Finding Greatness: Ellie Johnson
Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories:
Honors/Awards | Pressroom | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Finding Greatness | Students
Macon, GA
A right-side pin (RS) for the Knights volleyball team, Ellison “Ellie” Johnson holds MGA records for number of kills, assists, and points. She’s also a standout in the classroom, majoring in education with plans to earn a master’s degree and eventually return to her high school alma mater as a teacher and coach.
Full Name: Ellison “Ellie” Alexis Johnson.
Age: 21.
Hometown: Frankton, Indiana.
Residence: Canton, Ga.
High School: Creekview High School, where she played volleyball and flag football.
Family: Dad, Bob Johnson; mom, Lori Johnson, brother, Braden Johnson; sister, Josie Johnson.
Employment: “I am a full-time student and currently student teaching.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education. “I plan to earn my master’s in education after finishing my bachelor’s.”
Class Rank: Senior.
Primary Campus: Macon.
Activities: “I am a student-athlete at Middle Georgia State, playing on the and serving as vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). During our time in the NAIA, I was also a member of the SSAC leadership committee. I’m currently completing my clinical/student teaching placement at Veterans Elementary School.”
Career Goals: “My career goals are to earn my master’s degree in education and work in an elementary school back home for the first few years after graduation. I hope to coach volleyball at my old high school and give back to the place that helped shape who I am today. I’ve always had a soft spot for education. It’s a career that’s both challenging and rewarding because every day brings new opportunities to impact young lives. My mom and sister are educators, so I’ve seen this profession at many levels, and my passion for it has only grown stronger. I love knowing I can make a direct and lasting difference in future generations."
She chose 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø because … “It was just the right distance from home. MGA allowed me to live on campus and experience college life while still being close enough to visit home when I wanted. I wanted to stay in Georgia because of my HOPE scholarship, and when I was offered a scholarship to play volleyball, I knew MGA was the right choice. I also loved the campus size. It’s small enough to feel like a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. As an athlete, seeing the support from students, staff, and the community at our games is so heartwarming. I also love how active student life is at MGA. There’s always something happening that helps students feel included and connected.”
The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “That we don’t have classes on Fridays! That may seem like a small thing but having that three-day weekend is amazing. I also discovered the strong sense of community here. Everyone knows everyone, and professors truly care about their students. My largest class had about 25 students, which made it easy to form connections and get the help I needed. I even have professors from years ago who still stop to say hi. President Blake always recognizes me when I see him around campus!”
Her greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “My public speaking class. Surprising, I know! Many of us were nervous about speaking in front of others, but my professor made it fun and helped us all gain confidence. I’ve been blessed with amazing professors at MGA who truly care about our success. Another great experience has been joining my education cohort my junior year. The people in my cohort have become some of my greatest motivators, and I couldn’t imagine going through the program without them.”
To her, greatness means … “More than just being good at something. Anyone can be a great athlete or a great student, but I believe greatness is about who you are on the inside and how you treat others. True greatness comes from the impact you have on people and how hard you push yourself to grow. It’s about doing your best even when no one is watching and using your gifts to make a positive difference in the world.”
In five years … “I hope to have earned my master’s degree, begun teaching at an elementary school, and at some point start coaching volleyball at my high school alma mater. I also have a few alternate versions of that plan: I may stay in Macon to complete my master’s while serving as a graduate assistant for the volleyball team. Either way, I’m excited to keep learning, teaching, and helping others find their own version of greatness.”