Photo by: Jack McLaughlin
Badgering: Malayna Johnson
January 06, 2017 | Women's Basketball
Redshirt junior has earned the first starts of her career this season
MADISON, Wis. – For redshirt junior Malayna Johnson, starting for the Badger women's basketball team has proven to her just how far she has come.
The 6-4 post started her first game in the Cardinal and White against Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 8, recording a career high 18 points. She shot a career-best 9-10 from the field against the Devilettes while adding a season-high three blocks and two steals.
Johnson has started the last five games, averaging 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over the stretch. She led the Badgers in rebounds in two games. On the year, she ranks sixth on the team with 5.4 points per game and tied for fifth with 3.9 rebounds per game. Johnson also leads the team with 13 blocks, averaging 0.9 per game.
After missing last season with a knee injury, what did you learn watching the game from the bench?
"After sitting out last season, I figured out where my team could use me most. I also learned that although basketball is a physical game, it's really about having confidence. Truly believing in yourself that you can beat your opponent no matter the circumstances and then your body will follow your mind."
It took you a while to get back to full strength and play. Do you finally feel like you're back to your pre-injury status?
"Yes, I feel more comfortable playing without thinking about my knee. I feel as though I am starting to be more comfortable than before I was injured and was actually out on the court playing. I have been working on my game mentally and physically since I have been sitting out so that by this time I would be able to see improvements from my freshmen and sophomore seasons."
You've earned the first starts of your career. What's it like to hear your name announced at the start of a game?
"It's a great feeling hearing my name be announced. It helps me realize how far I have come from sitting out last year not being able to play. All the long nights I spent thinking about if I would ever see this day. It feels good to see the results after a year-long rehab."
Coach Jonathan Tsipis talks about players learning their roles on the team. What would you describe as your role?
"I would describe my role as coming in to grab rebounds and block shots. Rebounding and blocking shots gives my teammates more chances to score the ball. If they aren't able to score, they know they can find me on the open block and I will catch the pass."
Do you make New Year's resolutions? If yes, can you share one?
"Sometimes I make New Year's resolutions, but I do not always stick to them after about the third week into January. I think that change happens when one is ready not just because it's a new year."
Your major is rehabilitation psychology. What do you hope to do with your degree?
"I'm hoping to work with children with mental disabilities. I'm applying to grad school for social work so that I can be a middle school social worker. I enjoy working with children, especially if I can help a child in need of it most."
The 6-4 post started her first game in the Cardinal and White against Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 8, recording a career high 18 points. She shot a career-best 9-10 from the field against the Devilettes while adding a season-high three blocks and two steals.
Johnson has started the last five games, averaging 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over the stretch. She led the Badgers in rebounds in two games. On the year, she ranks sixth on the team with 5.4 points per game and tied for fifth with 3.9 rebounds per game. Johnson also leads the team with 13 blocks, averaging 0.9 per game.
After missing last season with a knee injury, what did you learn watching the game from the bench?
"After sitting out last season, I figured out where my team could use me most. I also learned that although basketball is a physical game, it's really about having confidence. Truly believing in yourself that you can beat your opponent no matter the circumstances and then your body will follow your mind."
It took you a while to get back to full strength and play. Do you finally feel like you're back to your pre-injury status?
"Yes, I feel more comfortable playing without thinking about my knee. I feel as though I am starting to be more comfortable than before I was injured and was actually out on the court playing. I have been working on my game mentally and physically since I have been sitting out so that by this time I would be able to see improvements from my freshmen and sophomore seasons."
You've earned the first starts of your career. What's it like to hear your name announced at the start of a game?
"It's a great feeling hearing my name be announced. It helps me realize how far I have come from sitting out last year not being able to play. All the long nights I spent thinking about if I would ever see this day. It feels good to see the results after a year-long rehab."
Coach Jonathan Tsipis talks about players learning their roles on the team. What would you describe as your role?
"I would describe my role as coming in to grab rebounds and block shots. Rebounding and blocking shots gives my teammates more chances to score the ball. If they aren't able to score, they know they can find me on the open block and I will catch the pass."
Do you make New Year's resolutions? If yes, can you share one?
"Sometimes I make New Year's resolutions, but I do not always stick to them after about the third week into January. I think that change happens when one is ready not just because it's a new year."
Your major is rehabilitation psychology. What do you hope to do with your degree?
"I'm hoping to work with children with mental disabilities. I'm applying to grad school for social work so that I can be a middle school social worker. I enjoy working with children, especially if I can help a child in need of it most."
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