Muhlenberg’s Jessica Johnson has no qualms about jumping into something new

Track & Field coverage presented by ATT Sports, Inc.

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

One thing that never stops Jessica Johnson is fear. That was true all those years on a karate mat. It was true when she strapped on a helmet and tried football.

“If I want to try something new, I’ll do it,” Muhlenberg’s senior said. “That’s how I go.”

Johnson is a two-sport standout for the Muhls. Soccer in the fall and track in the spring. She plans to continue both at Bryn Mawr College.

The football diversion came from an unusual source: TikTok. Johnson saw a video of a girls soccer player kicking and decided she should do the same. She made an appearance with Muhlenberg’s JV team and can boot a 45-yard field goal if given the chance.

Track has emerged as Johnson’s favorite sport. This season she has established herself as one of Berks’ best all-around competitors. She ranks in the top 12 in District 3 Class 3A in the long jump, triple jump and 300 hurdles.

Muhlenberg coach Jason Kilgore knows he can place Johnson into almost any race or any jump and she will thrive.

“The problem is we’re going to run out of events for her,” Kilgore said. “When you have someone that’s a master of a lot of things, you have to look at it the right way. Let’s look and see where she can be best as we get deeper into the season. She can be used in a lot of places and do well at all of them.”

Johnson reached 17-9 in the long jump during a dual meet to establish a school record and place her in district medal contention.

Her 48.37 in the 300 hurdles is the Berks best. Her 34-3.5 in the triple jump is second in Berks to Oley Valley’s Alice Bogia.

One event has been on Johnson’s radar all along. She has pursued the school record in the long jump since she knew it existed.

The 300 hurdles weren’t on her mind until she ran them for the first time last month. There’s plenty of room to grow as she gains experience.

The hurdles are Kilgore’s specialty. He saw some potential in Johnson, initially with the 100 hurdles before she found her groove in the longer race.

“To be honest the biggest thing that impresses me is how she listens, how she works,” Kilgore said. “There are kids that are athletes blessed with ability and they know everything.

“They don’t want to put the work in. She’s gifted but she also lets you coach her. She’s humble enough to say, ‘I’m OK, I do things well but I can get better.’ ”

Karate was Johnson’s first athletic pursuit. It dates back to when she was 3 years old and continued until she was around 13. She wasn’t just dabbling in it. She was serious. Johnson traveled the country in order to challenge herself.

“It was actually really fun,” she said. “I’ve been to over 30 states for it. I’m not a world champ but I placed fourth in worlds.”

Soccer and track took over once Johnson made it to Muhlenberg. She finished with five goals and two assists in 15 games for the Muhls in the fall. This track season has vaulted her to another level. She should win multiple medals at the Firing Meet on May 12 and 14.

The list of Muhlenberg’s school record holders is encased in glass. All of the athletes walk past it. If they’re interested, they can take a look. Johnson will already be in that case for the long jump. She hopes to put her name there in the triple and 300 hurdles as well.

Johnson enjoys the unique opportunities that track provides. She can pursue her goals while having plenty of time to spend with her teammates.

“I like how it’s an individual sport but you also make a bunch of friends here,” Johnson said. “I love the social aspect of it.”

After she collects her medals over the next few weekends, Johnson will keep going in college. Then, who knows? She might discover something new to try.