Sophomore Lashawn Johnson can be an intimidating figure on the court, standing six-foot-two as a center for the Redbirds. She has been known to provide relief off the bench, but Johnson has started four games this season, owns the third most rebounds on the squad and is third on the team in blocked shots.
During the storied 2004-05 season, Johnson did not play the entire State Farm MVC Tournament until the championship game when she tallied seven points and six rebounds in just 12 minutes, launching the Redbirds into the NCAA Tournament with their win over Indiana State. She was also the leading shot blocker in the 2004-05 season. Johnson has shown a great deal of impact early in her collegiate career for Illinois State.
"I want my role as a sophomore to be a player who will come out strong defensively," said Johnson. "I would also like to be a team leader,"
Off the court Johnson has a second passion, singing. When Johnson returns to her family, parents Dennis and Annette, sisters Tiffany and Melanie and brother Dennis in Chicago, they attend church to worship and sing. She has even been known to sing solos at her church.
"When I was younger my parents made all the kids go to church and they made us sing in the choir," said Johnson. "Singing in church is so positive because no one cares what you sound like."
Johnson doesn't just sing in church, she also sings with her teammates and even sang two songs in former Redbird point guard, Taren (O'Brien) Martin's wedding.
"I was extremely nervous and afterwards I cried like I messed up or something," said Johnson. "I doubt I'll do any other weddings."
Even with her uncertainty, Martin was impressed with Johnson's vocal ability. Martin said the team makes Johnson sing different songs they always enjoy hearing because she is so talented, that's when she knew Lashawn needed to sing in her wedding.
"She did awesome at my wedding. She is a great singer," said Martin. "It meant more because I was a graduate assistant at the time and to see that different side of her was moving."
Singing does not come as easy to Johnson as basketball does. She might be a threat on the court, but singing can be nerve-racking for her.
"I don't think I could even sing the national anthem in public. I think I would grab the microphone and cry," said Johnson. "I might be big, but I get scared just like anyone else."
Johnson may be frightened by a microphone and singing in public, but she sure isn't intimidated by making big plays on the court in front of thousands of fans cheering her on.
