AAASP: Tell us a little about yourself.
Walter Johnson: I was born & raised in South Florida, Deerfield Beach, FL. I am 27 years of age. I had a good childhood; I was raised right, to be a well-mannered young man. I started playing sports at a young age. I knew sports would be a part of my future.
I was introduced to AdaptED Sports in the Fall of 2014. Two of my friends played and just like many other teen boys, you think everything is easy, invited me to a practice to try it and it turned out to be harder than I thought, but it was fun and the rest is history!
AAASP: What teams did you play on?
WJ: I played Wheelchair Basketball/Football as a Houston County Shark; Wheelchair Softball/Basketball while in College, and even attempted Sled Hockey/Tennis. (I attended Southwest Minnesota State University on a Wheelchair Basketball Scholarship.)
I was named 2nd Team All-American in 2017, 1st Team All-American in 2022 , left SMSU as the second leading scorer in WCBB History.
AAASP: Any advice you’d like to share with young athletes?
WJ: Communication takes you a long way. Sometimes you have to cut off bad habits to get to where you want to be. And, never show your footplate when playing defense! Enjoy the little things before they are gone: bus rides, practices, games, team lunches and camps.
AAASP: What are you doing now?
WJ: Coaching & Teaching as a Certified Teacher–I am a PE paraPro at Byron Elementary and Coach in Byron GA ; Coach of the Peach County Rolling Trojans.
I was a part of the Houston County Sharks where we won a couple of State Championships in my short time as a Shark. As a Coach, my Team has Won their First State Championship as well, in our first season as an Alumni/Coach.
*Walter was named ‘2023-2024 Adapted Coach Of The Year’ by GHSA and NFHS.*
