Amador Senior and athlete Kalena Johnson is receiving all sorts of national recognition for her phenomenal Lacrosse playing. She earned a spot on the All-American Roster and received an honorable mention under Player of the Week in the U.S. Lacrosse Magazine.

The Adrenaline All-American roster is a team Johnson was nominated for by her coaches. Adrenaline hand picks some of the best lacrosse players in the west to compete at a yearly game in Dallas, Texas.

“I was extremely grateful they had chosen me and super excited to go and represent Cal in Dallas. I’m looking forward to the fast pace and playing against all the best in the west,” says Johnson.

Adrenaline Lacrosse wasn’t the only platform to recognize Johnson’s playing talent. Once a week U.S. Lacrosse Magazine selects four players of the week (girls high school, boys high school, girls college, and boys college). Although she wasn’t selected as player of the week Johnson still received props in the honorable mention category. 

On top of these two incredible achievements Johnson has also committed to UC Berkeley to play Lacrosse.

“When I went on my visit, Berkeley had a welcoming and inviting team culture, they were like a family. All the students were extremely motivated and hardworking, and I know they will push me to perform my best on and off the field. I looked up to all the player’s drive and focus, and I can only hope to embody them one day. Berkeley itself offered an amazing education I couldn’t pass up, and I’m excited to be a part of a community where diversity is cherished and celebrated,” says Johnson.

Even with the excitement of moving on to Berkley lacrosse, it still means leaving old teammates behind. Johnson has been playing lacrosse since she was a kid and played for Amador all four years.

“It’s just so sad. A lot of those girls I’ve been playing with since I was in elementary school… I know I was just grateful along with the rest of the team that we had some sort of a season and that they were able to put something together. It just feels like the end to an era. We tried to make the most of our season… It was a pretty strong season despite some obvious setbacks,” says Johnson.

Although the lacrosse season did inevitably have to come to an end the team was able to make the most of what they got. They won all seven of the games they played, their last game against Foothill where they crushed the Falcons 22-2.

Johnson’s playing career has brought her far, and will continue to take her incredible places. Lacrosse has always been an important part of her life, and she doesn’t plan to stop playing for her passion any time soon.

“Lacrosse has always been a consistent outlet for me. I love competing in games and at practice. The moment I step on the field, I can focus solemnly on playing and disconnect from whatever else is going on. My teammates and coaches are my second family and have always supported me on and off the field. Lacrosse has taught me hard work pays off and the discipline necessary to be successful on the field, in the classroom, and in life,” says Johnson.