Getting to know the new Lady Vols: Glory Johnson

Glory Johnson marvels at how her parents, Mercy and Bassey, not only have built a family since coming here from Nigeria but also managed their brood.

"With my father currently an engineer in Maryland and my mother a nurse here in Knoxville, it has been extremely hard to hold together a family that is entirely separated throughout the country, merely bonded with love and marriage,'' the Tennessee women's basketball freshman said. "My parents always seem to pull things together, no matter how hard things get emotionally, physically or financially."

Their influence is evident in everything from the former Webb School star's name to her college major.

What's the story behind your first name?

"My name, along with all of my sisters' and brothers' names certainly pertain to the Bible in some form or fashion ... Glory is adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving and is also used to describe the splendor and bliss of heaven."

Since you've lived awhile in Knoxville, any early recollections of attending Lady Vols games?

"I remember when I was in middle school and high school attending the games and thinking to myself 'Is that really what I want to do for the next four years? ... Am I going to be ready for this? ... And Pat (Summitt) really doesn't look that mean. (ha ha).' "

You've played soccer and run track and field, how did basketball take top priority?

"I chose basketball because I wanted a sport where I could run, jump, shoot, pass and DUNK while still playing a team sport."

As a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, how do you square being a Christian with knocking an opposing player on her butt?

"I want to prove to my team that I'm here for them and if it takes a push, pull or a couple knockdowns to show my devotion to my team, then I shall do so. I have no hate toward any specific player. My actions are all part of the game.

"On the other hand, off the court I really am pretty friendly."

Johnson chose a pre-pharmacy major initially to set a major goal for herself and to help ease her father's concerns about her choosing UT.

"My father was a little skeptical about my decision," she said.

Her pursuit of a degree will honor both parents.

"I kind of wanted to take my mother's approach to nursing and my father's role in engineering to make both parties happy," Glory said.