WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After transferring to Purdue from Iowa State prior to the 2016 season, Katie Johnson proved her worth as a utility player, seeing time in the circle and on the bases as a pinch runner. She struck out 14 batters in 15 innings and also managed to put three runs on the board for the Boilermakers.
The dedicated senior has spent the last two summers coaching high school softball in Iowa, while also working on her own game.
"KJ has worked really hard to throw various pitches successfully," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She not only locates the ball well, but she changes speed effectively. She will pitch for us and also compete for time in the outfield. It will be exciting to see her help lead the team during her senior campaign."
An Academic All-Big 12 selection as a sophomore, Johnson threw 326 innings for the Cyclones during her first two years, amassing 194 strikeouts. At Purdue, she had to wait in the wings behind three-time All-Big Ten pitcher Lilly Fecho. Now, as a senior, the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native will have a chance to make a bigger impact on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, she likes the feeling of throwing a runner out from the outfield. In the circle, getting a strikeout to close the inning is her favorite thing. At the plate, she is just out to make things happen, whether with a base hit or sneaky bunt.
This goofy, smiley and kind player likes being in control of the tempo of the game. She dreams of being a motivational speaker, would like to have dinner with Coach K from Duke and says she looks up to her grandma the most because she puts other before herself.
With dreams like that, the dedication to make a difference and drive to succeed, we proudly introduce pitcher/outfielder Katie Johnson.
Get to know her a little better here.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Cooking or eating: Eating
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city:Quiet country
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: Golden, Colorado
Place I dream of visiting someday: All of the MLB baseball parks
Person I look up to most & why: My Grandma Sharon because she puts others before herself
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Throwing out a runner from the outfield
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Making things happen whether a base hit or a sneaky bunt
Best Feeling in the circle (pitching):Getting a strikeout to close the inning
Favorite thing about my position: Being in control of the tempo of the game
Three words that describe me: goofy, smiley, and kind
One word to describe my game: Humble
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: Nebraska
My most memorable sports moment: Throwing back to back perfect games
Celebrity crush: Brock O'Hurn
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Zooey Deschanel
Person I would like to have dinner with:Coach K from Duke
Best non-athletic talent:Playing cards
My stupid human trick is: Being able to spread my toes so it looks like I have webbed feet
Dream job: Motivational speaker
Song I have to listen to before a game: I Like Tuh by Carnage
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium): Having the Screwballers contributing to the great atmosphere
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: My brother
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: Anything with caramel
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookie dough
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite sport besides softball: Basketball
Favorite sports team: Cubs
Favorite Athlete:Georger Niang
Favorite TV show: Fuller House
Favorite Movie: Anchorman
Favorite Book: any motivational/inspirational book
Favorite Musical Artist: Brett Eldredge
Favorite type of pizza: Chicago-style pizza
Favorite Actor & Actress: Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy and Zooey Deschanel
Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes
Favorite place on campus: Lambert Gym
Favorite city:Denver
Favorite outdoor activity: Jet skiing
Favorite animal/furry friend:Any kind of doggie
Favorite class at Purdue: Sport and Exercise Psychology
Favorite Purdue professor: Molly Amstutz