Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Q&A with newcomer Mychelle Johnson
7/20/2016 1:05:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Freshman hails from Huntington, W. Va.
GoBlueRaiders.com will be conducting a Q&A with a different women's basketball player each week as part of "What Do You Know Wednesday." This week's #WDYKW feature is freshman Mychelle Johnson, the daughter Scott and Holli Johnson. Mychelle is from Huntington, West Virginia.
John Galatas
Athletic Communications Assistant
GBR.com: What drew you to MT?
MJ: What drew me to Middle Tennessee were the coaches. Not just one of them. Kim (Brewton) recruited me most of the time, but not just her. I like (Head Coach) Rick (Insell), and I like him so much because he has the same goals I do. The things he wants to accomplish, we both want. I love to win, and I know he loves to win too. I know he likes to hustle, and I like to hustle. When he was recruiting, that was a big part of it for me. They had a big family feel for me and I liked that.
GBR.com: How hard was it to leave your home state and come somewhere new?
MJ: It wasn't hard at all. Not that I didn't want to be there anymore, but I was ready for a new step in my life and to be on my own.
GBR.com: Has being here early in the summer help you transition to college life?
MJ: Yeah, I do most things by myself anyway because my dad makes me, but I think being here early has prepared me for when there will be a ton of people here in the fall. I will already know what to do so that part will be great.
GBR.com: What is your favorite part about Murfreesboro so far?
MJ: It feels like home, but it's just humid here. That's pretty different.
GBR.com: Academically, have you declared a major?
MJ: Not yet. I am still undecided.
GBR.com: Do you have any plans to play professionally or have a career path you would like to take after college?
MJ: I don't have plans to play professionally. Wherever my life takes me is where I'll go.
GBR.com: Is there anyone who has helped you in your transition to college?
MJ: On the court, Ty (Petty) has helped me a lot. I always look to her because she is a good leader. She has helped me a lot on the court. Off the court, I have to say Gabby (Lyon) has really helped me a lot, too. If I need anything, she is always there and she is so nice about it. She never gets an attitude if I ask for help.
GBR.com: How has your sister (Mychal Johnson, junior guard at Notre Dame) and your father (Scott Johnson, AAU coach) influenced you as a player?
MJ: I think I looked up to her more when I was in high school because I kind of do my own thing now. I'm definitely proud of her, but I give it all to my dad. He never stops motivating me. He's my biggest influence.
GBR.com: Your boyfriend Miles Bridges is an incoming freshman at Michigan State. Since MT upset MSU in the NCAA Tournament, have you given him much trash talk?
MJ: It has settled down, but it's just such a crazy thing to happen. I was committed way before that matchup even came. It's just a coincidence since we're dating. It's just crazy.
GBR.com: Do you have any other talents not many people may know about?
MJ: I would say I'm pretty good at gymnastics. I don't think anyone would know that, so that's a hidden talent.
GBR.com: How did you get into gymnastics?
MJ: When I was younger I would just flip around. I would just go.
GBR.com: Who would you say is the funniest person on the team?
MJ: I think Jordan (Majors) is really funny. I don't think she means to be, but she really makes me laugh. I don't know what it is about her, but I just think she is really funny.
GBR.com: Are you excited about the upcoming trip to Costa Rica?
MJ: I'm excited to go and get to play, but I'm also excited to see it because I've never been out of the country. I think that will be a cool experience.
GBR.com: What are you most looking forward to this season as a part of the Lady Raider team?
MJ: I think I'm most looking forward to bettering myself. I never want to be satisfied with myself. If I'm satisfied, that means there is room to improve and be better. I always want to focus on getting better.
John Galatas
Athletic Communications Assistant
GBR.com: What drew you to MT?
MJ: What drew me to Middle Tennessee were the coaches. Not just one of them. Kim (Brewton) recruited me most of the time, but not just her. I like (Head Coach) Rick (Insell), and I like him so much because he has the same goals I do. The things he wants to accomplish, we both want. I love to win, and I know he loves to win too. I know he likes to hustle, and I like to hustle. When he was recruiting, that was a big part of it for me. They had a big family feel for me and I liked that.
GBR.com: How hard was it to leave your home state and come somewhere new?
MJ: It wasn't hard at all. Not that I didn't want to be there anymore, but I was ready for a new step in my life and to be on my own.
GBR.com: Has being here early in the summer help you transition to college life?
MJ: Yeah, I do most things by myself anyway because my dad makes me, but I think being here early has prepared me for when there will be a ton of people here in the fall. I will already know what to do so that part will be great.
GBR.com: What is your favorite part about Murfreesboro so far?
MJ: It feels like home, but it's just humid here. That's pretty different.
GBR.com: Academically, have you declared a major?
MJ: Not yet. I am still undecided.
GBR.com: Do you have any plans to play professionally or have a career path you would like to take after college?
MJ: I don't have plans to play professionally. Wherever my life takes me is where I'll go.
GBR.com: Is there anyone who has helped you in your transition to college?
MJ: On the court, Ty (Petty) has helped me a lot. I always look to her because she is a good leader. She has helped me a lot on the court. Off the court, I have to say Gabby (Lyon) has really helped me a lot, too. If I need anything, she is always there and she is so nice about it. She never gets an attitude if I ask for help.
GBR.com: How has your sister (Mychal Johnson, junior guard at Notre Dame) and your father (Scott Johnson, AAU coach) influenced you as a player?
MJ: I think I looked up to her more when I was in high school because I kind of do my own thing now. I'm definitely proud of her, but I give it all to my dad. He never stops motivating me. He's my biggest influence.
GBR.com: Your boyfriend Miles Bridges is an incoming freshman at Michigan State. Since MT upset MSU in the NCAA Tournament, have you given him much trash talk?
MJ: It has settled down, but it's just such a crazy thing to happen. I was committed way before that matchup even came. It's just a coincidence since we're dating. It's just crazy.
GBR.com: Do you have any other talents not many people may know about?
MJ: I would say I'm pretty good at gymnastics. I don't think anyone would know that, so that's a hidden talent.
GBR.com: How did you get into gymnastics?
MJ: When I was younger I would just flip around. I would just go.
GBR.com: Who would you say is the funniest person on the team?
MJ: I think Jordan (Majors) is really funny. I don't think she means to be, but she really makes me laugh. I don't know what it is about her, but I just think she is really funny.
GBR.com: Are you excited about the upcoming trip to Costa Rica?
MJ: I'm excited to go and get to play, but I'm also excited to see it because I've never been out of the country. I think that will be a cool experience.
GBR.com: What are you most looking forward to this season as a part of the Lady Raider team?
MJ: I think I'm most looking forward to bettering myself. I never want to be satisfied with myself. If I'm satisfied, that means there is room to improve and be better. I always want to focus on getting better.
Players Mentioned
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