News Spotlights
Spotlight 1:
Anna Johnson, Academic All-American
Being somewhat shy, Anna Johnson wasn't sure college was for her, but because of MCC-Blue River's small class sizes and location, Anna decided to enroll. Two years later, Anna was named and Academic All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), recognizing both her academic and athletic achievements.
"Working hard and trying your best really does pay off," said Anna.
Being a part of the woman's soccer team, taught Anna many valuable lessons. "Going to school and playing sports, you deal with a lot of different issues," said Anna. "Soccer taught me to focus while dealing with the other issues. I also learned how to be a part of a successful team."
Anna also values her time off the soccer field and in the classroom.
"The staff at MCC-Blue River was really good," said Anna. "The instructors were available and supportive. My experience at MCC-Blue River helped boost my confidence."
Dr. Jon Burke, MCC-Blue River's dean of student development and acting athletic director, nominated Anna for the honor and says she is a great example of balancing life as both a student and an athlete. This year over 1,300 NJCAA student-athletes met the requirements for the individual academic honors while over 340 teams qualified for academic team accolades.
"At MCC-Blue River, our athletes are students first," said Burke. "We put strategies in place to help our student athletes be successful both on and off the field."
Brad Childers, women's soccer coach, recalls that during late-season tournament play, Anna filled in as goalie. "Anna stepped out of her comfort zone," said Childers. "She was a leader on the field and served the team well."
But it wasn't just during that game that Anna excelled. There are several words in women's soccer team creed such as "smart, strong and self-disciplined" that help create the team's core values. According to Childers, Anna is a great example of all of these.
Anna will continue her education at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. this fall where she will major in piano pedagogy. She hopes to teach piano in the future.
For more information visit the MCC-Blue River soccer site or call 816.604.6422.