2020 Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year: Johnsburg's Ellie Johnson

Johnsburg's Ellie Johnson didn't need a state tournament in her senior season to cement her place as one of the best girls golfers in Skyhawks history.

Johnson, who went to state as a sophomore and junior, led Johnsburg to its first Kishwaukee River Conference championship, while also winning the individual title for the third straight year. At regionals, Johnson earned medalist honors with a 78 to again lead her team to the team title. She ended her standout career with a 79 at sectionals, taking third.

Johnson was named the KRC Player of the Year, but did not get a chance to beat her 21st-place finish last season at the Class 1A state tournament. A state meet was not held this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For her accomplishments, Johnson was selected the Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Johnson becomes the first Skyhawks golfer to win the award.

Johnson spoke with sports writer Alex Kantecki about her favorite memories from senior year, navigating through a season during a pandemic, what she would change about golf and more.

How did you get your start in golf?

Johnson: Originally, I wasn't a huge fan of golf. My family is big into golf. My grandpa plays all of the time and my sister (Emma) played golf for the high school. My parents always told me I had a knack for it, and they really pushed the envelope for golf. The more I got into it, the more I started taking lessons, going out and playing with my family. I fell in love with it and it skyrocketed from there.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before you play?

Johnson: I never mark my golf balls, which I know I'm a bad golfer for doing. But one time I did put some Sharpie on my golf ball and I didn't play well. Every time I go up to hit a ball, I spin my club in my hand. It's kind of a little weird habit that I have.

What is your most prized possession?

Johnson: If I have one tee left after I hit my last drive, I always save that tee. I have countless amounts of tees littered throughout my room. They're just kind of little mementos of each round, which I take with me and learn from each round. Those tees are a reminder of where I've come from.

Who on your team inspires you?

Johnson: They all inspire me. We were with each other from Day 1. It's really inspiring seeing people are interested in the sport, are growing along with it every year, kind of like I did when I was a little freshman and nervous.

What’s the best piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?

Johnson: At our conference tournament, I wasn't playing up to my standards. (Coach Chris O'Niel) took me to the side and told me to relax. He told me that in college, they're not going to be looking at how you play or your score as much, as they're looking at how you carry yourself and how you pick yourself up and assert yourself on the course. That has really stuck with me.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

Johnson: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." I've rewatched that show maybe five times.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

Johnson: When people leave the lights on, or don't put away dishes and leave them in the sink.

What was the most challenging part of this year because of COVID-19?

Johnson: The fear of not knowing whether or not we would continue or finish the season. It was really scary. At the beginning, we didn't even know if we were going to even have a season. And I'm so thankful we were able to have it. It could have been taken away at any point.

If you could change one thing about golf, what would it be?

Johnson: How quiet and reserved it is. When I'm playing, I'm really emotional and expressive. I love watching the videos of pros getting exclamatory and breaking their clubs and throwing their clubs. It's kind of cool to see them not so reserved and uptight.

Who is your favorite pro golfer?

Johnson: Rory McIlroy. I love him. I love the way he plays the game. He doesn't take a ton of risks, but when he sees an opportunity he really takes advantage of them. When he was young, he chipped balls into his washing machine. That's such a weird thing that no one would think to do. I love following him. He's just super cool.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

Johnson: I love mashed potatoes. My brother makes super delicious mashed potatoes. And who doesn't love those leftover Thanksgiving meals the day after? That's my second favorite.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

Johnson: My favorite book series, "Throne of Glass," my golf clubs and the third would be my dogs. I love my dogs. They're crazy little idiots and they help me through golf season all of the time.

What's your favorite wild animal?

Johnson: I love eagles. The golden eagle is a beautiful bird. It's massive. ... I fell into a nature documentary watching period during quarantine.

What’s the hardest part about golf?

Johnson: The mental aspect. My dad always says you that need a short-term memory in golf. It's taken me a lot of years to figure that out.

Who is your hero?

Johnson: My older sister (Emma). We're super close. I've been able to see all of the hardships and great things she's done. She's planning on going to law school. I'm astounded by her every day and I hope to be like her some day.

What will you remember most about your high school career?

Johnson: The bonds that I've had with my team, especially with the seniors, since we started as little freshman. We were all like, 'This sport is dumb. Why am I playing this? I'm going to quit next year.' And every year we came back. We got to where we are today. Those little moments that we kind of took for granted, I guess. ... Now that it is over, I will definitely have with me forever.