As an accomplished track and field athlete and cheerleader, senior Caitlyn Johnson puts forward diligence and perseverance, consistently pushing herself to achieve her goals and inspire her teammates and those around her.

Although she focuses on track and field now, she did not begin her journey with this sport. Instead, Johnson’s passion for sports was sparked through gymnastics, where she established a foundation of flexibility, strength and discipline.

“I used to do gymnastics, which was more of a team sport,” Johnson said. “When I transitioned to track and field, my success was more determined on what I did for myself. My wins and losses were controlled by me. I liked the self-reliance that I found on track.”

Her love for the sport translated into her love for cheerleading, where she has a close bond with her teammates making this extracurricular activity of hers a fulfilling one.

“The most rewarding part of being on the cheer team is the sisterhood present no matter what and the new skills you learn such as dancing and singing,” Johnson said. “But, track contrasts it because it gives me a greater sense of self in my own achievements, whereas cheer is more of a group achievement.”

Besides Johnson’s personal efforts, coaches also play an essential role in the lives of student athletes. Luckily, Emerson houses impactful coaches who strive to improve students’ everyday lives day by day.

“Coach Giles, our head cheer coach, is always there for me, ” Johnson said. “She is such an amazing woman and she coaches me mentally and physically. I could have not asked for a better role model. Furthermore, the track coaches, Coach Parnell and Coach Rauls always push me to do best no matter the adversity and I appreciate all three of them.”

Now, Johnson will be advancing her track career to the college level. Though, the process that led her to choose which college she will be attending was not a simple or straightforward one.

“The recruiting process for me was very stressful,” Johnson said. “I was given offers from a bunch of different schools that were proposing different things. Additionally, there are so many factors to consider, for instance the location of the school, programs, and the campus life. Knowing which colleges you fit in best and where you can see your life for the next four years is how you navigate through that whole process.”

Now the question arises and the anticipation continues: where will Johnson be heading for college?

“UC Berkeley has always been my dream school from a very young age,” Johnson said. I always knew I wanted to go to school in California. When they gave me an offer, it was a no-brainer.”

As an experienced athlete, Johnson provides encouraging advice to high school athletes, inspiring them to ‘shoot for the stars’ and pursue their dreams with determination.

“Bet on yourself, choose yourself, and advocate for yourself because your future is what you make it,” Johnson said.