By Beau Kilpatrick–
Due to the injury of point guard Arica Carter, transfer Taylor Johnson could see the floor right away.
In Johnson’s tenure as starting point guard at Loyola University Chicago, she scored 1,325 points, putting her sixth place in school history. She ranks in the school’s top 10 for steals and points per game. Johnson received post-season accolades nearly every season she played, including two times All-Missouri Valley Conference.
The only year Johnson did not receive recognition was the 2013-14 season. She suffered a season-ending knee injury during the fifth game of the year, and became a redshirt sophomore.
Johnson graduated this past spring with a degree in film and digital media and a minor in visual communication. She came to U of L to pursue a graduate degree in sports administration, awarding her a fifth year of eligibility.
“She is a tremendously talented athlete with incredible leadership qualities that will benefit our team. Taylor has a remarkable scoring ability, sees the floor extremely well, and has a strong knack on the defensive end of the court, and I believe she can come in and make a difference right away,” Walz said.
With Carter nursing a hip injury, Johnson’s experience will allow her to fill the point guard role. When Carter is healthy enough to return, Johnson could become a top sixth-person off the bench.
“Taylor has allowed us to go really slow in Arica’s rehab. Then she brings experience. It’s one thing … we have some very talented freshmen, but they’re freshmen, but now we’ve got a fifth-year player that’s played in big games. She has played against some very good opponents, and she’s seasoned and that’s a big plus, especially at the point guard spot,” Walz said.
Johnson said she has enjoyed her short time in Louisville so far.
“I’ve been adjusting really well,” Johnson said. “All we do is laugh when we’re together and crack jokes. So I think that makes it a relationship where it’s easy to get along, and we enjoy being around each other.”
