GUSSIE JOHNS
2017 U.S. Gold Medalist // USC ‘18

1. How does it feel to usher in the inaugural season of Pac-12 lacrosse?

It’s awesome for the sport. It shows how much it has grown and how big it has become on the West Coast. The Pac-12 has a history of excellence as the winningest conference in the nation and we plan to try and continue that tradition with lacrosse.

2. How excited would you be to play lacrosse at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028?

I'm excited about the potential of lacrosse being added to the Olympics, and in particular the 2028 games in LA. Being that I go to USC, and having been able to experience so much of the growth on the West Coast, it would be awesome if lacrosse’s Olympic journey started there. It would mean so much for the sport to be a part of the world’s greatest sporting event and to be surrounded by so much athletic history. Lacrosse is an amazing game on its own, but the exposure and validity it would gain from such inclusion would be unparalleled.

3. How has Devon Wills influenced you as a member of Team USA?

My relationship with Devon continues to grow every day. From being my coach and mentor to my teammate and friend, I cannot speak enough about the influence that she has had and continues to have on my life. Not only has she helped me get to where I am as a player, but also as a person. She pushes me every day to be better, if even in the smallest of ways. While this may be my last season playing for her, she will always be someone that I turn to on a regular basis for advice as I continue both in life and more specially within the U.S. program.