Posted: Aug 27, 2021

Johnson Joins the Hall

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Maranatha Baptist University Athletic Department has named Sara (Beernink) Johnson as an inductee into the Maranatha Athletics hall of fame.

The award goes to Johnson in recognition of her accomplishments on the field and court as a Maranatha Crusader (1989-1992), and off the court as a coach, Sunday School teacher, mother, grandmother, and for her dedication to Maranatha athletes and athletic competition.

As a student-athlete, Johnson competed in two sports: softball for one season and volleyball for four seasons, earning varsity letters in each. During her collegiate career, Johnson had the distinct honor to be a member of the MBBC Volleyball team that won the NCCAA DII National Title in four consecutive seasons (1989-1992). Throughout her career, Johnson has exemplified the spirit, enthusiasm, and work ethic that Maranatha Baptist University desires to instill in all its athletes.

Johnson is considered as one of the best-ever student-athletes from Maranatha to not earn NCCAA All-America honors, as her career recognition includes:

Team MVP (1)
Team Defensive Award (1)
NCCAA All-Region (2)
NCCAA All-Tournament (3)
NCCAA All-Tournament MVP (1)
Lake Michigan Conference All-Conference (1)
Lake Michigan Conference Scholar-Athlete (1)

Johnson has demonstrated her heart for ministry as she served her fellow students during her collegiate years. She was involved in local church ministry in various capacities, and then in campus ministry as a Prayer Captain (2 years), Society Officer (2), Class Officer (2), Student Body Officer (2), Madrigal Choir (3), Messiah Choir (3), and was recognized with the prestigious Thelma Melford Cedarholm Award in her senior year.

Johnson’s influence on her family has also been evidenced as three daughters (Alexis, Karley, and Kelsey) have graduated and found their spouses at MBU, and one daughter (Emily) is currently enrolled. The Johnson family name is synonymous with athletic excellence at Maranatha, as seven of Maranatha's NCCAA National Women's Volleyball Titles have been won with at least one Johnson on the floor. Just to give one example.

After her playing career, Johnson stayed on as a coach of the Women's Volleyball team in the 1993 season, helping the team to a national third-place finish after a crushing semifinal loss to Pacific Christian. Her influence on the program and on Maranatha Athletics as a whole has been profound.

“We are excited to recognize Sara (Beernink) Johnson to the MBU Hall of Fame class of 2021!”, said MBU Athletic Director Rob Thompson. “Sara’s accomplishments in volleyball helped to propel Maranatha to four consecutive NCCAA National Championships. Additionally, Sara’s support of Maranatha since graduation has been evidenced by four daughters attending MBU, her participation and instruction at numerous camps, and by her attendance at the majority of home events. Sara has been a faithful member of her local church in various capacities during her collegiate career and continues to do so today. We congratulate Sara for her example both on and off the court.”