2024-25 Dick Poulson Scholarship Recipient: Brody Johnson

Brody Johnson's rugby journey began at age 5 with the Alexandria Rugby Club in Virginia, guided by his Irish-born mother. His development was influenced by family connections, including his mother's friend Mick Galway, who has mentored Johnson throughout his career.

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Playing scrumhalf for nearly a decade, Johnson started his high school career with Fort Hunt Club Rugby Team, earning varsity positions his first two years. His performance at nationals caught Gonzaga College High School's attention, prompting his transfer for junior year. There, Johnson contributed to back-to-back national championships, scoring twice in each championship game and earning Man of the Match honors in the 2023 final.

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Johnson has demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing scrumhalf, inside center, outside center, and wing—adaptability that has enhanced his understanding of the game. His achievements include selection to the U18 USA team to tour Argentina and Uruguay, and representing the East Independent Rugby Association on tour in Ireland, deepening the connection to his mother's homeland.

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"Rugby has played an incredible role in my life," he reflects. "It has been my main driving factor in what I want to pursue in life and has been a major Segway into making lifelong connections and friendships."
The sport has shaped his character: "Rugby makes me want to be a better person and do better in school as well. The lessons I learn on the pitch go a lot farther than in-game lessons—it teaches me to be grateful for not only the opportunities in front of me but the people around me as well."

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Kevin Keenan, Johnson's former coach, describes him as embodying Gonzaga's "'men for others' ethos" with "a unique ability to instill confidence in everyone around him." Owen Malone, who has known Johnson since age 4, has watched him grow "from a shy little kid with a big smile into the smart and confident young man he is today."

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Beyond rugby, Johnson has participated in various sports, plays guitar and piano, and demonstrates commitment to community service through his work at the Father McKenna Center and neighborhood initiatives.

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Johnson will attend the University of Arizona, playing for the Arizona Wildcats while pursuing a degree in astronomy—the nation's top program in his field of interest. His academic choice reflects longstanding curiosity: "There have been countless nights where I'm sitting outside in my backyard looking at the stars and wondering. Now for the first time, I actually get to study what I have been thinking about for years."