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Softball

Ella Johnson signs with Northern Kentucky Softball

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Norse softball announced the signing of the first transfer of first-year head coach Megan Pleskovic's tenure on Thursday, as pitcher Ella Johnson signed with the Norse. 

"We are so excited that Ella is joining our program here at NKU," said Pleskovic. "She brings game experience and a level of toughness that completes our pitching staff. Welcome to the Norse family, Ella!"

Johnson, a native of Brooksville, Ky., arrives at the Norse as a junior after spending the 2025 & 2026 seasons with Kent State. With the Golden Flashes, Johnson threw 110.1 innings over two seasons, compiling a 5-11 record over 49 appearances, including 17 starts. Over that time, she struck out 70 batters, including 61 in her freshman campaign, and totaled a 7.80 ERA. Johnson set a career high with 10 strikeouts in a win over Merrimack in her freshman season.

Before joining the Golden Flashes, Johnson was a 2024 Class 1A All-State First Team honoree at Bracken County, where she totaled 268 strikeouts, posted a 2.18 ERA, and went 22-7 in her senior year. She helped lead Bracken County to a school-record 26 wins in her senior campaign, surpassing the 1,000 career strikeout mark as well. She also earned Miss 10th Region honors as a senior, awarded by 10thregion.com to any senior who excels in two or more sports. Johnson also starred in basketball for the Polar Bears, as she scored over 1,000 career points and helped Bracken County earn back-to-back district championships. Johnson is the only player in Kentucky high school history to score over 1,000 career points on the court and strike out 1,000 batters on the diamond. 

MORE ABOUT ELLA: Ella's favorite TV show is *Virgin River*…Ella's favorite music is anything country…Her favorite song is "Take Me Back" by Cody Johnson…Her favorite athlete to watch is Odicci Alexander…A bucket-list travel destination of Ella's is Greece…Her favorite meal is steak…Her hobbies include walking and hiking…Her first job was giving pitching lessons…She is surprisingly good at gymnastics.

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