Record setting

Johnson finishes freshman year in grand style
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It is hard enough to get acquainted with the daily grind of being an incoming freshman on a college campus.
But, that task is multiplied several times over if you are a student-athlete majoring in political science with a minor in business.
Just ask Pine Prairie native and current SEC Freshman Golfer of the Year Julia Johnson.
The Math, Science and the Arts Academy Graduate found a way to balance academics and athletics enough this past season to help lead the Ole Miss Rebels to a berth in the NCAA Championship for the first time in the program’s 32-year history.
And, somehow along the way, Johnson managed to produce a 3.45 grade point average while setting a few school records, including tying the record for most tournament wins in a season.
“This was a jam packed year for me,” stated Johnson. “It was definitely a big change being away from home and being responsible for my own life and having every minute dictated to me. In fact, right now, I am feeling the effects of the season. The hardest thing that I had to face this year was time management; having to balance school and playing.”
“But, the minute I stepped on campus, I became a better golfer and a better student,” she continued. “Even though it was hard and stressful, I couldn’t have done what I did this year without the rigor. I know now that if I can come out of this year unscathed, the next three years should be a breeze. I know I will be a lot more settled and comfortable.”
Coming into the season, Johnson had modest expectations about her play on the course, but was taken back at her outstanding play throughout the year.
“I was hoping when I came here, that I would improve a little bit,” said Johnson. “But, I did not think I could play at this level so soon. I really have to give the credit to the coaches. They are really demanding on us in every way. I met all of my goals that I set this year and then some.”
And, play at a high level she did.
Johnson’s record setting year included most birdies in round, most birdies in a tournament and most birdies in a season with 130. She also had 18 consecutive rounds under par, the most in school history for a season.
Johnson finished third at the NCAA Regionals, the highest that any Ole Miss golfer had ever finished. She was named to the All-SEC second team and was selected as the SEC Golfer of the Week once and SEC Freshman of the Week twice.
Despite all of the accolades earned by Johnson, this year had its share of disappointments.
“Probably the biggest disappointment for me was when we played in Hawaii,” commented Johnson. “I came out third, but I had the lead in the final round and lost that lead because I was so focused on the end result and kept thinking about the headlines. I did not know how to manage my emotions and it got the best of me.”
“Also finishing the season the way I did at the National Championships was also disappointing,” she continued. “The pressure was amazing, and I did not handle it the way I should have. But, that is a huge learning experience and both situations taught me lessons for future use.”
Even though her first collegiate season is behind her, Johnson knows that she will have to stay in golfing shape over the summer to make sure and keep her swing in tact.
So for that reason, the freshman phenom had scheduled a light, but hopefully effective off-season schedule.
“I plan on trying to relax for a little bit first, but then I will probably play in no more than about three or four tournaments this summer,” Johnson stated. “I will probably go to the North-South Women’s Amateur Tournament and the U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifying Tournament. Then maybe I will go to the Louisiana Amateur Tournament in Shreveport. After that, I will get ready for another season come August.”