This weekend's feel good story is Belmont's Maya Johnson
The Hokies faced her in last year's Regionals and, while, VT beat her twice, she still had an awesome year: 24-6, a 1.52 ERA, and 366 Ks in 207 innings. That's in spite of VT getting to her for 10 runs in 10 innings in the two games.
She initially entered the transfer portal but decided to return to Belmont, partially due to her Lupus condition.
During the fall, doctor became concerned about how the Lupus was affecting her kidneys and started her on chemotherapy, which was really tough for her.
She told D1 Softball "It was definitely not an easy period of time. I would literally go for infusions and be so nauseous and sick that I would sleep all weekend."
So what does she do in her first appearance this season? Throws a perfect game versus Missouri State with 15 strikeouts, giving her over 800 strikeouts for her career.
What a performance. Nothing but respect for that young lady.
9 Replies
5mo
Both father (who is a National travel coach for Fury Platinum) and daughter said that Johnson is the most dominant pitcher they have ever seen....and they have coached/played against Rothrock (UF).
(In response to this post by VTChip)
5mo
But the VT hitters zoned in on her.
In game one, Jordan Lynch and Kylie Aldridge hit home runs and Zoe Yaeger hit a 2-run triple.
In game two, Lynch homered again as did Emily LeGette and Trinity Martin.
(In response to this post by AirborneHokie96)
G
GBOHokie
5mo
If she enters the portal when we played her. Here’s to hoping she can keep it under control.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
5mo
...during the season (before she entered the portal officially), I was told by folks in the Belmont program who would know.
VT was not the only school who did this, but she ruled out all programs who made contact that early.
It came down to Michigan and returning to Belmont, and familiarity with Belmont's coaching staff and team, and the opportunity to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice with mostly virtual coursework balanced with great access to clinical placements in Nashville, sealed the deal to come back.
(In response to this post by GBOHokie)
5mo
** Edited by VermontDDS at 2/9/2026, 12:30:03 PM
** Edited by VermontDDS at 2/9/2026, 12:32:05 PM
(In response to this post by GBOHokie)
