BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Valdosta State softball junior outfielder Morgan Johnson was recognized as the top female student-athlete in the Gulf South Conference at a ceremony Monday night.
Johnson was named the recipient of the conference’s Commissioner’s Trophy, which is awarded to the top male and female athlete in the entire conference.
“It really is a great honor,” said Johnson Monday night when reached via telephone by the Times. “It isn’t anything I had set a goal for. It was just something that was there. I thought the national championship was amazing in itself.”
Criteria for the Commissioner’s Trophy is based off athletic and academic performance along with work within the local community, all three of which Johnson excelled in.
On the field, Johnson was a key contributor to the Blazers’ national championship victory. Batting second in the VSU lineup for the majority of the season, Johnson hit .427 with 82 hits, 18 doubles, 11 home runs — 2 in the national tournament — 51 runs batted in and two triples. She also led the team in sacrifice bunts with 25. Defensively, Johnson committed just three errors all season, finishing her junior campaign with a .946 fielding percentage.
“It was unexpected,” Johnson said. “I am just glad it wasn't like last year. I don’t know what else to say. I am blessed and happy with the year we had.”
In the classroom, Johnson, the 2010 Gulf South Conference softball Freshman of the Year, posted a 3.66 grade point average in a nursing major. For her work ethic, on and off the field, Johnson was named a third team All-American for her play and a Capital One Academic All-American for her work in the classroom.
“The new president, Dr. (William J.) McKinney is here and so is Dr. (Louis) Levy and they are proud of the university and proud to be a part of it,” Johnson said. “My parents are proud of me and my sister (Fran) both. Although my parents are probably prouder of the grades.”
Monday night’s honor for Johnson marks the second time in three years a student-athlete from Valdosta State was awarded the Commissioner’s Trophy. In 2010, baseball’s Jon Koeningsfeld was named the recipient of the men’s trophy.
Johnson was one of five finalists for the award. She was joined by North Alabama's Nikki Brown (soccer), Alabama-Huntsville's Mary Kelley (softball), Delta State's Veronica Walker (basketball) and West Florida's Anna Stoecklin (volleyball).
“It meant a lot that I was chosen out of all those candidates,” said Johnson.
Micah Davis of Delta State was named the recipient of men’s trophy.
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File Photo Valdosta State outfielder Morgan Johnson was named the Gulf South Conference’s best female student-athlete on Monday night in Birmingham, Ala. File photo
Discussion
VSU's Morgan Johnson wins GSC Commissioner's Trophy
Student-Athlete named best in conference
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