Mya Johnson wouldn't allow surgery to keep her from one last soccer season at Conn
Oct. 18—NEW LONDON — Mya Johnson cherishes every minute on the soccer field this season, even more so than she usually does.
After having surgery in December to allow for improved blood supply to tissue in both legs due to compartment syndrome, doctors told Johnson that her Connecticut College soccer career was over.
Apparently, they don't know Johnson, whose fierce determination and love for the game fuel her ... very well.
After a long and difficult recovery process during which the former Old Lyme High School all-state standout dealt with some complications, Johnson returned this fall for a fifth season.
"I knew I was going to play," Johnson said. "I knew I was going to be back out here, but I think a lot of people didn't think so. But I'm happy to prove them wrong."
She's thoroughly enjoying her final season.
Johnson played a productive 10 minutes off the bench on Wednesday, scoring her team-leading fifth goal of the season and 32nd of her outstanding career in a 4-0 shutout of Eastern Connecticut State University.
Only two regular-season games remain for Johnson.
"I'm so sad that it's the last time that I'm going to be playing competitively," Johnson said. "But I'm trying to soak up every moment. I completely understand that I stole a season back, so I've made that point every time I come out at practice, every time I come out in the games to just know that I have limited opportunities left and I'm just so thankful to be here."
Johnson has fought through her injury issues that same way she's fought through opposing defenses on the way to scoring goals. She worked tirelessly last spring while taking a semester off from school to be healthy enough to extend her collegiate career.
It's been a struggle at times, especially last season after which she decided to come back this fall.
"As soon as I knew I wasn't going to be able to come out last season and be the player that I wanted to be and I knew I could be, I knew I wanted to try to come back again and do that," Johnson said. "I worked my butt off in the off-season. I knew I was going to have to have another surgery.
"So coming back from that, I was just excited to play and give everything that I've got and leave it all on the field."
Johnson, an All-New England Small College Athletic Conference performer, has done just that.
She's happy to be able to contribute despite being limited at times due to her injury issues.
Coach Norm Riker said Johnson is a great teammate.
"She always wants to work hard and be her best for her teammates," Riker said. "Because of the injuries she's had, she can't always do what comes naturally to her. She's had to find a way to keep her energy up when not practicing sometimes, or being in the training room and not being on the field.
"She loves being on the field. I know it's really hard for her. She's been great."
Johnson, who helped Old Lyme capture four Class S state championships, made an immediate impact when she arrived at Conn College. As a freshman, she scored NESCAC leading five game-winning goals and eight overall. She had a career-best 10 goals in 2021.
She's ranked second in the program record books in scoring and points (78). She tied for eighth in career assists with 14.
"That gives you a sense of the impact that she's had during her time here," Riker said.
Riker has watched Johnson grow as a soccer player and as a person. He's known her since she was 12 and coached her on the club level at Southeast.
"It's been great watching her score these beautiful goals and work so hard," Riker said. "She just sells out on the pitch. That's why she's an inspiration as well. It's not only she's scoring great goals, she really puts a shift in physically.
"... We're just honored as a coaching staff to be able to coach her again. When student-athletes put their life on hold to come back and help the program for their fifth year, it just speaks volumes to their character."
Johnson appreciates the support that she's received from the Old Lyme and Conn College communities.
"It's been so awesome because I've gotten to create my own community here and I still have so many (hometown) fans come and watch me," Johnson said. "My teachers are still watching me. That's so huge to me. My high school coaches are still coming to the games.
"When I'm on the field, I can see it. I have all this hometown love for me. Then I've got my school community cheering for me. It's double the support, double the love, double the fans. I'm really thankful."
Riding a four-game winning streak overall, the Camels (8-5) are in position to secure a spot in the upcoming NESCAC tournament.
As she's done throughout her career, Johnson delivered in an important game on Sunday, scoring two goals and setting up another in a 3-2 win over Middlebury.
"She really rose to the occasion on Sunday," Riker said.
When asked what she wants to be remembered for after her Conn College days end, Johnson gave a thoughtful answer.
"I think I'll be known for my ability and the goals, but I hope that people will remember my dedication," Johnson said. "The fact that I'm going to give my all, no matter what. I'll play through pain and play through whatever and just be there to support my teammates.
"And with a smile on my face."
A neuroscience major and psychology minor, Johnson will finish classes in December and plans to attend graduation in May.
After enjoying her internship at Pfizer last summer, she hopes to land a job there. If not, she may explore something in the medical field.
Soccer also will be part of her future.
"No matter what it is, I'll definitely still be playing," Johnson said. "I can't imagine it not being a part of my life. It's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. .. Whether it's coaching or playing in some league or even just watching and supporting when I can, that's what I'll be doing."
