Photo by: Viv Malone
Getting to Know the Buffs: Ayianna Johnson
February 23, 2025 | Women's Basketball
Getting to know the new players throughout the season
BOULDER – On Wednesday, the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team takes on Arizona State in the year's final regular season home game.
The Buffs have 10 new faces on the team this season, and CUBuffs.com will feature 'Get to Know' spotlights on all 10 players throughout the season.
Next up is sophomore transfer Ayianna Johnson.
What was it like growing up and playing basketball in Wisconsin?
It was really fun. It was a small town, so everyone knew who everyone was, and once I started getting good at basketball, the town really kind of surrounded me and pushed me, and I was super happy once I made it out and committed to Minnesota. It was cool. It was a lot of fun.
You played a lot of other sports in high school; which one was your favorite?
Wrestling. Day in and day out. Once I graduate here, I'll probably get back into wrestling again. I love wrestling.
Why did you choose to come to CU?
I came here, and immediately, I felt so at home. It's just beautiful here. There's so much to do, like indoors, outdoors. I just loved it. The people were super nice and very welcoming. I was like, 'All right, this is definitely a good fit for me.'
Why did you choose to study physics?
When I transferred, they didn't offer my major [construction management] here. Then I switched to architecture, and then I'm going to minor in physics. I really like physics. I think once you understand the concepts, it's fun.
What's been a favorite memory you've had with the team so far?
In the summer, each week we chose a group of people, and they would kind of put together an event or an activity for us to do. Every week, just trying new things was super fun. I remember one day it was like 110 degrees, and we all went and played pickleball at Frida's [Formann] house. It was so fun, but we were all just sweating, and it was a good time.
Tell us about your pet fish?
His name is Cayman. I got him last year, and he's still alive. He lives at my mom's house now because I didn't think he'd make it from Wisconsin to Colorado, a 14-hour car ride. He's still kicking it, and I recently upgraded to a cat [Noodle].
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I love to snowboard. That's the thing I've gotten into once we're here. I love going to the mountains, snowboarding, watching sports, cooking. I love to cook, too.
Do you have a favorite resort to snowboard?
Winter Park is solid.
Johnson and the Buffs tip-off against ASU on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. MT.
The Buffs have 10 new faces on the team this season, and CUBuffs.com will feature 'Get to Know' spotlights on all 10 players throughout the season.
Next up is sophomore transfer Ayianna Johnson.
What was it like growing up and playing basketball in Wisconsin?
It was really fun. It was a small town, so everyone knew who everyone was, and once I started getting good at basketball, the town really kind of surrounded me and pushed me, and I was super happy once I made it out and committed to Minnesota. It was cool. It was a lot of fun.
You played a lot of other sports in high school; which one was your favorite?
Wrestling. Day in and day out. Once I graduate here, I'll probably get back into wrestling again. I love wrestling.
Why did you choose to come to CU?
I came here, and immediately, I felt so at home. It's just beautiful here. There's so much to do, like indoors, outdoors. I just loved it. The people were super nice and very welcoming. I was like, 'All right, this is definitely a good fit for me.'
Why did you choose to study physics?
When I transferred, they didn't offer my major [construction management] here. Then I switched to architecture, and then I'm going to minor in physics. I really like physics. I think once you understand the concepts, it's fun.
What's been a favorite memory you've had with the team so far?
In the summer, each week we chose a group of people, and they would kind of put together an event or an activity for us to do. Every week, just trying new things was super fun. I remember one day it was like 110 degrees, and we all went and played pickleball at Frida's [Formann] house. It was so fun, but we were all just sweating, and it was a good time.
Tell us about your pet fish?
His name is Cayman. I got him last year, and he's still alive. He lives at my mom's house now because I didn't think he'd make it from Wisconsin to Colorado, a 14-hour car ride. He's still kicking it, and I recently upgraded to a cat [Noodle].
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I love to snowboard. That's the thing I've gotten into once we're here. I love going to the mountains, snowboarding, watching sports, cooking. I love to cook, too.
Do you have a favorite resort to snowboard?
Winter Park is solid.
Johnson and the Buffs tip-off against ASU on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. MT.
Players Mentioned
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