The MSU women's basketball team has a new member - and she's not a freshman.
Guard Mia Johnson, who led Saint Louis University in the 2004-05 season with 17.1 points per game, has announced that she will transfer to MSU this fall. In accordance with NCAA rules, Johnson will sit out the 2005-06 season and be eligible to play in the 2006-07 season, considered her sophomore year of eligibility.
"It's a great program and I'm happy to be part of it," Johnson said in a written statement. "I'm coming in at a great time and it's a great opportunity for me.
"I love the coaching staff and Coach P's (Joanne P. McCallie's) philosophy and style. The team chemistry is also important and everyone is really coming together and gelling. I'm really excited to get started."
A Conference USA All-Freshman performer last season, Johnson scored in double-digits in 24 of 26 games - 10 of those games scoring over 20 points. Her high scoring game came against Austin Peay State University, where Johnson scored 31 points. Johnson also led the Billikens with 87 assists and 50 steals.
"Mia is a terrific addition to our program," MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie said in a written statement. "She is highly motivated and proven both athletically and academically. She brings versatility to the guard position and has three years remaining, so she has a tremendous opportunity to learn this season and apply it to great career as a Spartan."
