By DJ MOORE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. — Right before entering Social Circle High School as a freshman, Jesany Johnson had found a sport she loved: tennis. Prior to that discovery, Johnson struggled to locate an interest in any sport. 

A private lesson playing tennis, however, hooked Johnson. 

“I was looking for a sport that I could consistently play in high school and it looked like such a fun, easy-going sport,” Johnson said. “I went to a private lesson to try it out in the summer, and I have loved it ever since.”

Johnson has spent the past four and a half years playing tennis and has been on the Lady Redskins squad all four years of high school. This season, she is a senior captain. 

Being captain has been a joy for Johnson. 

“I have absolutely loved every year that I’ve played for the Social Circle tennis team,” Johnson said. “So being captain is a title that I was very excited to receive.” 

Johnson found more than just a sport to participate in while a Lady Redskin. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Also while in high school, Johnson ran on the cross country team for two years and is an active member of the West End Baptist Church. 

While playing tennis, Johnson’s favorite player is Naomi Osaka — a Japanese professional tennis player who ranks world No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association. 

“She is an amazing player and she has an amazing attitude,” Johnson said. “She is very humble and keeps her cool on and off the court.”

From her freshman year to her senior year, Johnson has continuously worked to improve her skills on the court. But she even knows there is room for improvement. 

“My game has gotten a lot better, and I’ve improved my fundamental skills greatly. Most importantly my attitude toward the game has changed the most,” Johnson said. “I don’t get angry or upset when I lose, but take each match as a learning experience.”

After high school, Johnson plans on attending the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega to major in kinesiology. She wants to play tennis on a club or an intramural level. 

That coupled with her degree, Johnson aspires to become a physical therapist or a chiropractor. 

Johnson believes that her school has shaped her into the young woman that she is today. 

“Social Circle has given me many opportunities to prepare me for the next step,” Johnson said. “I have learned valuable lessons from great leaders. Remembering key values like having care, respect, and leadership.”