Elly Johnson signs with University of New Orleans

MOSES LAKE — Elly Johnson — two-time district champion and 2016 state runner-up in the discus — recently signed her national letter of intent to throw for the University of New Orleans.

Johnson commemorated her decision with a small ceremony at Moses Lake High School on Tuesday. Throwing at the college level is something Johnson had been working toward for some time.

“I’ve loved it since I’d thrown in middle school,” she said. “Coming into high school I wanted to make a statement and throw in college.”

Success came to Johnson early in her high school career, winning a district championship in the discus as a freshman. However, she scratched each attempt at her first state meet in 2014.

Although she was unable to repeat as district champion as a sophomore, Johnson finished seventh at state. In the 2016 outdoor season, Johnson reclaimed the district title and was the state runner-up. Johnson’s mark of 127’ 3.00 was edged by Decatur’s Parris Watson, who threw 128’ 9.00.

Johnson was one of two juniors who finished top five in the discus; she will be a state championship contender in 2017.

The University of New Orleans competes in the Southland Conference; academics as well as athletics attracted Johnson to the school.

“I kind of got to really go to a school that has what I want and I got to visit and I got to meet everyone and I really got to narrow it down to what I want,” she said. “I’m really excited.

“The coach just reached out to me and they have a naval architecture and engineering program that’s top in the country and I’m very into architecture and engineering and I think the whole naval part of it is very interesting so that ultimately probably tied the deal.”

Throws coach Tiffany Quilter thought that Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Privateers.

“She’s very self-motivated,” Quilter said. “I think that’s a big thing. Throwing in college, you have a pressure there that’s different than anywhere else. Not only are you competing against other schools, but you’re also competing against your teammates for that top spot and I think she has the drive and determination to do it.

“She’s fun so people are going to like her. They’re going to enjoy having her as part of their team.”