(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s track and field team is naming Newfoundland long sprints and middle-distance runner Emberley Johnson to their recruiting class of 2022.
The Paradise native has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Emberley is a super talent and comes from a great club and school program in Newfoundland that focused on long-term development and senior success,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS track and field and cross country teams. “Emberley is an extremely tough young woman and has demonstrated the ability to be successful both regionally and nationally.”
“Knowing I would likely be going from Newfoundland alone, I was looking for a track team, and a university, with a welcoming community feel,” said Johnson. “Once I met Coach Belof and some of the members of the team, I thought that I could find exactly what I was looking for with UNB and the REDS family.”
The 17-year-old is finishing her Grade 12 year at Mount Pearl Senior High School, in Mount Pearl.
In 2018, Johnson was part of the U20 and senior provincial record-breaking 4-by-400 metre relay team. A member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Legion National Championships team from 2017 to 2019, at the 2019 Legion Youth Championships, Johnson ran to a top ten finish in the 300 metres.
“I work hard and am a huge supporter of my teammates. I believe my dedication and passion for the sport will help to strengthen the group dynamic and encourage other members of the REDS,” says Johnson.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Emberley joining us and know she’s only starting to explore her abilities in our sport. Emberley is a great student and athlete, but also a kind person and will be a great fit with our women’s program,” said Coach Belof.
Johnson says her short-term goal with the REDS is to achieve personal best results, and to contribute to the success of the relay program. Long-term, she hopes to reach the podium at the AUS and U SPORTS levels.
Johnson will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: Greg Greening/Submitted