University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Shani (Marks) Johnson
2/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Shani (Marks) Johnson
Sport: Track & Field
Years: 1998-2003
Graduation Year: 2003
Hometown: Apple Valley, Minn.
Occupation: Mother, track coach, substitute teacher
What is it you miss most about the University?
I miss hanging out and training with my teammates on a daily basis. Looking back, some of those friends are still some of my closest friends and I don't think I ever really fully understood or appreciated what a unique and special dynamic we had being able to spend so much time together, losing together, winning together, and supporting each other through the good and hard times on a daily basis.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't take the great opportunities and experiences you've been given for granted. Enjoy the journey - the good and bad. It's all building character that will become part of who you become years after your athletic career is over. My accomplishments are not what I'm most thankful for. I'm most thankful for the journey and what God taught me through the highs and especially through the lows.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
My husband (Gopher football alum) and I attend several Gopher football games every season. It is so fun to experience the school spirit and fan excitement while tailgating and in the new stadium - something we never really experienced while attending games at the Metrodome when we were in school. It is a special bond between Gopher students, athletes, and alumni that we experience when we are all together cheering for our team.
What are you grateful for?
I'm just thankful for the journey that God has brought me on through my athletic career and how I have the great privilege of using those things now to impact the lives of young athletes that I coach. I'm also extremely thankful for my husband, Ron, and my two daughters, Kamryn and Quinn. Doing life with them brings me so much JOY and LAUGHTER on a daily basis.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means more as I get older than when I was younger. In my opinion, race issues are only becoming more prevalent in our society. What I've learned is that when we can learn, understand, and accept the truth of where we've come from as a culture then, as a society we can better navigate this territory and be willing to be channels of love, compassion and understanding in our world. And as African Americans, we need to know, understand and appreciate the sacrifices and impacts of those who came before us. It should move us to strive to leave a legacy in our places of influence, big or small.
What occupies your time now?
My family! I spend most of my time home with my two-year-old and substitute teaching and volunteering at my five-year-old's school. I still love working out and I also do private/small group track & field coaching a couple times/week.