March 5, 2013

USC men's tennis' seven-time All-American Steve Johnson has been named a semifinalist for the AAU Sullivan Award for America's top amateur athlete. Based on the attributes of leadership, character, and sportsmanship, the annual award honors those who have strong moral character. In choosing to return to USC for his senior season, Johnson clearly displayed these attributes and did what so many successful collegiate athletes don't do. He honored his commitment to his school, his team and his coach despite the option of turning pro.

In his first three years at USC, Johnson helped the Trojans win three NCAA championships while also standing out as a five-time All-American. He was the first sophomore team captain in USC tennis history and was an undefeated NCAA singles champion his junior year. Those achievements alone made for an impressive collegiate playing career. His senior season, Steve not only returned to the Trojans, but he didn't lose a match in singles, and only lost once in doubles.

Johnson was also instrumental as a team captain, helping to mentor and support several teammates when they were struggling. He also chose to pair up with a freshman teammate in doubles, and by year's end, that team had earned the No. 2 seed into the NCAA Tournament.

Johnson's career statistics have never been seen before in men's collegiate tennis. He would close out his USC playing career as a seven-time All-American with four straight NCAA Team Championships and back-to-back NCAA Singles Championships, winning his last 72 singles matches in a row.

Online voting runs March 5-17. Vote for USC's Steve Johnson HERE