Oak Hall’s Harper Johnson has been playing lacrosse since she was in third grade.
She has been a varsity starter for OHS since the sixth grade.
Last week, the senior midfielder ensured that her journey would continue when she signed to play lacrosse at Presbyterian College.
“I chose Presbyterian College because of the supportive and close-knit community that they foster,” said Harper, who plans to major in business.
As a junior, Johnson was second on the team with 60 goals and she was third with 25 assists.
“Harper is a leader on and off the field,” said her dad and former OHS girls lacrosse coach, Darren Johnson. “We are beyond proud of how she has maintained strong academics while staying dedicated to being the best player she can be.”
In 2024, OHS advanced to the FHSAA Class 1A-Region 1 Semifinals but were eliminated by top seed Ponte Vedra, 20-10, and finished 14-5.
Johnson had four goals in the loss, along with fellow senior Sarah Miller, who led the team last year with 61 goals.
Through six games this season, Johnson has 16 goals, three assists, 11 ground balls and a team-leading 26 draws controlled for the Lady Eagles, who are currently 6-0.
“Harper embodies grit and determination,” said first-year OHS coach Molly Tice. “She is dedicated to the sport, looking for constant improvement not only for herself but for her entire team.”
Johnson is a three-time captain, a five-time all area player, and the 2024 area Player of the Year. She has 139 goals and 57 assists for the Lady Eagles’ lacrosse team since her freshman season.
“She is the structure of this year’s team,” said assistant coach Maddi Koury. “She keeps everyone focused and renders accountability while demonstrating her unwavering support for them. She leads by example with her high standards and expectations, pushing the team to be better every day.”
OHS, which competes in Class 1A-District 4 with GHS, Matanzas (Palm Coast), Santa Fe (Alachua) and Eastside, will host rival Buchholz at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night.
“We have had a very strong start to our season, and we do not plan on slowing down,” Johnson said. “Being my senior year, I want to be able to give this team my all and help us advance as far as we can. We have faith in ourselves that we can make it even farther this year and are going to play like it.”
There are plenty of big games remaining in her final season, including a rematch at home against Ponte Vedra at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 10, a home game against defending 1A state champion American Heritage (Plantation) at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and Senior Night against Santa Fe at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25.
“Some things that I will remember most from my lacrosse days at OHS are my teammates and our team dynamic,” Johnson said. “We all want to help and support each other achieve our goals.”