Senior Lily Johnson has been named 2013-2014 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year. Johnson is the second Lafayette volleyball player in a row to to be selected for this award.

“I found out Thursday morning in my first hour class. It is such an honor to be able to represent the state of Missouri, and to be among the nation’s top 50 high school players,” Johnson said.

Established in 1985, the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year displays not only an exceptional athletic ability, but also academic excellence and notable character. Gatorade, in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, have been recognizing stand out athletes for 29 years, building up their program as one the most impressive awards for high school students.

Johnson said, “I’ve been working hard for so many years to better myself both as a player and a student, and to see it all pay off now with this prestigious honor is the greatest feeling.”

Determined to make history this year, Johnson led the Lancers to a third-straight State Championship title in Cape Girardeau on Nov. 9. In her career as a Lancer, Johnson was named the 2013 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Second Team All-American and a two-time First Team All-State pick. According the stlhighschoolsports.com, Johnson concluded her senior year with 66 aces, 398 kills, 724 attacks and averaged 5.04 kills per game.

“My favorite memory so far is the dog pile and celebration we had after winning the third title. As seniors, we had finished what we started, and to do it alongside Maggie (Scott) and Jackie (Scott) especially, whom I have been playing with for so long, was the most fulfilling achievement imaginable. We have formed a special kind of bond that will last for the rest of our lives, and that is something so special to me,” Johnson said.

The offensive powerhouse signed a National Letter of  Intent to continue her volleyball career as a Missouri State Bear next fall. Johnson maintained a 4.0 GPA at Lafayette while actively participating in Principal’s Advisory Council, National Honor Society and all four Class Advisory Committees.