By Bradley Welborn
PINEVILLE – Concentration and an intense focus are the reason Louisiana College’s softball team leads in multiple defensive categories this season.
To maintain that edge, it is not uncommon to see some Lady Wildcats with colorful bows in their hair, headbands, sunglasses or eye black which helps to reduce the glare and enables them to see the ball better. Some even apply a little ‘face paint.’
Perhaps no ‘face paint’ is more noticeable than that of Wildcat second baseman Jessica Johnson, who for the past year has drawn a cross on each of her cheeks before every game.
“I started doing it last year, and I just put it on my face because crosses are a good reminder for me,” said Johnson. “Before I go up to bat, I draw a cross on the ground because it reminds me no matter what the outcome is, whether I strike out or get a hit, that doesn’t determine my identity in Christ.
“And when I’m on defense, after every play or maybe even after every pitch, I draw a cross in the dirt,” Johnson continued. “I do it to help me calm down, relax and get rid of any fears or anxieties I might be feeling. I draw a cross to assure me there’s no fear in God and we’re playing for His Kingdom.”
Whether by happenstance or not, she homered against Texas-Tyler’s standout pitcher, one of the country’s best, after drawing a cross in the dirt. The home run not only gave the Lady Wildcats the lead late in the game but her trip around the bases helped her to achieve a personal goal.
“As soon as it came off the bat all I thought was, ‘Oh man, run!’ Then I looked up and saw that it went over and I was shocked,” said Johnson. “One of my goals this year has been to hit one out.”
While the home run, the second of her career at LC, did prove significant and was the attainment of a personal goal, it went much deeper than an athletic accomplishment.
“My freshman year I hit one out and my immediate thought was ‘This is for my grandma,’ ” said Johnson. “She was my biggest supporters. She always came to my games before she passed away so that was one of my goals when I came to college. So, it meant a lot when I hit a homer for her.
“Well, my grandpa passed away this past November and so my goal this year was to hit a home run for him. When I hit that home run against Tyler that was my immediate thought and it was definitely an answered prayer for me,” said Johnson. “We are going to take the ball and put it on his grave next to the one I hit my freshman year on my grandmother’s.”
LC Coach Lyn Bankston, who was quite familiar with the talented Johnson, who played ball at Buckeye High School in Deville, from his time coaching high school softball at Winnfield, knows she is one of those special players on and off their field.
“No question, she’s pretty special. She was special in high school and she’s only gotten better in college. She is having quite a career,” said Bankston.
“Jessica fits the profile of what I see in a second baseman. Good lateral quickness. She can go behind second and get those little balls behind her or run down those little popups in the infield,” Bankston continued. “She can cover first on a bunt really well. Her quickness and speed has been a major asset to us.”
As good as Johnson is on the softball field she may be even more impressive in the classroom.
She will graduate in May with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Social Work in just three years. She has been a consistent member of the Dean’s List at Louisiana College and already has been accepted to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches to pursue her Masters in Clinical Psychology.
“I’ve taken 16 or 18 hour loads each semester, even during the season, so it’s tough, but definitely God’s given me the strength to get through it. I’ve pulled several all nighters to get school work done, but if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right.”
One of the things Jessica Johnson will remember most about her time at Louisiana College are the bonds and relationships she has built with her teammates.
For the third year in a row, Johnson will be a Sports Quest Representative in Baton Rouge this summer helping coach inner-city kids in the Gardere neighborhood where she will share the Gospel with hundreds of kids by incorporating the love of God into skills and training for the game of softball.
“From my freshman year to my senior year I’ve seen growth and development in my walk with Christ. I feel like I’m so much stronger in my relationship with God,” said Johnson. “I’ve got my family, my friends, the people I’ve met here, and my teammates who have helped me along the way.
“Jade [senior outfielder Jade Johnson from East Beauregard High School in DeRidder] has helped so much with my walk and has been a role model for me as well,” said Johnson
Along with teammates Abby Maillet, Jade Johnson, and Ellen Bairnsfather, Johnson is down to just a handful of games remaining in her collegiate careers. For her, softball has been a game she has played non-stop since the age of 12, but she is using that to push herself even more.
“I realize this is the last home series and it is kind of sad and I’m trying not to think about it or I will get emotional,” said Johnson. “But softball pushes me even more to give my best and play with everything. It’s bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed my time playing here and I wish I could play more and I’m going to miss it for sure but I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had.”
One of the things she will remember most about her time at Louisiana College are the bonds and relationships she has built with her teammates.
“I have built many special bonds with my teammates but I have also been able to build and grow in my relationship with God,” said Johnson. “I have learned how to play for His glory.
“You want to let your light shine; you have people watching you 24/7 so you want to set an example for others to see,” she continued.
“My motto this year has been ‘to give it all you’ve got because this is it,’ Johnson continued. “The thing I am mindful of is when your mentality may be to give up, it is time to give it all to God because He gave it all for you.”
