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All-American Maya Johnson returning to Belmont

Screenshot 2024-07-31 at 7.46.34 PMby:Brady Vernon•06/30/25•

BradyVernon

Screenshot 2025-06-30 at 11.00.01 AM
Photo courtesy of Belmont Athletics

After entering the transfer portal, All-American Maya Johnson is withdrawing from the transfer portal and returning to Belmont for her final year of eligibility.

Johnson, who led the nation with 366 strikeouts, had plenty of interest from top-tier Power Four schools. However, her decision to enter the transfer portal was based more on academics, as her initial program was cut at Belmont. During this process, she was admitted into a doctoral program, opening the door to her return.

She will pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice to be a pediatric critical care nurse practitioner. Johnson will be doing graduate clinicals in Nashville, where Belmont is located. She was diagnosed with lupus during her sophomore year at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Ohio. She was a patient in the pediatric unit and saw firsthand what the nurses experienced.

The lefty originally started her career at Pitt, but wasn’t cleared to play as a freshman in the fall of 2021. She recalls being told they would honor her scholarship, but they wanted to medically disqualify her, ending her career. She obtained a second opinion and Belmont provided a second chance—not to mention an acclaimed nursing program. 

Johnson led Belmont to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025. She had a 1.52 ERA with a 24-6 record. Clearly, Johnson feels at home with head coach Laura Matthews and her program, hoping to continue to push Belmont softball to new heights.

For transfer portal news, stay up to date with the Softball America transfer wire and the Dugout, our discussion board for members.

More from Softball America:

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