A few years ago, Aaliyah Johnson was a shy middle school student not exactly eager to stand out in a crowd.
“I never wanted to speak out and I was always the last one to volunteer for things,” she said.
Well, a lot has changed since then.
Johnson, a Harker Heights senior, stepped out of her comfort zone, immersed herself in the life of a student-athlete in the truest sense and is now thriving as a varsity volleyball player and the battalion commander of the Knights JROTC program. And, last week, she served as emcee for Killeen ISD’s 20th annual Freedom Walk that marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
So much for staying out of the spotlight.
“She is such an amazing kid,” Lady Knights volleyball head coach Crystal Bennett said. “She is a natural-born leader and is extremely hard-working. She’s probably the most positive person that we have. She is a great example of someone who is unselfish, and that’s why she is such a good leader.”
Those characteristics helped Johnson blend two time-consuming and demanding extracurricular activities into a recipe for future success.
Johnson was born in Houston but moved to Harker Heights at the end of her third-grade year. She attended Cavazos Elementary School and Nolan Middle School, where she began her volleyball career and tinkered with a budding interest in the HHHS JROTC program after some high school students made a pitch to their middle school peers.
“I was kind of like, ‘Dang, that sounds really interesting,’” Johnson recalled. “So, my freshman year, I joined. I wasn’t really expecting myself to put so much effort into the program.”
Expectations are meant to be exceeded.
Johnson was named cadet of the quarter as a ninth-grader, and over the course of the next two years, she continued to ascend the ranks –– private, private first class, corporal, staff sergeant, sergeant first class and first sergeant.
This year, Johnson is tasked with leading the program after earning the promotion to lieutenant colonel and being named battalion commander. It’s a title not easily obtained.
Johnson was recognized at a pinning ceremony earlier this month, and in addition to her parents, also in attendance were Coach Bennett and the Lady Knights volleyball players.
“I definitely shed a tear or two –– multiple times –– because it was very unexpected. I wasn’t expecting my teammates to show up,” said Johnson, who plays outside hitter for the Lady Knights. “For them to make time in their day to support me during one of my biggest accomplishments meant a lot to me.”
Volleyball itself means a lot to Johnson. After three seasons on sub-varsity teams, Johnson claimed a varsity roster spot this season, serving as a role player for a team that already has notched the most wins in program history (24) with nearly the entire District 12-6A schedule to play.
“I just love my team. They’re so supportive. We’re very diverse people, and having so many different people on the team means there are so many different personalities. There’s never a dull moment with this team,” Johnson said with a smile. “You go to a volleyball game, we’re the loudest ones there. We always support each other 1,000 percent.”
How a person leads depends on the individual. For Johnson, it’s about being there no matter what for those she’s guiding.
“I am a very patient leader. I’m not very loud or boisterous. I think being able to stop and listen to what people around you are saying, understand it and work with it –– that’s the type of leader I am. My patience is a big thing,” said Johnson, who also is a reigning national qualifier for the JROTC archery team and dedicates time to various community events.
“As a leader, I also think I have the presence and capability to motivate others, which is another big thing you have to have, especially when leading a battalion as big as ours,” she added. “As battalion commander, I am the face of everything.”
Johnson said she believes she inherited some of her leadership attributes from her mom, Misha, a reserve in the United States Navy and her most influential role model.
“We’ve been through a lot together. Her resilience, her perseverance and everything she has taught me throughout my life have really shaped the person I am,” Johnson said.
What lies ahead for Johnson after graduation in May is to be determined. She’s weighing multiple pathways, including studying to become a veterinarian, joining one of the branches of the military, or pursuing volleyball.
For now, though, she’s concentrated on doing whatever is needed to help the volleyball team and the JROTC program be the best they can be.
“I think volleyball and JROTC have really helped me find my confidence. They also have helped me build a lot of resilience because I know I can be very hard on myself sometimes,” Johnson said. “They have also taught me to be grateful for what I have. I thank God every day that I’m able to play volleyball and be in JROTC because a lot of kids don’t have that. I’m just very grateful for what I have.”