Wyatt Baumeyer is an ASU Cronkite student assigned to cover Casteel High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

PHOENIX —  Mia Johnson grew up playing catch on the sidelines with her brother’s friends, usually as the only girl in sight, while her brother, Amare, defended the Casteel High School Colts’ end zone.

“I kind of got used to being around boys and doing sports going up against boys,” Mia said. “We all flowed together.” 

Following in Amare's footsteps, the now senior and two-sport athlete from Arizona, excelled to become one of Casteel's top competiors in both wresting and girls flag football.

She wasn't always the strongest, the tallest or the most naturally gifted, her father, Patrick Johnson said but her determination and competitiveness set her apart.

The wide receiver and defensive back trained with or against Amare in sports and in life, Patrick said, wanting to match her brother’s intensity.

“They always compete in everything,” Patrick said. “Everything's a competition.”

Patrick said Mia was so determination that she taught herself to ride a bicycle without training wheels before turning 3 years old.

“You set a challenge out in front of her, she didn't give up,” Patrick said. “She’d always complete it and make sure she mastered it.”

So when the challenge came to participate in the predominant male sport of football, Mia said she intitially struggled to fit in. However, her brother’s friends took her under their wings and welcomed the only female around. 

“They're like brothers to me,” Mia said. “They always let me tag along with them.” 

Still, when girls flag football became a varsity high school sport in 2023, Mia said she couldn’t pass up the chance to compete against other girls. 

“Now, I can actually fit in,” Mia said. 

Showcasing her family’s athletic ability, Mia made the varsity flag football team as a freshman, despite having no organized football experience, and took up wrestling after her friend Chloe Masters convinced her to attend practice for a day.

“I never left the room,” Mia said after her first day of wrestling practice. 

Four years later, Mia does her best to support the team on and off the field, putting in extra work by coaching her teammates, giving pointers and whatever it takes to be a leader, Colts’ flag football head coach Rae Black said.

“You want your teachings to show as they get older and grow up in your program, and (her) teaching shows,” Black said. “I gave her everything, and she's on her own with her leadership.” 

However, last year Mia said a plethora of injuries, including multiple high ankle sprains and eventually a torn labrum, threatened both of her athletic careers.

Instead of taking time off to recover, Mia initially wrestled through the pain until the labrum tear worsened and started affecting her performance on the mat, she said. 

Surgery over the summer of 2025 forced her to miss tournaments and sit out while others trained, but Mia remained determined to complete a full recovery.

“I just knew everything would take time,” Mia said of trusting the rehabilitation process. “It took a lot of patience, so I picked up other hobbies.”

Away from the field, Mia started painting and reading, two activities she’d done with her grandparents as a child. Still, her competitive edge to return made the rehabilitation process a struggle. 

“It still takes a toll on you knowing that you’re missing some important events,” Mia said. 

Black said she emphasized to Mia the importance of rest and recovery.

“As long as you do exactly what the doctor says, you’ll come back and be healthy,” Black said to Mia. “You cannot skip treatment.” 

Now fully recovered, Mia said she's eyeing a spot on the podium in wrestling and a championship in flag football while also aiming to leave a legacy as a Colt.

“The impact I want to leave is to always stay determined, stay disciplined and always work hard,” Mia said. “No matter what type of day it is, always work hard and give it your all every single day.”