At Talladega College, Johnson became the first gymnast to commit to the program, making her the first HBCU gymnast in Alabama. She achieved numerous milestones, including being the first four-time All-American and vault champion from an HBCU, and holding the highest records in vault, bar, floor, and all-around for Talladega. She led her team to become the first HBCU gymnastics squad to win an NCAA competition, earning first place in the all-around. Additionally, she became the first HBCU gymnast to win national titles in vault and other individual events, securing gold, silver, and bronze medals, and was named Collegiate Gymnast of the Year .
However, in July 2024, Talladega's gymnastics program was discontinued due to funding issues, prompting Johnson to transfer to Temple University. Despite losing her scholarship, she walked on to Temple's team, embracing a new environment while bringing her HBCU culture with her.
At Temple, Johnson gained widespread attention for her floor routine set to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," choreographed with Temple's Christina Elliot. The routine, celebrating hip-hop and Black culture, went viral, showcasing her ability to blend athleticism with cultural expression.
Johnson's story continues to inspire, highlighting her dedication to gymnastics and her commitment to representing her culture on and off the mat.
