Rachel Johnson

Rachel Johnson, formerly Rachel Thompson, is a distinguished athlete whose exceptional talents, leadership, and character have earned her a well-deserved place in the Alaska High School Hall of Fame. A three-sport athlete at Nikiski High School, Rachel excelled in soccer, volleyball, and basketball, leaving a lasting impact on her school and community.

In volleyball, Rachel earned 1st Team All-State honors in 2012 and 2014, and was named South Central Conference MVP in 2014. In basketball, she was named to the 1st Team All-State in 2015 and the 2nd Team All-State in 2014, while also earning the South Central Conference MVP award. Her leadership and dedication to her teams were evident both on and off the court, as she consistently led by example. Scott Anderson, her former basketball coach, shared, “Rachel’s leadership stands out as a primary reason for our fond memories. She made us a team, not just a group of individuals.”

In soccer, Rachel’s talent as a goalkeeper was exceptional, even though the small Nikiski soccer program often struggled to field a team. Despite the team’s challenges, Rachel kept them competitive and played a crucial role in every game. She was named Northern Lights Conference MVP in 2012, demonstrating her skill and resilience in a sport that demanded both mental and physical toughness.

Rachel’s athletic success continued at the collegiate level, where she played soccer at Highline College, setting a school record with an eleven-game shutout streak and earning two-time conference all-star honors. She then moved on to Washington State University, where she played for the Pac-12 Cougars, earning the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week honors twice after shutting out No. 8 UCLA and tying No. 1 Stanford. Rachel’s commitment to both her sport and academics earned her Pac-12 Academic Honorable Mention recognition.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Rachel’s character and leadership qualities truly set her apart. She was a model student at Nikiski, excelling academically with a rigorous course load and earning an honors diploma. Her coaches and teachers admired her for her positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to help others. “Rachel embodies what we strive for in a student-athlete,” said Jake Doth, a longtime coach. “She truly loves athletics, competition, and the camaraderie of working together with others.”

Rachel’s commitment to community service further underscores her character. She volunteered for numerous causes and led various school events, earning respect from her peers and mentors alike. Her natural leadership and ability to inspire others will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working with her.

Rachel Johnson’s exceptional athletic career, combined with her academic excellence, leadership, and selflessness, made her a deserving inductee into the Alaska High School Hall of Fame. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of Alaskan student-athletes.