CHARLESTON, SC – The average cadet student-athlete at The Citadel is anything but average. They're members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. They go to class. They compete against the best the Southern Conference has to offer.

And for some, that's not enough. Many cadet student-athletes take an even less traveled path by majoring in unique or tough fields of study. Some come from unique backgrounds that make the already difficult even more so. And still others contract into the armed forces and have to prepare for their careers in the military after college.

The Citadel Department of Athletics wants to recognize some of those cadet student-athletes who are not just succeeding in competition, but are doing so at a high level while overcoming some of the toughest obstacles.

Kaeley Johnston (Jr., Levittown, N.Y.)
Sport: Women's Soccer
Major: Physics (Aerospace Science Concentration, 2.96 GPA)
Contract: Army

Why did you choose to major in physics?
KJ – "I picked it because it was the only class that I actually enjoyed in high school, which may have been more because of the teachers I had in those classes, but it was something fun. Our classroom was what's called a flipped classroom. We would go home and watch lecture videos that our teachers made, then we would come in, and do practice problems and fun labs during class time. It was a really different experience and a lot of fun."

What led you to contacting with the Army?
KJ – "Coming into college, I actually had an Air Force scholarship, but there were some problems with that, so I switched over to Army because they willing said they would be able to work everything out, and they did. I have family members in the Army, so it worked out for the better."

What do you plan to do in the Army with your physics degree?
KJ – "I am leaning towards the National Guard more now because I would like to keep soccer in the picture, whether that's coaching or playing, so I'm really hoping for that more. But if I keep active duty, I'm looking at the adjunct general corps, which is kind of like human resources. Physics won't necessarily translate to that, unless I decide to go more engineering or aviation, which are in my top three. Honestly, physics really is just for the fun of it."

Outside of your classes, what are you doing to prepare for your career?
KJ – "We have class twice a week, as well as a lab. I'll be going to advance camp this summer, so that's really the big thing preparing us. In class, we're learning land navigation, how to give op words, just every little nitty gritty Army thing, which may be more for those who are planning on being in the field daily than being on base and doing a different job, but it's good to know because you never know who's going to need it and when. At advance camp, you just go over everything and actually get to put your training into practice. You're graded along with every other cadet in America, and that's how you're picked. You want to do your best at advance camp, and you have to pass it in order to commission."

Do you hold rank in the Corps? What are your responsibilities associated with that role?
KJ – "I'm a squad sergeant, so every morning at formation I have to check my entire squad's uniforms to make sure they're looking good. I have to make sure I'm dressed properly and looking good as well to set the example. I check rooms when it comes to Saturday Morning Inspection (SMI), making sure everyone's rooms are up to standard. It's just constantly checking on the seven or eight cadets I have under me, and then checking in with the platoon sergeant and platoon leader above me."

Talk a little more about juggling all of your responsibilities with being a student-athlete on the soccer team and your class schedule.
KJ – "There are some very long days. I know some people love to get naps in when they can, but that's very rare for me. Even just my workout schedule between soccer and Army is crazy. I'll have three workouts a day at times because of those two. Some days, like Thursday, I have class from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. It's always super busy, and then you add practices on top of all of that, Army workouts, Army lab, it's just very go-go-go. Honestly, you get used to it."

What is the most difficult thing about being a cadet student-athlete who is also trying to contract?
KJ – "Time management and juggling everything so that you're not just average for everything. You want to be above average and go above and beyond what you're expected to do because you want to be the best so you can get the appointment you want in Army. You have to be at your best all the time in soccer so you can get more playing time and be known. And then you want to have great grades for both aspects."

What is one thing that you will remember down the road about your time at The Citadel?
KJ – "I know everyone says it, but it really is the people. My Army friends are awesome and are always there to help you out. My soccer team is the best, every single year I have loved the team; I love traveling, love being with the team at every game. Even in the Corps, my company is made up of just amazing people."

PREVIOUS BOUNDLESS BULLDOG FEATURES
Mya Dollard
Kate Manzione
Jessy Page
Caricia Rodriguez
Austin Blakely
Blake Oliveira
Kameron Cass
Alexander McAlear
Joshua Roides


JOIN THE CITADEL BRIGADIER FOUNDATION
Membership in The Citadel Brigadier Foundation is open to alumni and friends of The Citadel who are interested in supporting Bulldog athletics. By joining, you provide annual charitable contributions that fund scholarships for cadet-student-athletes. Supporters interested in joining TCBF or for more information, please click HERE.

FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information and score updates on The Citadel's athletics team, please visit CitadelSports.com or follow @CitadelSports on Twitter and Instagram.