Girls Soccer: Vaparaiso’s Kate Johnson just can’t get enough

 It’s definitely not a stretch to say Valparaiso forward Kate Johnson spends a lot of time playing soccer.

In fact, when practice ended most days, the Duneland Athletic Conference’s Most Valuable Player could usually be found on the field polishing her skills for the game she loves.

“One of the biggest reasons Kate is so good is her dedication,’’ Valparaiso coach Rob Cespedes said. “When everyone goes home after practice, she’ll stay and work on her game.’’

For Johnson, who committed to Indiana State in the spring prior to her junior year, it’s not something special.

“Working on my own is something I’ve done forever,’’ said Johnson, the Post-Tribune’s Player of the Year.

“I just enjoy playing and can’t get enough of it — I’ve just always felt that individual attention helped me. I’d stay out there working on my shots and my moves. The initial goal was to get a scholarship to college, but when I finally committed, my goal was then to be ready to play and be the best player that I could. I just wanted to make sure I was the best player for my high school team, my club team (Chicago Fire Juniors) and for ISU.’’

Johnson said she never felt like putting in extra time was something she had to do. She did it because of her passion for the sport.

“It was never like: ‘Oh, I guess I’ve got to go out and work on soccer — work on my game,’” she said. “I wanted to go out and do it. I enjoyed doing it. I did it because I love the game and wanted to the best I could be.’’

Johnson, who was a ISCA second-team all-state selection, was easily one of the best players in the area this fall.

She scored 24 goals and totaled 14 assists, while helping the Vikings win a share of their first DAC title since 2007 — along with Crown Point and Chesterton.

“That was my favorite memory from this season and the most fulfilling part of it,’’ Johnson said. “I didn’t mind sharing the title, because both of them were really good teams. We also won on Senior Night so it was nice to be able to share that experience with the seniors and the rest of my teammates. It was really an amazing feeling.’’

The Vikings (15-4) made a good postseason run — reaching the title match at the Highland Regional before losing to Crown Point.

Johnson was asked to describe her style of play.

“I like to pass the ball,’’ she said. “Sometimes, I’d rather have an assist than a goal. I like watching my teammates succeed. My coach has always set me up to create, which I really like to do.’’

Cespedes told Johnson he doesn’t know what he’ll do without her next fall.

“Her flat-out talent with the ball is amazing,’’ he said. “She has incredible talent. Kate is very respectful and real easy to coach. She’s real receptive to the things you tell her. She has an ability to really read the game. She doesn’t think twice about passing. She’s a very unselfish type of player.

“Even though she has the confidence of being the top dog, she’s not thinking about her own personal records, she’s thinking about the team.’’

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