Shawn Johnson Already Ready for Next Year After Her State Tournament Match

Shawn Johnson is determined and optimistic for next year after she competed in the state wrestling tournament.

Johnson grew up wrestling. From a young age, she would wrestle with her brothers and stepfather and has loved it ever since.

“Wrestling them was the only time we actually had bonding moments, so when I got the chance to wrestle in high school, I took it and have never looked back since,” Johnson said. “I have my own love for it, but along the way, my coaches have been there by my side keeping me motivated.”

Johnson was Watonga’s first girl’s state-qualifying wrestler in history, and although she didn’t win, she took what she learned and is excited for next year.

“I know that I am better than how I wrestled at the state tournament. I let my nerves get to me. My whole season has been so good overall, and I have been on my grind consistently,” Johnson said. “I definitely let my mind get the best of me, and I got beat out my first match and wasn’t able to wrestle anymore. But next year, just know, I'M COMING!”

Johnson placed fourth during the regional tournament and had qualified for state twice in a row.

“This whole season I have just been working constantly trying to get better and get what I need done to be where I need to be, constantly push myself to be the best I can be,” Johnson said.

Despite some of the difficulties of this year, Johnson has continued to push forward. Both COVID-19 and balancing school have influenced Johnson in some way.

“[COVID hasn’t affected] us too much in the room because we all are around each other a lot, but events being canceled during the season isn’t cool,” Johnson said.

When it comes to school, Johnson makes sure to keep her grades up and not let them fall below a certain threshold she has set.

“[School has been] pretty OK, I have been slacking a little but I like having good grades. I will not accept a C at the end of a semester,” she said.

Besides being Watonga’s first girl’s state-qualifying wrestler, Johnson's other notable accompaniments include getting first at the Kingfisher wrestling tour nament and also receiving Outstanding Wrestler.

Her endeavors don’t stop there, though, as she currently has other plans in the works as well.

“I also enjoy going to my nursing program. I will have my CNA by the end of this school year,” Johnson said.

When she’s not out practicing and bettering herself for an upcoming match, Johnson likes to unwind by listening to music and drawing.