Seattle Pacific University Athletics

When her feet would rise from the floor, Linda Johnson seemed to strike a pose. It was if she was a model for the perfect jump shot.

Someday, perhaps someone will eclipse the records established by Johnson. But they might never be so smooth, nor will they start a tradition where none existed.

That might be the ultimate tribute to Johnson: Members of today’s SPU powerhouse program stand upon her shoulders.

Coming out of Oak Harbor, Johnson joined a program that had not posted a winning record in seven seasons. Yet in her first two collegiate games, she raised the bar. In her debut, Johnson scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and made three steals in a surprisingly strong showing against Washington State. The next day against mighty UCLA, Johnson proved it was no fluke, again scoring 21 points.

By the time the book was closed on her career four years later, Johnson’s impact was clear. The Falcons won y78 percent of their games and reached the postseason for the first time. She was the career steals, rebounding and scoring leader, and still owns the scoring record. Even with all of that, she was a team player, taking good shots and was always among the team’s top three in assists.

A career in oncology nursing takes Johnson on many travels. But she and her family remain rooted in the Northwest, currently residing in Olympia.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1985-89)

• All-American.

• District Player of the Year.

• SPU career scoring record holder.

• No. 2 for Falcons in career rebounding and steals.