Prep talk: Aja Johnson of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame is thriving in the shotput, discus
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame's Aja Johnson competes in girls' discus at the 2024 state track and field championships. Johnson won the state title in the event. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Nick Garcia, the throws coach at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, calls shotputter and discus thrower Aja Johnson "the dragon slayer."
She's only 5 feet 3 but slays taller girls competing in those events.
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Last weekend, she won the Southern Section Division 3 shotput and discus titles. This weekend she will try to qualify for the state championships when competing at the Masters Meet at Moorpark High. She won the state discus title last year. She was state champion in the shotput in 2023.
Aja Johnson of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
Under Garcia's guidance, Johnson uses technique, athleticism, agility and explosiveness to excel in the two events. She has committed to Louisville. Notre Dame athletes have won every Division 3 shotput or discus title since 2021. …
The City Section Division I baseball semifinals will be held Wednesday at Stengel Field in Glendale with a trip to Dodger Stadium on Saturday at stake. Carson will play Taft at 3 p.m., followed by Banning taking on Verdugo Hills at 6 p.m.
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