Emma Tocci/Collegian
Johnson bounced back from injury to lead her team.
If there was one word to describe junior Heidi Johnson it would be heart. Johnson's heart shines in her dedication as a runner and a student.
"Heidi is pure heart," coach Bill Lundberg said. "She loves her teammates, she loves Hillsdale College and she is the type of athlete who inspires the coaches that work around her."
Johnson's dedication to the sport of running began during her late years of middle school in Ludington, Mich., and turned into her passion throughout her high school years.
When Johnson began applying to colleges she knew she wanted to find a school where she could run.
"Hillsdale ended up being the best place for me to come athletically as well as academically," Johnson said.
Johnson proved early on in her Charger career that she was dedicated to her sport.
During her freshman year she went to the 2002 Nationals during her outdoor track and field season to run in the 1500 and 3000 meter events. Johnson's sophomore season was marked by injury which made her unable to compete in the cross country or track and field season.
Now in her third year, Johnson is leading the pack.
On Oct. 8, Johnson was the top runner for the Chargers in the Michigan Intercollegiate competition with a 12 th place finish.
"I've never met anybody who has a work ethic like Heidi," teammate Carrie Douglas said. "She is the hardest worker in everything she does, whether that's running or her school work."
As a biology major, Johnson hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy after graduation.
Johnson said that her academics remain her full focus as much as she enjoys the time she spends competing and practicing with her teammates.
"I don't know any other college where a team could be so much like a family," Johnson said.
Johnson's teammates agree that she is a key part of that family.
"Heidi is a really good friend," junior Shannon Stanglewicz said. "She's always there to pick others up if they are having a bad day and she is just so supportive of all of those around her."
One of the ways that Johnson has reached out to her peers is through her involvement in Athletes in Action.
Johnson has been one of the core student leaders of the group as well as a Bible study leader for girls on the cross country, track, swimming and tennis teams.
"She is a true woman of faith who carries that with her through everything that she does," Lundberg said.
Johnson also participates in Intervarsity, Buddy Reading at Williams Elementary School in Jonesville and the science and math honorary, Sigma Zeta.
Johnson's character can best be described through her own words, which show the priorities which she has set for her life and on her heart.
"It's really important to me to try and keep God at the focus of everything," Johnson said.
"All I can do is to try my best to glorify Him through all that I do: my sports, my grades and other activities. I hope my life can be a reflection of that."