LYNN — After two impressive years helping lead the English girls basketball team on the court, Mashayla Johnson has committed to continue her basketball career at Massasoit Community College in Brockton.
“Financially it was a great school for me,” Johnson said. “I didn’t get to visit the school because of the coronavirus, but the conversations on the phone with (Massasoit coach Mark Leszczyk) have been great.”
Those phone calls have been key during these times, and they have given Johnson a good impression of what Massasoit has to offer both on and off the court.
“Education wise I do need to improve,” Johnson said. “That’s why I’ve been happy with coach (Leszczyk). Obviously he loves me as a player, as a shooter but it’s the interest in my education that I like. He asked about the subjects I have been best in and tried to help me get classes to fit that.”
English coach Mackenzie Charles and his staff helped give Johnson the extra push she needed during her time as a Bulldog, and Charles is happy to see her have a similar structure at the next level.
“Coach Mark (Leszczyk) has been there for a long time and has a great history,” Charles said. “He’s a good guy and a good fit for Mashayla. Academically she needs that push sometimes. She’s leaving coaches (at English) that really care about academics and going into another staff that does as well.”
A two-year starter at English after transferring, Johnson had to adjust to fit in with her teammates before becoming a co-captain her senior year.
“It was definitely a good journey and I learned a lot,” Johnson said. “It was hard blending in with the girls at first because they had been together playing for a while.”
But things worked out quickly on the court. Johnson became a go-to player for the Bulldogs, helping the team qualify for two Division 1 state tournament berths during her English career. Charles and his staff helped along the way by providing her with consistent motivation.
“Coach Charles made sure I worked hard all season and at every practice,” Johnson said. “It honestly got to the point where it wasn’t even a suggestion, it was mandatory. That was the push I needed.”
And Charles has been happy to see Johnson grow into the player she is now in the time he’s gotten to coach her.
“She has an interesting story; when I got the job she wasn’t here,” Charles said. “But it’s been a pleasure seeing her mature and grow. She became a leader and was a positive voice for the team.
“In my four years here, every senior has gone on to college and that’s a credit to all of them,” Charles said. “It’s all about the hard work and their ability to commit to our program.”
Johnson plans on majoring in business marketing and has an interest in going into real estate after school. For now, there’s not much to do to prepare for the court but she still plans on having regular conversations with coaches and players.
“(Leszczyk) has done a really good job making me feel comfortable,” Johnson said. “He’s even had some players reach out to me and they’ve helped answer any questions. It’s been good.”
