Johnson ready to join college ranks with Iowa Western soccer

Louisburg senior Reese Johnson is looking forward to joining the Iowa Western women’s soccer team this fall.

Looking around at a room full of family and friends, Reese Johnson was a little bit awestruck.

There were people there who supported her through her high school soccer career and helped her become one of the top players in the state in Class 4-1A.

They were there to watch her dream become a reality.

In early May, Johnson signed her letter of intent to play soccer at Iowa Western Community College to continue playing the sport she loves. Just months earlier, she didn’t think she was going to be in this position.

“I have been playing soccer since I was 4-years-old,” Johnson said. “College soccer had always been a dream of mine until closer to the end of high school. Going into my senior season, I did not want to play. I recently decided to give it a shot since it is the only thing I have ever known and not everyone gets this opportunity. I am very excited to play at Iowa Western.

“Without the support of our friends, family and community, I would not be where I am. I was given so many opportunities by my coaches and community and I am so grateful for every person that was there and helped make it possible.”

Johnson wanted to find a program that featured the same values as her Louisburg High School team does. She found a lot of similarities, including a familiar face, as Jamison Parkhill, a Louisburg graduate, serves as the assistant coach.

“What stuck out the most was the family atmosphere,” Johnson said. “At Louisburg we are a family and it is the team above all, when I went and visited it felt like they were the same way. They were always laughing and smiling and the atmosphere seemed fun.”

The Louisburg senior had a big final year for the Wildcats. Johnson led the Wildcats to a 13-5 record and a No. 2 seed in the state playoffs.

She was selected as a first team All-Frontier League and all-state player from her midfield spot. She finished the year with nine goals and a team-high eight assists.

Last season, Iowa Western had a successful season as the Reivers won their 11th district championship and punched their ticket to the national tournament. 

As far as what she hopes for in the college ranks, Johnson is ready to help in anyway she can.

“I don’t know what I am expecting out of myself when I get there, but I am gonna work hard everyday and try to become better everyday,” Johnson said. “My goal is to help the team in any way I can and become a better soccer player. I am gonna fight for a spot and see what I can bring to the table.”

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