Faith Johnson Earned Youth Athlete of the Year Nomination

The North Cross student advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition as one of two girls remaining.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Track & Field

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North Cross junior Faith Johnson has been nominated for the Youth Athlete of the Year award, currently ranking ninth in the national competition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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North Cross junior Faith Johnson has been nominated for the Youth Athlete of the Year award. She is currently ranked ninth in the national competition.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights Johnson's multi-sport excellence and academic performance. Her advancement to the quarterfinals places her among the top remaining contenders for the title.

Johnson is a five-time state champion across two sports and maintains a 3.8 GPA. She currently holds the ninth rank in the Youth Athlete of the Year standings.

The players

Faith Johnson

She is a junior at North Cross who has earned five state championships in two sports while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.

North Cross

This is a school in Roanoke where Faith Johnson is currently a student.

The details

Johnson serves as class vice president and is an all-state and all-conference volleyball player. At the state track meet, she secured wins in three individual events.

Timeline

  1. October 6, 2026: The nomination for the award was reported.

Season Trajectory

Johnson's advancement reflects a shift in national youth sports toward valuing multi-sport versatility alongside high academic standing. Her performance strengthens her position for postseason accolades in this high school athletic year.

Supporters can influence the final selection by participating in the online voting process. Johnson's standing as one of two girls in the quarterfinal stage makes her a critical focal point for local voters.

The takeaway

Maintaining a high GPA while competing in multiple sports serves as a blueprint for student-athletes seeking national recognition. Consistent engagement in the voting process is essential for athletes looking to maintain their current rankings.

Further reading

For more on local competitors, visit the Track & Field section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WSLS.

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Do you believe youth sports programs in your area properly prioritize both academics and athletic performance?