Hall of Fame
Jill Hartsock-Johnson would relive her four years at Norwich in a heartbeat. "If I had to do it all again I'd still go to Norwich," she said. "They were the best years of my life."
Originally from Waynesville, Ohio, Johnson heard of Norwich from a swimmer she knew. She contacted Coach Steven Looke, came to visit and fell in love. She was a communications major and editor of the Guidon.
After holding leadership positions in the Corps of Cadets her junior and senior years, Johnson commissioned in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. She spent eight years in the military in the Signal Corps, including two combat tours of duty. Her duties included serving on operations teams in the S-3 sections in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Norwich helped prepare me to be in the military," Johnson said. "The Corps structure made me understand regiment, standards, policy and regulations."
After retiring from the military in 2007, she spent some time teaching, working as a loan assistant and then found herself back at Fort Bragg-this time on the civilian side. Johnson, at the time of induction, was the Plans Officer for Current Operations at the Director of Plans, Training and Movement.
Johnson was a star on the Norwich swim team during her four years on the Hill, and was co-captain for two seasons. She lettered in swimming all four years. Johnson was "All-New England" all four years as well. She set school records in the 200 and 400 freestyle, as well as the 200 and 400 medley relays. She set individual records in 50 back, 200 butterfly and the 400 individual medley. In 1998, Johnson was named All-American in the 200 butterfly.
Married since 2006 to her husband, Julian, Johnson is the mother of a son, Julian V. She still swims when she can and has found running to be a passion. She ran her first marathon in 2007. She participates in half marathons with her twin sister.
Johnson pursued an MBA with the University of Phoenix. "If I am not challenged, I get bored," she said.
