JOHNSON, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson women's basketball program and Head Coach Greg Eckman received commitment from Vermont native Kiana Johnson for the 2019-2020 season.
Kiana Johnson a product of Thetford, Vermont who played her high school career at both Thetford Academy and Chelsea School has signed the necessary paperwork and has committed to the Badgers for the 2019-2020 season.
Being part of a small school and small community is nothing new for incoming freshman Kiana Johnson. "I decided to come to NVU-Johnson because of the happy and energetic environment", said Johnson. "I love a small setting where I am able to get to know a lot of my peers, play basketball, and get a good education". Kiara plans to pursue a major in health science at NVU-Johnson.
On the court Kiana is a fierce competitor that can elevate the players around her. Kiana played for Head Coach Eric Ward at Thetford Academy. "In my one-year coaching Kiana after she transferred to Thetford Academy I can say she is a great competitor, always has a smile on her face, is the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. I wish I could have coached her for all four of her years", said Ward. "In Kiana's one season at Thetford she was able to make adjustment on both the offense and defense end to seamlessly fit into our basketball system. Overall in one season, she fit in extremely well and is full of energy, both qualities that will help her exceed at the college level".
Kiana was a three-year selection for the Dream Dozen award that is awarded to the top twelve underclassmen in Division III and Division IV. When Kiana was a member of the Chelsea Red Devils Varsity Girls program she was a three-time selection for the Central Vermont League All-League team. In her final season at Thetford Academy Kiana as named to the Capital Division First Team All-League and was selected for the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association North/South All-Star Game. In her career, Kiana eclipsed the 1000-point plateau and finished her career with 1,119 points.
Coach Eckman believes that Kiana can make an immediate impact for the Badgers program this upcoming season. "Kiana is a great player on both ends of the floor", said Eckman. "She has the ability to create her own shot but is more than happy to set her teammates up for shots of their own. She is a 1000-point scorer and can score inside, outside and in transition. Defensively she is a solid defender on the ball and knows how to play team defense. This season she helped lead her team to a Division III State title under Coach Eric Ward".
Kiana is the third commitment from the state of Vermont for Coach Eckman and the women's basketball program this offseason.