Athlete 2004 - 2007
Achieving many ‘firsts’ while competing for Linfield from 2004 until 2007, Becca Johnson bears the distinction of becoming the first member from a Wildcats tennis team to join the ranks of the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame.
For Johnson, 2007 was a breakout year. She was the first individual to qualify for the National Small College Championships, was the first NCAA tournament qualifier in doubles with partner Megan Rodgers, was the No. 1 player on the first NCAA championship tournament team, first Linfield Athlete of the Year from the women’s tennis program, and was Linfield’s first NCAA West Region Senior Player of the Year.
Growing up on a farm in Connell, Washington, Johnson developed a relentless work ethic and combined it with sheer athleticism. During her four years at Linfield, she led the way for teams that won four consecutive Northwest Conference championships. During her four seasons, Linfield went undefeated against conference opponents, winning 63 consecutive NWC matches without a single loss.
“Becca was an excellent student, a great teammate, and an exceptional competitor,” said Carl Swanson, director of tennis at Linfield at the time. “She always gave her best and everything she had with no quit and tons of fight. She was coachable and inquisitive and caring and compassionate.”
Individually, Johnson built a remarkable career singles record that included 60 wins against only 19 losses, and she compiled a nearly-as-impressive 58-23 doubles record. Her victories were achieved while playing at the top half of the lineup, many times holding down the No. 1 singles and doubles
position. It comes as no surprise that accolades followed Johnson, honors such as a two-time selection as the NWC Player of the Year and four consecutive NWC all-star team citations.
“Becca was one of the Linfield greats who helped put Linfield women’s tennis on its path to a winning tradition,” said coach Amy Dames Smith. “She was a phenomenal athlete who always exceeded expectations.”
Not to go unnoticed are Becca’s academic accomplishments as well. A stellar student, she was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American as a senior in 2007.
“Becca set the tone for her teammates when it came to work ethic,” said Dames Smith. “She embodies what it means to be a Wildcat through hard work, academic accomplishment and results.”
After graduating from Linfield in 2007, Johnson went on to earn her doctorate degree in chiropractic medicine and is currently a practicing chiropractor in Richland, Washington, where she lives with her husband, Will Taylor.
