UMO's Arieal Johnson -- a student-athlete and mom

By Cam Ellis
Published in Sports on January 14, 2015 1:48 PM

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cellis@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Watch a University of Mount Olive women's basketball game for 10 seconds and you could easily point out Arieal Johnson.

She's tall -- 6-foot-4 to be exact.

Opposing teams think Johnson is much taller due to her rebounding and blocking ability. Players strain to get position against her for rebounds and normally alter their shots underneath the basket because of her size.

She has a blueblood pedigree in a sport she passionately loves.

A native of Havelock, Johnson started her prep basketball career at Oak Hill (Va.) Academy -- the same program that's produced NBA greats Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo ... just to name a few.

University of Georgia head coach Andy Landers recruited Johnson in 2011. The Dawgs finished 23-11 and advanced to the elite eight of the NCAA Division I women's tournament. Johnson didn't consider the season too successful since she averaged 3.6 minutes per game.

Johnson's life soon changed.

She became pregnant.

It was difficult news for a 19-year-old to hear.

"It was surprising and tough," said Johnson, who had made the decision to leave Georgia after her freshman season. "But it made me become more responsible, so it was kind of a good thing. I didn't have the stereotypical thought of 'my life is over.'

"I was ready for it."

Johnson spent the next 24 months raising her son, Jordan.

Soon the hardcourt beckoned.

"My son is the reason I came back to play," she said. "I know that I need to get a degree for him in order for him to do something with his life."

Johnson's father advised her to attend UMO.

She continues to get acclimated. The schedule, workouts and demands of being a student-athlete don't exactly mesh with the responsibilities of being a mother to a toddler.

"It's hard, it's really tough," she said. "It's mainly extra stress compared to what everyone else has going on. I have to balance out homework and practice with finding time to talk to him."

Johnson lives on campus. However, children are not allowed in the dorm, so Jordan splits time between his grandparents' home in Havelock and with his father in New Bern.

Johnson gets plenty of chances to see Jordan.

"He comes out to every game that we have here," she said. "All my teammates love him."

Johnson continues to knock off the rust on the court. Through 12 games, she's averaging 10.8 points and shooting 64 percent from the field. A strong-willed worker in the paint, Johnson grabs 8.8 rebounds and blocks nearly two shots a game.

And she plays less than 20 total minutes on most occasions.

"Getting back in shape is the hardest part," she said. "I think I could get back to where I was by the beginning of next season."

Whether she is in basketball shape or not, UMO head coach Wendy Lee is glad to have some size -- and intimidation -- on the court.

"Arieal has all the potential in the world," she said. "I think that's something that's obvious to anyone that steps in the gym and watches her play for even a short time. She has a huge upside.

"When she starts to be sure of herself again, it's going to show. She's going to have an impact every time she steps on the floor."

Lee says Johnson's college career has played out as a great experience, one that can prepare her for life after basketball more than any game could.

"We try to embrace that part of Arieal's life," she said. "Obviously it's a great thing. It's not a bad thing. It's a second chance to be back at college for her kid and herself. That to me is a special thing that she's embraced."

The sky is the limit for Johnson, a Division I talent with a newfound appreciation for the college experience she has cherished so far this season.

"I love it here," she said. "[UMO] is closer to home, it's smaller and everyone here is family oriented."