As a Junior (2003): Melissa Johnson played in 39 games for Arkansas, starting nine. Johnson saw time in center field and as the designated player. She had nine hits in 56 at-bats, including two doubles and ten RBIs for a .161 batting average. Look for Johnson in right and left field as a senior.
At Louisiana Tech (2000-2001): Johnson joined Arkansas as a junior after playing two seasons at Louisiana Tech. As a sophomore at Tech, Johnson was fourth on the team, hitting .240. She started all 48 of the Techsters' games in 2001, recording 22 runs and 35 hits in 146 at-bats. Johnson had 12 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs while slugging .377 in her second season. Solid with the glove, Johnson fielded .981 with 51 putouts, one assist, and just one error in 2001.
At South Lake Tahoe: An all-league utility player in high school, Johnson was a perfect 4.0 student. She earned recognition on nine all-league and all-state academic teams. Johnson was a member of Key Club, SClub and S.M.I.L.E. In addition, she was a four-year letterwinner in basketball and in volleyball.
Personal: Born Sept. 29, 1981, Melissa Jayne Johnson is the youngest 0f three girls to J.R. and Karen Johnson of South Lake Tahoe, Calif. She has two sisters, Angela and Amy. Johnson is majoring in hotel/restaurant business with a minor in French and hopes to be a pastry chef after graduating from college. Both sisters played collegiate softball.