FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield women's soccer alum Ahna Johnson was honored last week as she was inducted into the Hamden High School Hall of Fame. Arguably the best women's soccer player in Fairfield history, Johnson received the accolades from the place where her skills first developed, as a four-year member of the Hamden Dragons.

"This award has caused me to look back at my entire soccer career…and it has brought back so many wonderful memories," Johnson said. "In reflecting on my career, I realize how fortunate I was to have a great family and great coaches who made it possible for me to have the success that I did with the game of soccer."

The word 'success' might be an understatement.

Johnson became the all-time leading scorer for Hamden High School in 2004 with 50 career goals. She would lead the Dragons to three State Tournament Finals and was named to several All-Conference and All-State teams.

"Ahna was an outstanding student, athlete, and citizen while at Hamden High School," Former Hamden Principal Vincent Iezzi said. "She is blessed to have been raised in a caring and supportive environment; I don't remember a game when one or both of her parents were not in attendance cheering for Ahna and her teammates."

After her four years at Hamden, Johnson enrolled at Fairfield University and put the program on the map.

She became the only All-American in program history, and was also the only Senior Class Award Finalist. There really are too many titles to count for Johnson: ESPN Academic All-American, Division I First Team Academic All-American, MAAC Player of the Year, MAAC Tournament MVP, CJSA Female Player of the Year. In her career, she scored 29 goals in 81 career games.

"I have watch Ahna grow and develop as a player and person since her middle school days. She is one of the most generous and giving person I know and lives her life as a perfect example of what our program and institution is about," Head Coach Jim O'Brien said. "Hamden High School has a rich tradition in Connecticut sports and has produced quality athletes over the years. Ahna has an impressive resume throughout the years and is truly worthy of the honor."

Being recognized from a school that has produced former Chicago Bulls standout Scott Burrell and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Quick, is something Johnson can be proud of. 

"Being inducted into the Hamden High School Athletic Hall of Fame is quite an honor, especially when one considers the student-athletes who have been previously inducted," Iezzi said. "Ahna's induction will enhance an already distinguished group."

"I'm really grateful to all of those people - my parents, brothers, and extended family; my youth, middle school, high school, and premier coaches; Coach O'Brien and Coach Duncan and the whole Fairfield University athletic training staff; all of my teammates and friends through every stage of life," Johnson said. "They're the ones who pushed me, encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me. They're the reason I was successful and the reason I received this award."