Jayah Johnson’s Freshman Year Has Set the Standard
Jayah Johnson Reflects on Championship Freshman Experience
Today, I have a freshman star out of Covington, Georgia, who attends Eastside High School where she helped the Eagles win a state championship in GHSA Class 4A. Jayah Johnson is a two-way player, shortstop, and pitcher, and has a great motor on the field.
I witnessed with my own eyes at Scenic City as she caught a runner between third and home and dove to tag her out. That showed me all I needed to know about her style of play and ability to get the job done no matter what.
Jayah took time out of her busy schedule of school and softball to tell me a bit about her freshman experience at Eastside, her outlook for the rest of her high school career, and how the travel space has treated her so far.
On her freshman year that ended in a state championship and a Region 8-AAAA First-Team selection, it was more than she expected.
“My freshman year was amazing, definitely more than I expected. Playing varsity right away pushed me to grow fast, both mentally and physically,” said Johnson.
Even in softball, teamwork is still huge. Yes, you can change the game with one swing or a dominant outing in the circle, but it still takes everyone. And it definitely helps to have great confidence.
“The biggest takeaway for me was learning how important teamwork and confidence are. You can’t play scared or try to do everything yourself; trusting your teammates makes a big difference,” she said.
Hunger for more is the phrase I think of when early success has been reached. How does it set the rest of your career? For Jayah, it’s motivated her even more to accomplish that feeling again with her team.
“It honestly still feels unreal. To win a state championship as a freshman and be part of something that special means a lot. It gave me so much motivation to keep working. It also showed me how much hard work and chemistry matter. The feeling of celebrating with my team is something I’ll never forget.”
The standard is set, and there is no way to accomplish great things without the hard work. She credits the coaches, who not only push for the best on the field but also care for them off the field.
“Our team holds a really high standard. Everyone shows up ready to work, from the seniors all the way down to the freshmen. Our coaches push us hard but they also care about us, on and off the field. They expect our best every day, and that’s what makes us successful.”
You always have someone that you look up to in the game that you play. For Johnson, she looks up to a four-time national champion who is also an Olympian, Jayda Coleman.
“I really look up to players like Jayda Coleman. She’s confident, a leader, and always brings energy to the game. I try to take that mindset with me, not being afraid to fail and staying positive no matter what’s going on. I always remind myself that my attitude and energy pass to my teammates.”
After seeing her play, that makes perfect sense. Lastly, I wanted to know how playing travel ball has helped her. Jayah is on Georgia Impact Premier McBay.
“Travel ball has helped me so much. The competition is tough, and it pushes me to be better every weekend. I’ve learned how to make quick adjustments and handle pressure,” she said. “Playing against top players from all over also helps me see where I want to get to and what it takes to play at the next level.”
Johnson’s road is just getting started, and with the standard and expectations that she has set for herself, she will be a name to watch for a very long time.
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