While the Economics major misses the breakaway plays on offense, she "would rather go back and help the fullbacks than be forward and score."

"I try to think that I don't stop when the ball is going toward our goal," she added.

The ability to cover her teammates on defense while supporting them on offense has helped her adapt to different playing styles. For example, last year Johnson played a more defensive position of picking up loose players. This year, Scalise has her going one-on-one more which enables her to push up to offense. Already Johnson has recorded three assists this season--more than any player other than a forward.

"Gia does her job well and she helps other people do the same," teammate Lori Christensen said. "She's a very quiet influence, but you feel it."

The "strong but silent" side of Johnson clearly when Johnson was forced to leave the Dartmouth game with a gash in her lip. After receiving seven stitches, she came back to watch the rest of the match and the next week played against UMass with a mouthguard.

Fresh Face

"She's one of those players that makes you feel confident just knowing she's in there," tri-captain Ellen Hart said.

Or, in other words, when Johnson is on the field, you can bet the team will play like clockwork.