Former NSU Volleyball Player Candice Johnson Recognized as GEICO Alumni of the Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Nova Southeastern volleyball player, Candice Johnson, has been selected as the May 2019 GEICO Alumni of the Month.
 
A 2015 sport and recreation management graduate who played two seasons for the Sharks after transferring from Palm Beach State College, Johnson continues to excel in her days after Nova Southeastern.
 
Johnson saw action in all but three matches during her two-year tenure, finishing with a 4.17 digs per set average, which still ranks her No. 2 in the NSU record books. She is also ranked No. 5 in digs per set during an individual season, posting a 4.73 average in 2014.
 
Off the court, Johnson was named to the Fall Sunshine State Conference Honor Roll in both 2013 and 2014, and took home the Nova Southeastern Female Sportsmanship Award in 2015. She was also named the volleyball team’s Ultimate Shark during that year.
 
After graduation, Johnson spent a little over a year working for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County as an Events and Marketing Manager before returning to Nova Southeastern, this time a part of the staff. Starting in July 2016, Johnson spent a year as Manager of Athletics Marketing and Promotions, before starting at AutoNation in August 2017.
 
We sat down with the alumna and asked her a few questions on her time as a Shark, both on the court and in the office, and to see what she’s up to now.
 
Besides volleyball, what organizations/clubs were you involved in while attending NSU?
 
During my junior year at NSU, myself and a few other students founded BSSA (Business in Sports Student Association). The goal of the club was to bring together undergraduate and graduate SPT majors/minors to collaborate on new trends in the industry, determine volunteer opportunities and create a sense of community around the program at NSU. I completed two internships during my time at NSU, one with the Florida Panthers and the other with the Cliff Floyd Foundation. Those opportunities laid the foundation for my community involvement and participation with SAAC. With the encouragement of Nancy Olson, I volunteered regularly at events with organizations like Hope Outreach and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospitals. 
 
What was it like coming back and working for NSU after being a student-athlete?
 
Working for NSU definitely gave me a different perspective on all the hard work the athletics staff puts into their roles on a daily basis. In my time working with athletics, I was responsible for marketing and sponsorships which allowed me to tell prospective sponsors how much their support means to our program using my time at NSU as an example. The experience was full circle for me and I’ll cherish my time working in athletics forever.  
 
What is your current profession now?
 
Currently, I work in marketing at AutoNation’s Corporate HQ in downtown Fort Lauderdale. My role is primarily focused on strategic alliances with an emphasis on developing integrated marketing campaigns for partners along with partnership management and development. 
 
Have you received any higher education since attending NSU?
 
Yes, an MBA with a Concentration in Marketing from Nova Southeastern.
 
Do you still play volleyball or compete in any other athletic events?
 
Since graduating I’ve continued to play beach volleyball but have tried out other athletic events as well. Last year I picked up running again and have completed a triathlon, a couple Ragnars and a half marathon. It’s kind of crazy, but running was the first sport I competed in when I was eight. The mental toughness and endurance along with the sense freedom you feel when running has allowed me to grow as an athlete and person.
 
How was your life impacted by being a Shark student-athlete/why are you proud to be a Shark?
 
Everyone says it but being a student-athlete is not easy. However, I used the opportunity to build time management skills, a strong work ethic and learned to always show good sportsmanship. That allowed me to set my future up for success and has impacted my professional career tremendously. NSU has grown a lot in the past five years but I’m so excited to see what the future holds for the university. NSU will always hold a very special place in my heart and life. From the relationships built with coaches, trainers and staff to the lifelong friendships I’ve made through teammates and students on campus, I’m so grateful to have represented the Sharks on and off the court.