said SHS head basketball coach Gary Hollingshed. “Jordan never complains or makes excuses. Instead, she shows up every day with a leadership mentality and leads the team by example.”
For Jordan, this is just the beginning. In addition to state playoffs, she acquired All-District Softball and All-Tournament honors in the Sequoyah Tournament, for which she thanks her teammates.
“To be named All-Tournament was pretty exciting. I didn’t think I would be in the running, much less win,” said Johnson. “I could not have done it without my teammates. They are the ones that push me to be better and to fight longer.”
Next year Jordan plans to branch out into other activities. Who knows where her wings will take her. But no matter where she lands, greatness will surely follow.
