By Kyle LoJacono
Bishop McLaughlin volleyball player Jess Johnson and her brother Glenn Jr., a soccer player at Pine View Middle, each were invited to play in international all-star events this summer.
Jess, a 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter, was selected as one of 12 high-school-aged players for Team Florida Girls Youth International Team that played in the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. The event was in Tucson, Ariz., July 25-30, the same week Glenn Jr. was playing in his own all-star event.
Glenn Jr. was picked to play in the Knowsley International Youth Soccer Tournament in Liverpool as part of the Florida Alliance Soccer League All-Star Team. Soccer players were selected from affiliated clubs in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties.
The Land O’ Lakes duo said they enjoy having a sibling that is also talented in sports. It is also fun for their parents, Brenda and Glenn Sr., but it isn’t always easy attending the two all stars’ sporting events.
“We’re basically going in different directions just trying to keep up,” Brenda said.
Glenn Sr. added with a laugh, “There has been a lot of stuff broken in our house from them practicing when they shouldn’t. Actually my son wanted to move his bed out of his room so he could have an indoor mini soccer field. It didn’t happen.”
Both parents played high school sports. Brenda was a basketball and softball player, while Glenn Sr. played football and baseball.
Glenn Jr. played multiple sports at a very young age, including football, baseball and basketball, but Jess did not take to athletic events as naturally.
“It was interesting for Jessi because she was a Barbie-doll playing young girl,” Glenn Sr. said. “She didn’t want to play any sports at all. We tried her at every sport, and she didn’t like any of them. Volleyball was the last choice, and it worked out.”
Jess has taken off with volleyball since she started playing at the New Tampa YMCA at age 8. She has been a four-year varsity player in high school, first at Wiregrass Ranch as a freshman, at Land O’ Lakes as a sophomore and the last two years at Bishop McLaughlin.
Jess posted 328 kills and 201 aces last year for the Hurricanes. She has 706 kills and 296 aces while in high school.
Jess had to attend two tryouts to make Team Florida. She was one of about 100 girls vying to make the final cut.
“I was actually surprised because I was cut the previous year,” Jess said. “I wasn’t expecting anything. When I did make it, I was so excited.”
Team Florida played against similar squads from across the nation and world, coming in ninth overall.
“It really gives you a good look at what it’s going to look like when you play in college,” Jess said. “In college it’s all the best kids who are playing club. … I want to play in college. Playing professional isn’t really a goal of mine, but if I got the opportunity it would be really hard to turn down.”
Jess’ favorite player is setter Alisha Glass, who won three straight national titles while at Penn State from 2007-09.
Jess wants to major in chemistry and eventually become a pharmacist if professional volleyball isn’t in the cards.
Glenn Jr. started playing soccer at age 4. His favorite player is Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona.
While he was expecting to make the Florida Alliance team, Glenn Jr. said he was very honored when he heard he was picked.
“It was a great experience,” Glenn Jr. said. “The game was more physical, and we finished second place in the U13 division.”
He plays for both Pine View Middle and the Wesley Chapel Flames U13 squad. Glenn Jr. would like to play in college and possibly make a career out of the sport he loves.
The siblings have shined athletically, but their parents make sure they do not fall behind in the classroom.
“School is always the priority,” Brenda said. “We make sure of that. Glenn Jr. has to get his homework done before practice is even an option. We’re pretty firm about that, so I think athletics has helped motivate their academics.”
—All high school stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
