It may be Kasey Johnson’s first year playing tennis for Lake Region, but Coach Jenny Dunn says “it is fitting her well!”

“She comes to every practice and match ready to compete and learn,” Coach Dunn said. “She won her first official varsity match in a come-from-behind three-set match against Oxford Hills.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Kasey is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Name: Kasey Johnson

What town do you live in: Naples

Year in School: Sophomore

Parents: Harley Johnson, Kelly Pond

Sports you play: Field hockey, basketball, tennis

School groups/honors: Co-class president, Varsity Club vice president, Interact Club, Project Planet, Civil Rights Team, National Honor Society

Why did you choose tennis? I chose to play tennis because I had a lot of interest in the sport. I played a handful of times over the summer and fall non-competitively with friends and liked it.

What do you enjoy most about tennis? I like it the best when I hit a really good shot the opponent can’t get to, or when I return a really nice serve accurately. I also really enjoy spending time with my teammates and Coach Dunn. 

How has competing in sports changed you as a person? Competing in sports has allowed me to collaborate with groups of people better and helped improve my leadership skills.  

During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment? Starting high school sports my freshman year during the pandemic was definitely challenging with the different guidelines and the sudden changes. Yet it was manageable for sure, and I knew I was doing the right thing by following these rules and being careful. 

What is one of your most memorable sports moments? One of my most memorable sports moments was probably winning our field hockey playoff game against Greely this fall. After going into double overtime, then penalty corners, my teammate Sadie Tirrell shot an amazing penalty shot and we won. 

What is your most disappointing sports memory? Either losing our field hockey playoff game this year vs. York, or our basketball playoff game against Lincoln Academy this winter. 

How has sports prepared you for your future (be it career path or approach to life)? Sports has taught me to be competitive in life, and not settle for anything, as well as to be patient and know when it’s best to pursue something. 

Name a coach who has made a difference in your life and in what way? Definitely my AAU basketball coach Abi Davids when I played for XL Thunder. He focused a lot on building a strong team culture and cared about all of his players. 

What are your future goals? My future goals are to attend college, and then get a good job that I enjoy. 

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I think I will remember my teammates the most and the memories I shared with them.