Nene's First Winter

Hey Everyone!

My name is Nene Johnson and I am a junior transfer from South Florida. I decided to leave my sunny state to come to Lynchburg, Virginia, because I felt that Liberty was the right place for me to be at this time. Florida will always be home, but I had to leave to pursue my dream of playing Division I basketball and receiving my bachelor’s degree. 

Florida is a place I will always call home simply because it’s where I’ve always lived and my entire family is there. A fun fact is that I have never even seen snow, because as we all know Florida does not have a winter season! Fall was also new to me; it was the first time I've seen leaves turning colors and falling off the trees. 

I enjoy spending most of my time here at Liberty working out and hanging with my teammates. Adjusting to the Lynchburg life was not easy, as it is so different from what I am used to, but change is always good and I am enjoying my new journey!

-Nene Johnson #3

Liberty's Favorite Croatian

Hi! My name is Iva Ilic and I am 19 years old. I'm from Croatia, Europe. Croatia is a beautiful little country with beautiful coast, interesting history and friendly people. Although Croatia is small, Croatian athletes are world famous.

I came to Liberty in July, as soon as I graduated from high school. Everyone keeps asking me how I can be so far from my family and friends and I always tell them that it is very hard, but I have to do it for a bigger purpose. I love my parents and sister more than anything in the world and I really can't wait to see them again, but I have to follow my dreams. 

I started playing basketball when I was only 8 years old and it was mostly because my dad talked me into it. I'm grateful for that now because basketball has become my biggest passion. My parents have been my number one fans and my biggest support through all these years. I would say my greatest basketball success was playing for Croatian national team during the European championship in Portugal. 

I also miss my friends from Croatia, but I have found friends for life here. My teammates are the best in the world and I wouldn't change them for anything. I mostly hang out with Lela, Kierra, and Keyen. Lela is the goofy one, Kierra is a great dancer, and Keyen is the smart one. Because of them, Liberty now seems like home.

-Iva Ilic #24