MINNEAPOLIS — Powerful hits and big blocks are just a few of the things Jordyn Johnson brings to the DeLaSalle volleyball team. The 6″1′ senior captain owns her role as the middle blocker for the Islanders.
“Having length is an advantage at the net. It makes it easier to get over other blockers and block myself,” Johnson said. Playing the game well, however, isn’t her only strength and passion.
“So I really, really love the whole tribe universe,” Johnson said. In her spare time, Johnson is on a robotics team called BOB.
“BOB stands for Black, Outstanding and Beautiful. We are the first all-black, all-female team,” Johnson said.
In the run-up to her senior year of high school, Johnson interned with the Twins in their app and development program and coded some of what fans see on the team’s website.
“It can be hard sometimes to balance all of these things, but if it’s really what you love, if it’s really what you enjoy and you put your mind to it and work hard for it, then you will achieve what you want,” Johnson said.
Johnson wanted to attend the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) to study mechanical engineering.
“I hope to join the Air Force or Space Force and become an engineer, but not a pilot. [I’m] “I’m not really a fan of heights, but that would be a dream,” Johnson said.
While pursuing her dream academically, she also plays for the UCSB volleyball team.
“She was emailing all these coaches and coaches started contacting me asking if it’s true that she’s that good and she doesn’t play year-round,” said Chelsea Hoops, the head coach of the DeLaSalle volleyball team. Hoops said it’s almost unheard of to be recruited to college without playing for a club team in the off-season.
“[Jordyn] was noticed by putting herself out there. She’s not shy, she’ll ask for what she wants, and I think what stands out to everyone the most is how nice she really is and what she brings to our program,” Hoops said.
It’s easy to see what Johnson does for her teammates beyond earning points. She dedicates herself to being a leader and a cheerleader, something she learned from the older players who came before her.
“If you have a leader who is strong and encouraging, you can persevere through difficult situations,” Johnson said.
Since Johnson joined the DeLaSalle Islanders, the volleyball team has made its first state tournament appearance in the past two seasons. They hope to do so again this year and bring home their first medal.
“If we really believe in ourselves and in each other and if we trust each other, then we will be successful,” Johnson said.
Marielle Mohs
