Johnson Inducted into Tallulah Falls School Athletic Legends Hall of Honor

TALLULAH FALLS, Ga. – On Friday, December 14, Tallulah Falls School celebrated its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame. One of the five members in this first class of this Athletic Legends Hall of Honor was current University of Dallas Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Destinee Johnson.

Johnson ('10) attended Tallulah Falls School from seventh grade through graduation in 2010. She lettered four years in volleyball, women's basketball, and track and field.

While at TFS, she received numerous honors including: Outstanding Industrial Arts Student, Coach's Award Basketball, Heart Award Basketball, Coach's Award Track & Field, Outstanding Strength and Conditioning Student, and 2009-10 Indian of the Year. Johnson also garnered various Athlete of the Week and Indian of the Month awards in all three sports.

"Being inducted into the TFS Athletic Legends Hall of Honor is both an achievement and a responsibility," Johnson stated. "It's an honor to have achieved this level of success…there's a saying, 'talent can only take you so far and your character is what keeps you at the top.' Whatever achievements I've earned over the course of my life clearly have not just been due to my athletic ability but also due to the belief and dedication of so many."

Johnson emphasized, "The values and skills taught by my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors were fundamental to shaping me into the women I am today. I will be grateful for this honor and moment I have to share with others."

Below are what some of her coaches reflected on about Johnson:

"Destinee Johnson was one of the most humble, compassionate, and hard-working athletes I have ever been around. She sincerely cared for her teammates and coaches; her integrity was, and is, unquestioned. Even after high school, she kept improving as an athlete and was always looking for way s to broaden her scope of influence as a person. TFS is very proud of who Destinee was when she attended Tallulah Falls School, but also even more proud of the wonderful young women she has become." – Coach Hammock

"Fierce Competitor, great leader and loved by everyone. Enjoyed watching her play high school sports and lacrosse in college. Always knew she would make a terrific coach and am so proud of her accomplishments." – Coach Cyndy Campbell

"The one word that continues to succinctly both describe and remind me of Destinee Johnson is patience…the kind of patience that is proactive, assertive, with antennas up waiting for the right opportunity. She was undaunted by mishap and adversity. I will always remember the mature perspective she had about achievement; she truly understood that the process was what counted. She refused – even in high school – to be defined by success of failure. She chose for her effort and the things she could control to be her defining traits. She was steadfast in not getting caught up in anything that deterred her desire to be an incredible teammate." – Coach Neal

Founded in 1909, Tallulah Falls School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school serving more than 500 students in grades 5-12. Academics are the primary mission at Tallulah Falls School. The quality of the academic program and the academic success of students are priorities that form the foundation of the school. A dedicated and highly qualified faculty, outstanding facilities, a broad and challenging curriculum, small classes, and eager, motivated students all contribute to the accomplishment of academic goals.

Johnson enters her third season at the helm for the Crusaders, who open the 2019 season at home on January 27 versus Tarleton State University.