ELLSWORTH — Ellsworth High School senior softball player Delaney Johnson made it official Friday, Feb. 14, signing a letter of intent to head to UW-Superior in the fall.

The Panthers’ catcher racked up numbers last year, hitting .408 in her junior season with 11 doubles and six home runs. She made first team All-Conference in the Middle Border and was an All-District honorable mention.

Johnson made the decision to head to Superior because of the environment and winning culture they have produced.

“I really liked coach [Melissa] Fracker up at Superior,” Johnson said. “The program itself, it felt a lot like family. They have a good, winning program in the recent years, and I love the facilities.”

Superior went 26-15 a year ago, qualifying for the NCAA Division III Regionals.

Johnson’s time at Ellsworth has taught her to find her role both as a player and a leader for the Panthers.

“It’s taught me a lot just about the kind of player I am, especially these past four years,” Johnson said. “How I lead and what I bring to the table in games and just being a teammate too.”

Her favorite on-field memory was beating St. Croix Central to win the Regional last season, but she cherishes the off-field memories just as much.

“It’s just practices every day. I love being with the team and the atmosphere on the team,” Johnson said.

Johnson shouted out Head Coach Tom Diercks and the rest of the coaching staff for making the environment one that people want to be around. With one year left to play, Johnson is excited to take the field with the team again.

The biochemistry program at UW-Superior also played a role in Johnson’s selection. She knows the major will be hard in the classroom and make the focus on softball even more of a challenge; however, she has a plan of attack in place.

“A lot of studying on the bus rides to games, from games, outside help,” Johnson said. “I’m going for biochemistry, so it’s definitely a harder major.”

Diercks had nothing but positive things to say about Johnson’s approach and attitude.

“Positive attitude, great player, a leader, all-around just a good kid,” Diercks said. “Everybody loves her besides being an excellent player for us.”

From Diercks’ perspective, Johnson needs to focus on having a good time as she travels through some of the best moments she will ever have.

“The biggest thing is just have fun,” Diercks said. “Take nothing too seriously and just go with it. This is the best time of her life.”

To navigate the struggles that come with the college transition, Diercks said she just needs to keep being her.

“Her attitude,” Diercks said. “She doesn’t get down on herself.”