Demon volleyball player to be big part of Conqs next season

    Jamisha Johnson didn't want to end her volleyball career on a down note.
    The Dodge High senior missed the end of her volleyball season with a broken ankle.
    "It pushed me to want to play in college," Johnson said. "I didn't want to end my volleyball career on a bad note."
    Johnson ensured that wouldn't happen Thursday, when she signed a letter of intent to play with Dodge City Community College.
    "Jamisha is the epitome of the iceberg metaphor," DCCC coach Shaun Pohlman said. "She has tons of potential, and there is more to be uncovered."
    Johnson may be a student with limitless possibilities, though.
    "There have been many times where she has surprised me with her abilities," Pohlman said. "I hope she will continue to do that."
    Johnson's abilities are made better by the fact that she works hard.
    "I'm going to have to stay active over the summer with weights and working out," she said. "I'm going to have to stay in shape and stay healthy, but it shouldn't be too hard because I'll have a lot of opportunities with open gym."
    She said she's excited about the recruiting class Pohlman has put together, and she knows she'll have to work hard to earn a starting spot. It's that challenge that drives Johnson though.
    "She's a true leader," Red Demons coach Kate Grubaugh said. "She'll be a great asset to DC3. Shaun has done an awesome job bringing girls in to build the program."
    Johnson said she can bring a lot to the team just by working hard.
    However, it won't be any shock to Pohlman when Johnson does that, as he has coached her during club season.
    "During club season, I had the ability to see Jamisha improve and learn about the game and new positions," Pohlman said. "It is going to be even more exciting to see how much more potential we are able to pull out of her."
    Johnson can play outside, middle or right side with the Conqs. 
    Playing in the Jayhawk Conference won't be easy because the college game is played at a higher level than high school. 
    "It's so intense all the time," she said about the college game. "There's never a time where it's dead. You have to work for every point."
    Johnson is confident the team will have success, and she hopes to bring a few fans out too.
    "A lot of my friends will still be here," she said. "I hope I can help get a crowd out."
    The Conqs will open their season Sept. 10, when they host Hutchinson in the DCCC gym.

    Pohlman adds other important pieces to Conquistador team
    DCCC volleyball coach Shaun Pohlman is continuing to build a strong program and he's added three more pieces to his machine.
    He has signed Megan Pierson of Gooding High School in Gooding, Idaho, Danika Lucyshyn of St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada and Robin Somogyi of Yorkton Regional High School in Willowbrook, Saskatchewan Canada.
    Pierson is was an all-star at her high school.
    "Megan moves her feet well, is a great reader on the hit and serve and can dig almost anything you give to her," Pohlman said. "Megan seems very comfortable with the ball, which definitely helps her ball control."
    He said she'll make a good impact on defense and will be battling for the libero position.
    Lucyshyn is an all around athlete with the right mindset.
    "The thing I really like about Danika is that she takes full accountability for her own success," Pohlman said. "When I was looking at setters I didn't want someone who made a bunch of excuses."
    Somogyi can blast the ball.
    "I'm scared!" Pohlman said when he stands on the other side of the court when Somogyi is hitting the ball. "I have never been sacred of any of my players hitting the ball, but for some reason with Robing it's different!"
    Pohlman said she can play any position competently. She's only 5 foot 8 but can play against the net with players much taller.