A 5'9" guard from Minneapolis, (Minnesota) freshman Mia Johnson began her basketball career at the age of 10 when she participated in a park-board league. She openly admits that her community wasn't picture perfect, but her talent and love of the game allowed her to break free from those boundaries.

"Basketball has been everything for me. It definitely paved the way to where I am today," she said.

Johnson's success didn't come single- handedly. She attributes the majority of her accomplishments to her mom.

"She steers me down the right direction. If it had to do with basketball, she gave me everything I ever needed," she said.

Johnson's mom stressed to her daughter the importance of surrounding herself with individuals who encourage her personal growth and success.

"If you surround yourself with positive people, positive things will happen," she said.

Johnson's entire high school career sideswiped impeccable. Aside from leading her team to two state titles, Johnson also assisted in clenching a 21-8 record her junior year and was named the Minnesota 3A player of the year. Her distinctions don't stop there.

Blue Star Index ranked the ball-dribbling phenomenon as the 49th best senior in the nation and All-Star Girls Report rated her the 23rd best guard in the country. As a junior, she averaged 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while shooting 41 percent from the three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line.

In 2002, Johnson attended the 2002 Adidas Top 10 Camp and was the recipient of the Minnesota Timbervolves' "Ten Award" for community involvement.

"Mia is a tremendous athlete, can shoot the three-pointer and put it on the floor," said Saint Louis University's women's basketball head coach, Jill Pizzotti, after announcing that Johnson had signed a letter of intent with the University. "Mia is someone you watch and know that she is a player you'd love to coach," she said.

Before deciding to become a Billiken, Johnson also looked at Minnesota, St. John's and Wisconsin.

"I felt I would get the best of both worlds, both athletically and academically, at SLU," she said.

With four months of college life under her belt, Johnson knows, without a doubt, that her decision was the right one.

"This school fits me. The environment and campus keep me busy," she said.

Johnson's notion of this perfect fit also extends to the Billiken basketball court.

"She's a very talented young lady," Pizzotti said.

Pizzotti stresses the importance of competition to her players –a spirit, she says, that Johnson embraces.

"She has a desire to play the game and is someone who also has a strong desire to compete and win," Pizzotti said.

Although struggling in the first half of the pre-season match-up against the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Johnson led the team with 16 points, got to the free throw line 10 times and had five rebounds and four steals.

"I love my team. As the season goes on, I learn more and become more comfortable. I know my team is going in the right direction," she said.

Johnson knows no other way. Off the court, her impressive time spent working with members of her community expounds upon Johnson's decorated career.

While her mom worked as a culinary chef at a nursing home, Johnson read to the elderly residents. After being inducted in the National Honor Society in high school, Johnson continued with her service-project endeavors. Every summer, Johnson organized a youth basketball camp at her area park and recreation center. She also started after-school programs at her local YMCA and delivered motivational speeches to grade school students. In partnership with General Mills, Johnson spoke about the importance of nutrition and fitness.

"I love community service and working with the youth of the community," she said.

When off the court or in the classroom, Johnson is setting lofty goals for the season. In fact, she guarantees that her team will be in attendance in post-season games.

"I definitely want to be in the top five," she said.

Johnson said that with these aspirations come the naysayers, but as she says, "Let them talk."

"We have the possibility to overcome anything," Johnson said.

On Nov. 19, in their first home game versus Youngstown State, Johnson and fellow freshman teammates will play their first official college game. Although her mind will be in the midst of the action, Johnson's sights will be set on the future.

"Come the end of the season, big things are going to happen," Johnson said.