'The poster child for Sandpoint athletics'

SANDPOINT — Heaving the shot put.

Launching the discus.

Fielding grounders and pop flies.

Taking cuts in the batter’s box.

It was all in a day’s work for Sandpoint senior Christina Johnson, who played softball and ran track during the recently-concluded spring sports season, earning her school-record 11th and 12th varsity letters.

Johnson finished second in both the shot put and discus at the state meet last weekend, putting the finishing touches on a year chock full of volleyball, basketball, track and softball.

Earning 12 varsity letters — four in both track and basketball, three in volleyball and one in softball — was in Johnson’s sights since she was a little girl, when she confesses to always having a ball in her hand.

“It’s been my goal since I knew what it meant to earn a varsity letter; I’ve always wanted 12,” says Johnson, calling herself proud of the accomplishment. “It feels awesome. It’s cool to set a goal and achieve it.”

The recent two-sport spring was nothing new for Johnson, who doubled up on different sports numerous times while playing at the high school and club levels. While it was tough having to sacrifice one sport for the other at times, and hustling from one venue to the next, Johnson wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

She was unable to pick a favorite among the four sports she played this year, calling them all memorable.

“I just like competing in general, I wish I could do more,” describes Johnson, giving a shout out to the home crowds. “Sandpoint has a great group of supporters; fun to play in front of.”

Johnson lists a state championship in volleyball as a junior among her favorite memories. She was the captain of the Bulldog basketball team for the past two years, earning the respect of head coach Lance Bruce, who called her the most dedicated athlete he’s ever coached.

Sandpoint volleyball head coach Karen Alsager coached Johnson for three years, developing a respect for her outside hitter as both an athlete and a person.

“She is the poster child for Sandpoint athletics. If we had to pick one athlete to represent our school, not just on the court but in the classroom, it would be her,” believes Alsager. “She’s kind of a throwback to the way athletes used to be, respectful and hard-working, and a lot is due to her upbringing.”

Johnson grew up working on the family farm, developing a strength and toughness evident in every sport she plays. She rose to the occasion in the shot put at the state meet, throwing a personal best and leading until the final throw.

She plans to enroll at the University of Idaho next year, where she plans to study agricultural science and compete in the throwing events for the Vandal track team. The Idaho track coaches have sent her a weightlifting packet, and she is eager to start getting stronger in hopes of competing at the college level.

“Her dream is to go throw for Idaho. She needs to get stronger and quicker, and I’m sure she’ll put in the time and be successful,” said Bulldog track coach Dave DeMers, who watched Johnson make it to state four straight years in the discus. “She’s been a cornerstone and foundation for our program for four years. You can’t replace her.”