East Limestone sophomore not letting handicap get in way

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October 5, 2006

By Justin Graves The News Courier Thu Oct 05, 2006, 09:34 PM CDT

Staci Johnson isn’t a stranger to adversity. The East Limestone High School sophomore is an active student athlete who plays volleyball, basketball and softball for the Indians, but the challenges she faces on the playing field are a little more difficult than for other athletes.

Johnson was born without her right hand, but the student athlete doesn’t let that slow her down.

“It’s always been like this,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t bother me because it’s just one of those things you adapt to.”

Even though Johnson faces more challenges than other 15-year olds, she maintains a positive outlook on life. Just like other teenage girls, she hangs out with friends and, because of her mother, Rita Johnson, she stays active in school activities.

“My mother has always encouraged me to do things,” she said. “I used to be in the band, but I love sports. That’s why I decided to give it a shot.”

Johnson played sports before reaching high school. When she was in the fourth grade, her mother taught her to use a softball glove with one hand, so she played in the youth leagues. Johnson said softball is her favorite sport so she decided she would play in high school.

“After you learn how to do things with one hand, it’s not so bad,” Johnson said. “I can do it without even thinking now. I love playing softball, especially here at East Limestone. It’s great being part of one of the best programs in the state.

“I usually spend my summers going to batting cages and doing things related to softball. That’s just what I like to do.”

Since Johnson enjoys playing other sports at East Limestone, her mother and Indians’ coach Chastity Legg encouraged her to play volleyball this year. Johnson decided to play and hasn’t regretted a minute of it.

Just like in everything else she does, Johnson has maintained a positive attitude and is always an inspiration to her teammates. She has also seen a lot of playing time for the Indians.

“Volleyballs pretty fun,” she said. “I really like my teammates and we’re pretty good. I think we have a pretty good shot to make it to the state tournament.”

Even though Johnson claims softball is her favorite sport, there’s one other game she’d like to try.

“I’ve told coach (Jeff) Pugh he needs to start a girls football team,” she said. “If we had one, I’d definitely play. I’ve told some of our guys that I could catch the football better than them. I think that would be pretty cool.”

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