Khiana Johnson
Khiana Johnson is on pace to go down in Radford University women’s basketball as one of the best guards in program history. Easily. The dynamic Virginia native has etched her name in the record books in an array of categories, and the Highlanders still have more games to play.
“Khiana’s all around growth has been remarkable in her four years at Radford,” said head coach Mike McGuire. “I knew she loved to play the game, but I did underestimate how passionate she was about competing. Khiana has been committed to allowing herself to grow as a player at Radford. She challenged herself with strength and conditioning, working on her craft, and learning to become a champion. Her drive and consistency over her four years has been impressive.
“Khiana’s career at Radford has to go down as one of the best four years in program history,” McGuire said. “ If you look at what the program has accomplished while she has been here in terms of championships, postseason bids, power-5 wins, and personal milestones, it has been an incredible career for her. Khiana has been willing to accept various roles for each season of her career and as a result she has seen great success. As a coach, you want to see those student-athletes who are committed to hard work and pursuing their best to see the results. Khiana will always be able to reflect and see the impact from her commitment. I am forever grateful to Khiana for all that she has done for our women’s basketball program.”
To that point, Khiana has recently cracked the career top-10 in five different categories. She is No.2 in career games played at 126, No.9 in three-pointers made at 109, No.3 in three-pointers attempted at 377, No.5 in assists at 352, and No.9 in points at 1,222.
The senior captain is also close to cracking the top-10 in career field goals made at 449. Some of her career accolades include a Big South All-Freshman selection and a second team All-Big South honor. She is the 25th player in program history and the fifth in the McGuire era score more than 1,000 points. She is also ranked nationally in assists and in assists per game.
What do you say to the sport that has given you everything? That has helped you through times when nothing else could or would. Khiana, much like the other seniors, has devoted her life not only to her studies and to Radford but also to the game of basketball. She addressed the sport she loves in her edition of, “Dear Basketball”.
Dear Basketball,
What a ride it has been. We’ve been together since I was eight years old and we’ve experienced many highs and many lows. You have taken me to new places, helped me meet new people, been a part of unforgettable memories and taught me valuable life lessons during our span of 13 years together. I never knew some of the best times of my life would be associated with you.
When I first started playing, I immediately fell in love with you and have never felt any other way since. My slow dribbles turned to quick crossovers, and my two-handed shot transformed into a smooth jumper. I wanted to be the best I could be and get better so desperately that I told my dad I wanted to work out with a trainer when I was 10.
I didn’t know that I would commit to a Division I school because of you, proceed to win a conference championship, play in the NCAA tournament, and then go on to score 1,000 points in a span of four years. Because of you, I have learned how to win but also how to lose. I learned that basketball is almost like life itself; it is never easy and is filled with ups-and-downs but you have to keep going even when it gets tough. The storms don’t last forever.
I have loved our bus rides, team gatherings, overnight trips, team meals and so much more. And even the memories of millions of sprints, three-hour practices, very late nights followed by super early mornings, 6 a.m.’s and “fit Friday’s” will never be forgotten.
Characteristics like determination, independence, hard work and integrity will be carried with me for the rest of my life. You have created so many opportunities for me, and I hope for more in the years to come. I will never forget the love, dedication, tears, and passion that you brought out of me. You will always be in my heart.
Thank you, basketball, for making me the person I am today and for being the best teacher I have ever had.
–RU Athletics
