A. J. Johnson
A. J. Johnson
Class Year
’26
Hometown
Oswego, Illinois
Major(s)
Mathematics
Sport(s)
Basketball
A. J. Johnson ’26 has had a passion for sports since he was a child, always playing basketball, baseball, or soccer growing up. After his sophomore year of high school, he made a pivotal decision to dedicate himself fully to basketball. This focused commitment paid off, and today, A. J. continues to pursue his dream as a point guard for the Carthage men’s basketball team while earning a degree in mathematics.
Learn more about men’s basketball
Why I chose Carthage
“I chose Carthage for its great location, beautiful campus, and the strong connection I built with Coach Steve Djurickovic. From my first visit, I was blown away by how impressive the campus and facilities were. After that visit, I told my parents that we didn’t need to look at any more schools; Carthage was the one.”
My favorite team memory
“I enjoyed cutting down the nets with my team after beating Elmhurst to clinch the 2024-25 regular season title.”
What makes the student-athlete community special
“One of the things I love about Carthage is the amount of athletes that go here. With most of the student body being athletes, you naturally build friendships with others who play different sports. Being around athletes from various teams strengthens the bond between us students, and we show up to support each other’s games.”
The support that helps me succeed
“Coach’s door is always open. Whether you need to talk about basketball or just talk about life outside of basketball, you can always talk to Coach Steve. The professors are supportive too. It’s always nice when I walk into class and my professor asks how the game went the night before. It really shows they care about their students.”
My favorite athletic facility
“Tarble Arena is my favorite facility, without a doubt. It has a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other athletic facilities. The court and stands make it one of the coolest gyms in Division III. Playing in front of a packed Tarble Arena is an unmatched experience.”
My career goal
“My career goal is to find a job that brings me enjoyment and fulfillment. My experience as a student-athlete at Carthage has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Basketball has taught me many valuable life lessons that I will carry into my career, along with the lasting relationships I’ve built over the years.”
Advice for other student-athletes
“It’s a significant time commitment. If you truly love your sport and love competing, then playing at the college level is the right fit for you. Balancing classes, social life, and athletics can be challenging, but it’s a learning process, and you’ll find strategies that work for you. Playing a sport in college has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s brought me unforgettable memories and relationships that I will always cherish.”