SHC soccer player Francesca Johnson '27 recently committed to Duke University for Division I soccer. As a center forward for the Irish, Francesca offers her perspective on the game on and off the field.
Francesca has played soccer since she was four years old and has always loved the game. Growing up, Francesca's dad coached her initially, playing for a local recreation team while she also dabbled in softball. However, when Francesca was seven, she made the switch to club soccer in order to take soccer more seriously. As her career progressed, at age 11, Francesca made the move down the coast to Bay Area Surf. She explained, "I thought this opportunity would help me continue to grow and develop." While this was initially a hard transition, being placed on the lower team, Francesca worked hard to rise to the first team. "I had to work for a whole season doing about six practices a week."
Francesca's soccer career wasn't without its challenges. "I've had a lot of mental challenges, struggling with confidence and bouncing back from underperforming, not getting what I want, and struggling to understand what I need." Pressure is definitely prevalent as Francesca's career has progressed, but she advises other athletes to not let it get to them and "understand pressure's not really there." She asserts that growth is never linear and soccer has ultimately helped her become who she is.
She approaches her school life similar to soccer, explaining that "the more disciplined, the better," making the most of her schedule while doing homework before practice and in the mornings. Francesca tells younger students to seek out resources one needs and "advocate for yourself."
Her dedication to her studies has paid off as she has received many offers from various DI schools. However, with its culture, campus, supportive coaching staff, and loving feel, Francesca chose Duke University as her future home. "The school is very tight knit, which reminded me a lot of SHC. You're super tight knit with everybody, and you just feel like you're one big community."
Looking ahead to the future, Francesca has set out clear goals for herself. While she hopes to eventually go pro, she wants to get her degree in STEM or law related studies before entering the professional world. "I definitely want to enjoy the experience, enjoying every second of it. I just want to be able to take it all in and not just focus solely on performance."
Come watch Johnson and the Irish at one of their remaining league matches before they head to the Central Coast Section playoffs. SHC girls soccer sits 11-6-1 on the season to date and plays their final two regular season games this Saturday, February 14 and next Wednesday, February 18. Their Saturday contest against St. Francis will take place at 10am at Beach Chalet #3. On February 18, the team will celebrate Senior Day against Presentation at 4:30pm at Lang.
Congratulations, Francesca, and GO IRISH!
