Coral Shores volleyball standout Kate Johnson recently accepted an athletic scholarship to continue her playing career at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg.
A two-time All-Monroe County player, Johnson helped the ’Canes to a district championship this past season. She chose Lake-Sumter over several other interested schools.
“I picked Lake-Sumter because it checked off everything on my list,” Johnson said. “When I went up there for my visit everything just clicked, and I knew then this is where I am going. I hope to graduate and play another two years.”
Johnson said she will study early education, with the goal to make a difference in kids’ lives.
“Through the process of trial and error I figured out I wanted to pursue a career in teaching kindergarten,” she said.
She credits many people for her success throughout her high school volleyball career that began her freshman year. She’s especially grateful to coaches Autumn Hager and Erin Kirkland for giving her a chance to play.
“After my first season of volleyball, I was hooked,” she said. “My mom sent me to volleyball camps over the summer, and I tried to take everything I learned and apply it to tryouts my sophomore year. I made varsity, and I was the starting middle blocker for my team. I still had a lot to learn. Later that year I started to play for Miami Elite volleyball club. I made new friends and learned many new skills as well as life lessons.”
Head varsity coach Kathy Ets-Hokin described Johnson as a powerful player at the net. She said Johnson’s years of dedication, determination and hard work paid off.
“She has continued to train off-season and played club for Miami Elite. Kate was a very instrumental player for our team. She was a captain, leader and team player,” Ets-Hokin said. “Kate has grown so much over the years and will continue to grow more in college. I am beyond happy for her and proud. Kate will be a great asset to Lake Sumter’s team.”
Kate’s mom, Debbie, was a college student-athlete. She said she always hoped that her kids would follow her footsteps.
“She is a true success story of going from knowing nothing about the sport her freshman year to being a college student-athlete by her senior year,” Debbi said. “Kate is a true leader and an example of how hard work pays off in the long run, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Rich Russell, Coral Shores athletic director, said there were moments late in the season when Johnson would take over games with her power, finesse and improved court vision.
“It’s really been fun watching Kate mature; she has made amazing progress as a person and as a player during her tenure at Coral Shores,” Russell said. “I salute Coach Ets-Hokin and her entire staff for their efforts. Most importantly, I salute Kate for the model she provided for other student-athletes. She’s a testament to the value of hard work, commitment, and goal setting.”
