Janisa Johnson


Janisa Ivette Johnson was an American volleyball player.

Early life and education

Johnson was born on September 22, 1991. Long Beach, California was her hometown. She attended Wilson [High School (California)|Wilson High School] and California [State University, Long Beach].

Career

Janisa Johnson was a player for Wilson High School's volleyball team. She also started for California State University, Long Beach.
After graduating from CSU in 2013, Johnson plied her trade in Europe. She joined Köpenicker SC in Germany in 2015 before playing in Finland, France, Poland, and Spain. She also played in Asia, specifically in the Philippines.
In Finland she played for Orividen Ponnitus.

BaliPure

She played in the Premier Volleyball League in the Philippines from 2018 to 2019 where she played as an import, or foreign player. She debuted in the PVL with the BaliPure–NU Water Defenders at the 2018 [Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference|2018 Reinforced Conference].

Béziers Volley

She played and won a championship for Béziers Angels in France's LNV Ligue A Féminine. She played from September 2018 to May 2019.

Petro Gazz

After her brief stint in France, Johnson returned to the PVL in the Philippines and helped the Petro Gazz Angels clinch the title for that season's Reinforced Conference and was named the final's MVP. This was her club's first PVL title.

Radomka Radom

After playing in the Philippines, Johnson returned to Europe and signed with Polish club Radomka Radom of the Polish [Women's Volleyball League]. In March 2021, Johnson became unavailable for the rest of the 2020–21 season due to a colon cancer diagnosis.

CD Heidelberg

After undergoing cancer treatment, Johnson briefly returned, signing a contract with Spanish club CD Heidelberg in August 2022.

Personal life

Johnson was of Hispanic descent.

Illness and death

In 2021, Johnson was diagnosed with colon cancer, for which she underwent chemotherapy. In August 2022, she recovered enough to play competitive volleyball again.
Johnson died on May 25, 2024 at the age of 32.

Awards

Individuals

Clubs