(Originally written for The Oregonian SW Weekly section and published online Dec. 18, 2013 at: ASHLEY JOHNSON SPORTS SPOTLIGHT- Oregonian -Oregonlive.com)
By CORNELIA BECKER SEIGNEUR
on December 18, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Ashley Johnson
Age: 17
Hometown: West Linn
Grade/School: 12/West Linn High School
Team Name: West Linn Lions
Coach: Lisa Griffith
Position in that sport: Point guard/shooting guard
Highlights of season so far: “Our second game of the season, we beat St. Mary’s Academy, the number one ranked team in the state. I scored 16 points and thankfully one of our guards, Sidney Kolasinski sunk her last two free throws to win the game. Our goal is to make it to the Moda Center this year, and win the state title. We come into the gym every day ready to work hard and get the job done. My team wouldn’t be where we are without our amazing coaching staff and their passion for the game.”
How she got started: “I started playing basketball in second grade at a skills camp, taught by the West Linn varsity girls basketball players. I played multiple sports as a kid but I always stuck with basketball. Basketball is a passion of mine and I have learned a lot from my dad who played basketball all of his life.”
Coach’s advice: “My coach has always said to work hard and play “West Linn Basketball.” We do this by giving 100 percent every time we step on the floor and by working together as a family. Family is the main focus of our program, and we always strive to succeed collectively.”
Favorite part of sport: “I love to shoot three pointers and hear the crowd cheer when I make my shots.”
Favorite meal the night before the big event: “My favorite meal is teriyaki chicken and rice from ‘Oh Teriyaki’ the night before a game.”
Off-season? “Basketball is my main sport and I play year-around. I play golf for fun.”
Rules to live by: “Stay true to yourself.”
Memorable advice and who said it: “My coaches have always told me to never stop shooting the ball even when I’m not hitting my shots. This advice has always helped me continue to persevere and not give up.”
Other interests: “I am extremely focused on academics and participate in many school activities. I am a part of National Honors Society, Link Crew, and Leadership. Outside of school, I am a West Linn Youth Basketball referee, and I love to travel with my family.”
On her iPod: “I listen to pop music and songs by Drake.”
Favorite books/movie: “My favorite book is The Great Gatsby and my favorite movie is Pitch Perfect.”
The one thing someone may not know about her: “I served on a mission trip in Managua, Nicaragua my freshman year of high school with my youth group from church. It was a life-changing experience.”
