Johnson provides support for Simmons Athletics

Jana'e Johnson is the Simmons College Assistant Athletic Director on paper, but to the Athletic Department she is much more. 

She joined the athletic department in 2010 and has done a lot in her short time to increase the department's exposure to the Simmons community. 

"My job consists of payroll, compliance, equipment, scheduling, advising SAAC [Student Athletic Advisor Committee], and traveling for all of the teams," said Johnson. 

Although she does all of this for the department, neither of the the above is her favorite part of the job.

"The best part of my job is the student athletes. They make it more fun. I love going to their games and seeing them play," said Johnson. 

Many of the coaches and players who participate in Simmons College Athletics feel the same way about Johnson as she does about them.

"What doesn't Jana'e do for the athletics department?  She does so much and is such an integral part of the department," said Anne Hennigan, softball head coach.

"[Jana'e is] very easy going and willing to drop what she is doing to help others out when needed," said volleyball  head coach Alesia Vaccari.  

Johnson's involvement and attitude is seen through the Simmons Athletics Department. 

"Jana'e has raised the level of contest management and she is always willing to do whatever is necessary to make the student athlete experience better," said Hennigan. "She truly cares about the student athletes and is a great colleague who juggles many responsibilities."

"Our team had a bake sale, and Jana'e went out of her way to make us a sign and to help us in anyway she could," said third-year Rachel Dufault.

Johnson has helped make SAAC a better known and bigger player in the Simmons community. She has stepped up their involvement in community service at places like the Boys and Girls Club and Rosey's Place. 

In addition, she helped with a new annual dodge ball tournament that Simmons hosts. SAAC is also sending their first member to the National SAAC Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The member who is attending the conference is second-year volleyball player, Nafeesa Connolly. 

"She has also increased the exposure of Simmons athletics within the Simmons community and works hard to bring more fans to the games. Coaches and athletes alike appreciate all that Jana'e does for Simmons Athletics," said Hennigan. 

"Jana'e always makes our pre game announcements as fun as possible," said fourth-year Katie Fionte. "She does whatever she can to get us and the crowd pumped."

"Jana'e is one of the greatest people on the athletic staff. She is super enthusiastic about all of the sports," said second-year Rossi Fish. "She shows her support at all of the games, she's always there cheering us on."

"Whether it's her impressive pre-game announcements, managing last minute schedule changes or transporting athletes to/from an away game, Jana'e is the backbone to Simmons Athletics," said Hennigan.