Wherever Amanda Johnson goes, success seems to follow.
Last year, while attending Villa Joseph Marie High School, Johnson led her former teammates to the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies soccer title.
And this year — after transferring to Archbishop Ryan High School — the sophomore sweeper has helped her squad earn a spot in the finals once again.
After defeating Conwell Egan, 6-0, in the quarterfinals on Oct. 24, Ryan’s success continued as they beat defending champion Little Flower, 2-1, in the semifinals on Monday night.
"We came out strong and scored early," said coach Ryan Haney, who has a 32-1-3 career record in league play during his three years as the girls head coach. "It was an intense game. Little Flower is very technically strong, but we’re an offensive team. I knew we could win this."
Ryan forward Megan Tole was credited with both of the Ragdolls’ goals, the second one coming within the 11th minute of overtime. And with their victory over the Sentinels, the Ragdolls move on to battle Archbishop Wood in the Catholic League championship game on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan.
"It’s an incredible feeling," said Johnson.
Ryan has won the Catholic League Northern Division three consecutive times — a solid reputation that helped influence Johnson’s decision to become a Ragdoll.
"I always wanted to go to Ryan," she said. "I want to see myself pursue soccer in college, and hopefully even further, so the fact that Ryan has such a strong high school team definitely helped my decision."
It didn’t take long for Johnson to feel at home on Ryan’s pitch. The sophomore has been a Ragdoll only for two months, but she already has become a significant part of the squad.
"At first, it was tough being the new girl," said Johnson, who has helped the Ragolls to a 17-2-2 record this season. "The soccer girls definitely made the transition easier. Tryouts were in the summer, so that helped me make new friends."
When she’s not winning games for high school squads, Johnson gets her kicks with the Philly Soccer Club.
"I’ve always loved the game," said Johnson, who has teamed up with her travel team for the past three years. "I don’t think I could ever see myself not playing soccer. It’s just an indescribable passion for the game."
Johnson’s love for the game did come in handy when she made the transition to a new school this season. Among the sea of new teammates at Ryan, her travel team did reveal one familiar face.
Her coach.
Haney — a 1997 Ryan graduate and former star on the boys soccer team — has headed the Ragdolls for the past three years, and the Philly Soccer Club for four.
"It’s so nice to have a coach who sees how you are doing with travel soccer and at Ryan," said Johnson. "Sometimes it seems like he’s harder on me, but that’s because he sees me every day. It’s a good position to be in."
In the classroom, however, Johnson didn’t get as lucky. After graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and then attending Villa Joseph Marie — both small schools — the enormous size of Ryan was initially overwhelming.
"I’m not going to lie — the first day of school I couldn’t find one of my classes or my locker," recalled Johnson. "It was definitely a big change. But it has gotten a lot better . . . I think I got it down pat now."
Maneuvering through the hallways may have been a challenge for Johnson, but once she found her class, it was a perfect fit.
"School is my number-one priority," she said. "I like my classes, and they’re going really well. And soccer keeps me on top on my grades as well."
Soccer helps motivate Johnson outside the classroom.
"I’m pretty competitive when it comes to soccer," she said. "It is very time-consuming with practices, games and tournaments. But it definitely keeps me out of trouble.
"It has really helped me make great friends, too," she added. "The teammates here have such a great relationship both on and off the field. I know I made the right decision coming to Ryan." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com