Bethel College junior Laura Johnson’s #25 jersey will be on display in the Ring of Honor at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame located in Knoxville, Tennessee in recognition of her outstanding junior year for 2011-2012. The display will begin on June 1st and end in May of 2013.

The Ring of Honor is one of the many unique displays of the Hall of Fame. Not only does the Ring of Honor provide a colorful backdrop at the Hall of Fame’s many exhibits, but it also recognizes some young basketball players for their achievements in their sport. By acknowledging the athletes, the Hall of Fame is able to fulfill its mission to “honor the past, celebrate the present and promote the future” of women’s basketball.

“The Ring of Honor is an exhibit at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame where we honor the nation’s top players at every level,” said Josh Sullivan, Director of Basketball Relations for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “To have your jersey on display at the Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these young athletes. On behalf of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, I would like to ask to ‘borrow’ Laura Johnson’s jersey to display in the Hall’s “Ring of Honor” in recognition of her outstanding play for the 2011-12 season. Without a doubt, Laura is definitely a part of an elite group, and a part of history now, too.”

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, opened in 1999, is located in Knoxville, Tenn. The Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind, dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. For more information on the Ring of Honor or the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame visit www.wbhof.com or call (865) 633-9000.

Quote from Head Coach Jody Martinez on Laura Johnson’s jersey hanging in the Ring of Honor:

“This season was definitely a magical and memorable one for the ages for any player that believes in themselves and works in the off-season to be a better basketball player. Last season as a sophomore, Laura Johnson started on our JV team and played some minutes on varsity. She scored a total of 74 points on varsity last season. Her work ethic in the off-season is a tribute to her and her efforts paid off: starting on JV to an All-American. It is a great honor for Laura Johnson and the Lady Pilots to have her jersey hanging in the Ring of Honor at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Laura Johnson Post-Season Awards:

NAIA:

2nd Team All-American; Scholar-Athlete

NCCAA:

2nd Team All-American; Scholar-Athlete

Mid-Central College Conference (NAIA):

1st Team; Runner-up Player of the Year; Scholar-Athlete

2 times the Player of the Week (Jan. 9, 2012 and Jan. 30, 2012)

NCCAA Midwest All-Region Team (NCCAA):

1st Team

NAIA Individual Rankings (Finished in 8 national rankings):

Ranks Number 4 in Division II in Free Throw Pct (0.872)

Ranks Number 9 in Division II in Total 3-Pt FG Made (85)

Ranks Number 14 in Division II in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (2.576)

Ranks Number 18 in Division II in Total Steals (80)

Ranks Number 22 in Division II in Total Scoring (520)

Ranks Number 29 in Division II in Steals per Game (2.424)

Ranks Number 30 in Division II in Points per Game (15.758)

Ranks Number 44 in Division II in 3-Pt Fg Pct (0.356)