Alumni Update: Carmelina (Carabajal) Johnson
2/17/2021
Carmelina (Carabajal) Johnson competed for Minnesota from 2005-2009, winning the 2009 All-Around and Beam title at the Big Ten Championships. She was a part of the 2006 Big Ten Championship team. She earned her Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and attended nursing school after graduating. Johnson still calls Minnesota home and has held a variety of positions in the nursing field since graduation. Learn more about her time after wearing the Gophers leo in this update!
What led you to the University of Minnesota?
Laura Johnson and Kelly Stout were both from my hometown of Albuquerque, so I knew a little bit about the team and the school. When I met the coaches and the rest of the team on my recruiting trip, I knew this was going to be my home. I was so enamored with the campus and the culture of the team. It was a family and everyone was so welcoming. I accepted the offer to join the team on my trip because I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. I’m so glad I made that decision.
You graduated in 2009, what have you been doing since your time with the Gophers?
After graduation I became a nurse assistant. During that time, my interests shifted and I decided I wanted to become a registered nurse. I moved to Madison, WI to finish my nursing degree. I moved back to Minnesota and have been working as a nurse since 2012 in many different capacities. During that time I married my awesome husband, Andrew and we have 2 boys, Easton (6) and Jordy (4). We love to travel (pre-pandemic), try new restaurants, spend time on the lake fishing, tubing and swimming with the boys.
What was it like to be the 2009 Big Ten Champion on beam and the all-around in your senior season?
That day is still one of the best days of my life. My goal was always to become a Big 10 Champion and when it was finally accomplished, it felt amazing. I really couldn’t believe it. Beam was my favorite event so it was extra special to me that I had accomplished a beam championship. When they called my name for the all-around title, I remember being so shocked. I didn’t ever watch scores so it was such a surprise and an amazing feeling. I feel so lucky I was able to achieve that and have the memories to cherish forever.
Have you been able to watch and stay connected to the current team? What advice would you give to them?
I follow them everyday on social media. They look so polished already! My advice would be to use visualizations everyday to practice your routines. Our brains are so powerful and the visualizations will become reality. Also, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the college-athlete experience! Those four years go by too fast!
What are you most proud of from your time as a Gopher?
It’s been over a decade since I started at the U and I still get goosebumps thinking about the 2006 Big 10 Championships. We won as a team that year. There was something so special about that team and I am so proud that I was a part of it. I am also most proud of the knowledge I gained from balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. It definitely prepared me for the ups and downs of life and taught me how to persevere.
What is one thing you would like Gophers fans to know about you?
I am originally from New Mexico and even though I miss the food and the weather, I will probably live in Minnesota forever. I love it here! I feel so lucky to be a part of the Gopher family. I can’t wait to watch this season. Go Gophers!!!
