Lady laxer Jen Johnson keeps Lions in stitches

Every player has a role on a team, whether it be as a go-to player or bench warmer.

For the Penn State women's lacrosse team, junior attacker Jen Johnson fulfills dual roles. Along with being the team's go-to player, she's also its jester.

Johnson, called "J.J." by her teammates, is always full of jokes off and sometimes even on the field. She's one of those people who can find humor in any situation. Her antics have been known to lighten up the team when it's sick of practicing, nervous before games and at other rough times.

"We need that," Videon said. "I also think it's great because it balances our team. There are some people on our team who really take it to the extreme. Then there's J.J."

Johnson came to the Lady Lions three years ago from Anderson Collegiate High School in Brooklin, Ontario. Along with her talent, work ethic and humor, she brought some local color with her.

This made the constantly joking Johnson a target of a few lighthearted jokes herself. In addition to a slight accent, Johnson called bathrobes "housecoats," and instead of taking a test she would write a test.

"I would say something and everyone would be like, 'What?' " Johnson recalled.

The Canadian vocabulary only added to her comic effect. Overall, Johnson said she has always valued her role as a team prankster because her team plays better when it's having fun.

There are always coaches in every sport who despise a comedian on their team. However, Johnson said she has never run into that problem in high school or at Penn State because she saves her jokes for the right times.

"I think the coaches just know that that's the kind of personality I have," Johnson said.

In addition, Johnson's teammates said the junior attacker always works hard, despite her silliness. This, too, has made her coaches happy.

Videon said Johnson is unique in her ability to be both a hard worker and a clown.

"She works her hardest all the time, but she's still fun," Videon said.

Like her humor, lacrosse just seems to come naturally to Johnson. She began playing lacrosse at age 12 in boys' leagues. When she reached high school, Johnson lettered in four sports and was a member of the Canadian Under-19 World Cup and Ontario Provincial teams.

Along with Emily Mechem, Johnson was one of two freshman starters for the Lions two years ago. She scored 25 points that season, tallying goals in nine of Penn State's 16 games.

She continued her offensive success last season, ranking third on the team with 34 points and earning third-team All-American honors in the process.

Penn State coach Julie Williams said Johnson is one of those talented players who can do things that can't be taught.

"She doesn't think, she just goes," Williams said. "That's what she's so good at -- she just goes."

As the Lions' leading returning scorer, Johnson was expected to assume an even larger role this season. Thus far, she hasn't cracked under that pressure. After six games she is leading the team in points (23) and goals (16).

"She's become just an all-around versatile player," Videon said. "She's great using both hands. She's a very tough player to defend."

Johnson said she's a much different player than she was last season. Instead of allowing the pressure of being looked upon as a go-to player get to her, Johnson has gained confidence from being viewed as a leader.

With that confidence has come a looseness and comfort she said she's never experienced on the field. Johnson said now she just has an indescribable feeling that was missing those first two seasons.

"I can't describe it," Johnson said, her eyes lighting up. "I love going to practice, I love making things happen."

Johnson is having fun on the field, and when she's having fun she's at her best.