Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come. 

Johnna Hill
Bowling
Class: Junior
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Major: Accounting

Johnna Hill is a dedicated junior accounting major at Morgan State University and a proud member of the university's women's bowling team, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From the tender age of five, Johnna discovered her passion for bowling, spending countless hours honing her skills and developing her technique. Over the years, she has transformed this early love into a standout bowling career that has garnered attention and accolades.

Throughout her journey, Johnna has embraced every challenge, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Her commitment to the sport is evident in her training regimen and competitive spirit, which have propelled her to excel in various tournaments and leagues. As a rookie on the Morgan's team, Johnna quickly made her mark, showcasing her talent and dedication on the national stage.

During her first season, she earned the prestigious title of MEAC Rookie of the Week an impressive four times, a testament to her exceptional performance and impact on the team. Additionally, Johnna's competitive prowess was highlighted when she placed in the top 25 at the NCTA, solidifying her reputation as one of the rising stars in collegiate bowling. Her outstanding contributions and achievements culminated in her being honored as Morgan State University's Female Athlete of the Year, a recognition that reflects both her athletic ability and her leadership on the team.

Student Life

What is your major, and why did you choose it? Accounting. I chose it because I knew I wanted to do something with numbers.

What is the best time of year here at Morgan?  I would say it's whenever we start competing and see the direction the season is going to take.

Favorite Morgan Memory? My whole freshman season would be my favorite memory.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen? Some of the most important things when coming into college are time management and staying true to yourself.

How do you feel about coming to college? I was interested in seeing what Baltimore was like, and I felt prepared because I took a couple of gap years before starting college.

What have you learned in your major classes? In accounting, I've learned that it's all about approaching situations with a business mindset.

As a junior, what has been your biggest learning experience? The biggest learning experience has been to go after what you want and reach your goals.

What was the biggest challenge in changing bowling teams? My biggest challenge is that when I'm on the lanes, I'm more introverted and not as expressive as my teammates.

If you had to give an incoming student advice, what would it be? Everything happens for a reason.
 

Pop Culture

What is your favorite social media? Instagram

Favorite movie or TV show? Any crime or documentary shows

Favorite holiday and tradition? Thanksgiving

What is the most interesting place you've visited, and where would you like to visit next? Las Vegas

Favorite food? Seafood

Sports

What has practice been like? We focus on muscle memory and ensuring that our form is correct from head to toe.

What brought you to start bowling, and who did you learn it from? I started bowling at five years old when my coach asked me to join his junior league.

Which team do you most look forward to competing against? I look forward to competing with all the top five schools, as it shows how we are progressing as a team.

Can you describe the emotions and sense of accomplishment you felt during your freshman year as you achieved remarkable milestones? It means so much to me because it brings attention to the sport of bowling, and allows me to make history so that people can read about my story.

What have you been doing in practice to get ready for the season? This is a developmental season for me, so I am working on reinforcing the skills I've learned, such as my footwork and decreasing my drift.

Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?  I do positive affirmations.

Your freshman year, you were invited to the West Coast to play in the Intercollegiate Single Championships. How was that experience for you? The experience was unreal; being in Las Vegas was surreal, and I just focused on taking in the moment.

Miscellaneous 

How do you keep up with such a rigorous GPA while being a student-athlete? I sit down at the beginning of the week and plan out all the activities I need to complete.

How long have you been riding horses, and have you ever had the opportunity to compete? I started taking lessons when I was ten years old.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? From my dad: "Throw it or do it like you mean it."

Favorite professional sports team? The Professional Bowlers Association, because I enjoy watching all the players.

When you're not at practice, what could someone find you doing? You can find me enjoying nature, taking a walk, or just relaxing at home.

Who do you model your game after? Daria Pająk.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would change the fact that I overthink; I want to stop getting in my own way.

Who is someone you admire the most? My dad.

Most prized possession? My bowling ball, because in high school I won the title of 2018 WPIBL Singles Champion.

What were your first impressions when meeting Coach Franklin? He was very ambitious coming from NAIA to NCAA, and I learned that he is someone who is all about business both on and off the lanes.

Beyond her individual accolades, Johnna is deeply committed to representing her University and hometown with pride. She embodies the spirit of a true student-athlete, balancing her academic pursuits in accounting with her passion for bowling. As she continues her journey at Morgan State, Hill remains an inspiring figure, not only for her teammates but for aspiring bowlers everywhere, showcasing the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Beneath the Surface full list here
 

🎙️ Khamani Anderson, MSU Athletics Communications intern contributed to this release.
🎥 Jake Bandoh, MSU Athletics Lead Production intern


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.