The people that we surround ourselves with can make an impact on who we are. Athletes are no different and Makayia Johnson says that she is thankful for those that have been in her corner and helped her get to where she is today.

“The biggest motivation in my life are my parents and my sister Kalayia,” she said. “They are most definitely my number one supporters. My mom is a role model that I look up to because she is one of the strongest people I know. One other person that has had an influence on me is my teacher, Mr. Cherry. He has such a genuine soul and his presence just makes me smile.”

Johnson is a junior at Holland Hall where she is a guard on the basketball team. She is also involved in the Med Club and Dutch Sprint.

During her basketball career, Makayia has put in a lot of time and effort so that she can be at her best when game day rolls around. She says that while it can be tough at times, it is great to see that work payoff.

“Being successful requires having a positive mindset and putting in the extra work to get better everyday,” she said. “One of my favorite moments of my career would have to be when I was able to play in the state championship with my sister and create history for girls basketball at our school.”

The teammates that Makayia competes alongside form a solid team that she appreciates. She says it is like a second family.

“Our team does a great job playing together,” she said. “We all play for each other and support one another. Ava Casper is someone that I enjoy going up against in practice because she is a good shooter and she forces me to play tight defense.”

Makayia says that one professional basketball player that she looks up to is Stephen Curry because he is her favorite basketball player.