From the UP to UWGB: Lillie Johnson Joins the Phoenix

Gladstone Area High School’s 6’0 forward Lillie Johnson (Class of 2026) has officially committed to continue her basketball career at UW-Green Bay under head coach Kayla Karius. For Johnson, the moment felt like the reward for years of relentless effort.

“It feels great, like all of the hard work paid off,” Johnson said. “A weight was lifted off my shoulders, knowing I can finally just grow a relationship with one coaching staff. I am very excited that I found the place for me.”

Why Green Bay?

When asked why she chose UWGB, Johnson didn’t hesitate to credit the coaching staff for making her decision clear.

“The coaching staff made UWGB for me,” Johnson said. “They made me feel at home as soon as I started talking to them.”

That sense of belonging was cemented during her second unofficial visit. “The whole coaching staff greeted me at the doors with hugs and easy conversation. We ended the visit by going to lunch with some of the players, and I could really see myself playing and hanging out with them.”

Coach and Director Nic Levy of Team PRIME Nation says that’s no surprise. “Lillie has always been about relationships. She’s the type of player who thrives in an environment where trust and family matter. Seeing her find a program where she feels at home makes perfect sense.”

The Recruiting Journey

Johnson leaned on her parents throughout the recruiting process, especially her father, a coach himself. Still, it wasn’t always easy.

“I always had the what if’s—I was stressed about making the wrong decision. It wasn’t something I solved; it solved itself over time by getting to know Green Bay more and realizing it was the place for me. When I knew that, all the what if’s went away.”

Her advice for younger players? “Be patient throughout the process and enjoy it. It’s stressful, but it will pay off in the end when you find the place for you.”

High School Dominance

Johnson’s on-court production speaks for itself:

• Freshman year: 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists per game (Team record 8–17)

• Sophomore year: 25 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists (Team record 14–9)

• Junior year: 23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists (Team record 24–3)

Her steady growth and ability to carry her team forward is exactly what PRIME coaches point to as her defining trait.

“Lillie is one of those players who impacts the game in every way,” Levy said. “She rebounds, scores, defends—whatever you ask of her. But more than that, she’s reliable. Her team can always count on her.”

PRIME Connection

Johnson credits Team PRIME Nation for helping prepare her for the next level.

“The competition I was able to play against while playing for PRIME has helped me grow as a player, while also showing what I need to work on more,” she said.

Asked to describe PRIME’s culture in one word, Johnson chose “Unforgettable.”

Levy echoed that sentiment: “What makes Lillie unforgettable is not just her game, but her character. She’s coachable, hardworking, and unselfish. She embodies PRIME culture—compete hard, put the team first, and grow as a player and a person along the way.”

Looking Ahead

At UWGB, Johnson is eager to compete for championships and continue her development. “I am most excited to play at UWGB because of the girls on the team and the coaching staff. They see you as more than a player and want you to become the best version of yourself for the future.”

Off the court, she looks forward to “making new friends and making new memories.”

And for her PRIME teammates still chasing their college dreams, Johnson left this message:“Be patient and trust the process, your time will come.”