PARKERSBURG — At the urging of her siblings, Maia Johnson took up the sport of volleyball in middle school. It was the beginning of a career and laid the foundation that set Parkersburg South her senior on the path that would take her to the next level.
On Tuesday afternoon, Johnson confirmed her decision to join the women's volleyball program at Division III Salem University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“I always wanted to play volleyball, but I didn't really get into it until I was in sixth or seventh grade.” Mr. Johnson said. “My sisters played volleyball and because I was tall they always encouraged me to play volleyball. When I was in the sixth grade, I thought, why not? Since then, I stopped playing and… not here.”
Johnson concluded his high school career as a first-team all-state hitter in Class AAA after leading South to the state tournament for the first time in 11 seasons.
“I loved my time in the South.” Mr. Johnson said. “Playing volleyball with the girls is one of my fondest memories. My seniors, Jaslyn Dixon and Regan Parsons, were always so much fun. Probably my fondest memory is playing volleyball with the locals. We won and went to state. It was surreal to play in the state tournament.”
As for his athletic commitments at South, Johnson aims to join a strong group of Patriots in the high jump at the state meet. Before focusing on her volleyball, she played various sports in her youth, including track and field and softball.
She participated in the South Track program for the first time this year.
“I participated in track and field until junior high school, but I mainly played volleyball.'' Mr. Johnson said.
Salem College is a private women's liberal arts college founded as an elementary school in 1772, and its colonial atmosphere appealed to Johnson. She said her campus life reminded her of Boston, where her aunt lives.
“Salem University contacted me and we just started talking.” Mr. Johnson said. “They invited me to visit and I fell in love with the campus. It reminded me of Boston and I really like Boston.”
When she encountered the Spirits' volleyball program on a campus visit, she spoke with head coach Barry Reimer and other staff members. She was taken around town with the players and had a great time. This past season was the most productive year for the Spirits volleyball program, with records of 23-10 and 11-7 in the America South Conference.
“The coaching staff was very welcoming. I never felt uncomfortable with them.” Mr. Johnson said. “The girls, the team (that was a factor). They invited me to go shopping and eat with them and I couldn't resist. I loved this place. I really liked it. I think this is it.”
The medical field seems to be in the family genes, so it's no surprise that Johnson plans to major in biology and enter the pre-med field.
“My sister is a nurse. My brother is a dentist. His wife is a dermatologist and my other sister works in a pharmacy. I need to cover all the bases. That's what I thought. Mr. Johnson said.
Johnson's game also grew as a member of the Parkersburg-based Tribe Volleyball Club under director and coach Jeff Stanley.
“Volleyball-wise, playing travel ball really helped me practice. I definitely honed my skills.” Mr. Johnson said. “Team-wise, I definitely knew how to get along with people and how to think on the court. It brought me closer to a lot of people.”
Contact Kelly Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com