Parkersburg South senior Maia Johnson confirmed her decision on Tuesday to join the women’s volleyball program at Division III Salem College, located in Winston-Salem, N.C. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

PARKERSBURG — At urging of her siblings, Maia Johnson’s introduction to the sport of volleyball in middle school kick-started a career and laid the groundwork for leading the Parkersburg South senior down a path which has taken her to the next level.

Tuesday afternoon, Johnson confirmed her decision to join the women’s volleyball program at Division III Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“I always wanted to play volleyball and didn’t really get into it until sixth and seventh grade,” Johnson said. “My sisters played volleyball and I was always encouraged to do it because I was tall. In sixth grade, I figured why not. And I haven’t stopped playing since.”

Johnson closed out her high school career as a Class AAA first-team all-state hitter after leading South to the state tournament for the first time in 11 seasons.

“I loved my time at South,” Johnson said. “Playing volleyball with the girls were among my best memories. My seniors, Jaslynn Dixon and Reagan Parsons, we always had a bunch of fun. Probably my favorite memory was winning regional and going to states. I was over the moon, I was very happy about that. Playing at the state tournament was surreal.”

Parkersburg South senior Maia Johnson, front row center, confirmed her decision Tuesday inside the school’s cafeteria to join the women’s volleyball program at Division III Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. Also pictured, front row from left: Dave Johnson (father) and Nicholas Johnson (brother). Back row: Annie Uhl and Tribe Volleyball director/head coach Jeff Stanley. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

In terms of athletic endeavors at South, Johnson is seeking to join a strong Patriot group of high jumpers at the state meet. Before turning the majority of her focus to volleyball, she played a variety of sports as a youth, including track and softball.

She joined the South track program for the first time this year.

“I did track all through middle school, but it’s mostly been volleyball,” Johnson said.

Salem College, a private women’s liberal arts college founded in 1772 as a primary school, won Johnson over with its colonial feel. She said campus life reminded her of Boston where her aunt lives.

“Salem College reached out to me and we just started talking,” Johnson said. “They invited me on a visit and I fell in love with the campus. It reminded me of Boston and I really like Boston.”

When she met the Spirits’ volleyball program on her campus visit, she talked with head coach Barry Rymer and the rest of the staff. She enjoyed her time spent with the players, who took her out on the town. This past season resulted in the most productive year for the Spirits’ volleyball program after they finished 23-10 and 11-7 in the USA South Conference.

“The coaching staff was very welcoming – I was never uncomfortable with them,” Johnson said. “The girls, the team (were the it factor). They invited me to go out shopping and eating with them and I just couldn’t resist. It made me think I really like this place. I think this is it.”

The medical field seems to be in the family genes, so it is only fitting that Johnson plans to major in biology and enter the pre-med field.

“My sister is a nurse practitioner; my brother is a dentist; his wife is a dermatologist then my other sister works in a pharmacy – I figured I should cover all the bases,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s game also matured as a member of the Parkersburg-based Tribe Volleyball Club under director/coach Jeff Stanley.

“In the volleyball aspect, playing travel ball helped my practice a lot – I definitely honed in on my skills,” Johnson said. “With the team aspect, I definitely knew how to get along with people and thinking on the court. It brought me closer with a whole lot of people.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com