Fort Wayne’s Kobe Johnson Shines in Gymnastics, Volleyball, and Track With Humility and Heart
By La’Crystele Brown
FWIS Contributing Writer
In the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a young star continues to rise. Kobe Johnson, a multi-sport athlete at Bishop Dwenger High School, is leaving her mark not only with her remarkable athleticism but also through her grounded character and relentless drive. At just 16 years old, Kobe has achieved what most teenagers only dream of — all while carrying herself with a humble spirit and a determination rooted deeply in faith and family.
Kobe has excelled as a varsity athlete in all three of her sports: gymnastics, volleyball, and track. In gymnastics — the sport closest to her heart — Kobe has been training since the age of three. She led the Bishop Dwenger Saints to a state championship, capturing individual honors with a first-place finish on the floor exercise, scoring 9.625. Her prowess extended beyond high school competitions; representing Summit Gymnastics, Kobe clinched the Level 9 Eastern Sr5 Vault Championship with an impressive 9.55 score. She currently trains at Summit Academy Gymnastics, where coaches Rose and Andy Nix have become second parents, nurturing her talent and guiding her growth for more than a decade. Her dedication has taken her all the way to the national stage, where she stood as one of the only Black girls in her division — a powerful symbol of perseverance and representation.
On the volleyball court, Kobe is known for her unmatched vertical leap, signature Kobe Kills, and her ability to receive even the toughest sets with precision. Her lightning-quick reactions and consistent presence make her a standout player and a trusted teammate. In track, Kobe’s natural athleticism shines brightest in sprint events and relays, where she’s often one of the first to cross the finish line. This season, she advanced to State representing Bishop Dwenger and earned an impressive third-place finish in the 100m dash—setting both a personal and school record. But Kobe’s impact extends beyond the stopwatch. During the 4x100 relay, when a moment of disappointment struck the team, Kobe didn’t respond with frustration. Instead, she turned back and embraced her teammate with a supportive hug—a quiet but powerful act that reflected her grace, leadership, and compassion. Even while balancing the demands of three high-level sports, Kobe continues to excel with unwavering consistency—a testament to her discipline and the strong support system that surrounds her.
Being one of the only Black girls in her sport in the region has not always been easy. “Even when I went to nationals, I was the only Black person,” Kobe shared. “It kind of plays a role because there’s not really a lot of people like me, so you’ve got to stay motivated and prove everybody wrong.” That motivation has fueled a quiet fire in Kobe. Her humility, even in the face of first-place finishes and statewide recognition, is part of what makes her special. “I don’t really count all of my accomplishments as big,” she says. “I just treat them the same and focus on what’s next.”
A typical weekday for Kobe would leave most exhausted just hearing it: school from morning to afternoon, followed by track practice until 5:00 p.m., then gymnastics training from 5:00 to 7:45 p.m., and finally volleyball practice until 9:00 p.m. She fuels this demanding routine with grit, structure, and support from her parents — including a mom with a background in education and a dad who gives her blunt, honest motivation. Her 3.8 GPA is just as impressive as her athletic resume.
Though the physical toll can be intense, Kobe credits her success to her support system: “My parents, my siblings — mainly my mom and my dad. My mom keeps me grounded. My dad motivates me. My big sister supports my growth by encouraging me and paying for camps.” She also gives major credit to her longtime gymnastics coaches, Rose and Andy Nix, who have been by her side since she was a toddler. “They are like parents away from home,” her mom shared. “They’ve helped raise her in the gym.” Another key part of Kobe’s village is Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which has provided her with lasting friendships, leadership opportunities, and a strong network of support.
Kobe also points to Raphael Davis, founder of the Crew Life Foundation, as a key supporter. “He pays for a lot of my camps and puts me out there with other athletes,” she said. Davis, known for his dedication to uplifting youth beyond sports, is helping Kobe reach her full potential through access and exposure.
While her schedule is packed, Kobe and her family make time for church, mental health breaks, and vacations that bring emotional balance. “If she tells me she’s tired, I let her rest,” her mom shared. “Sometimes we take mental days, and during school breaks we travel — to Florida or an island, just to reset.”
Her home is rooted in Christian values, and her parents are committed to giving her the opportunities they didn’t have growing up. “We’re breaking generational cycles,” her mom said. “It’s not about the hand you’re dealt — it’s how you play the cards.”
Though she currently juggles three sports, Kobe may soon have to make a decision about where to focus her efforts as she nears college. “If she dedicated all of her time to gymnastics,” her mom said, “she’d be even stronger than she already is.” Kobe herself admitted that missing gymnastics practices to attend other sports can be a challenge. “When I see my teammates doing skills I can’t because I missed practice, it motivates me — but it also frustrates me.”
Still, Kobe knows where her heart lies. “I’ve been doing gymnastics the longest, and that team is like family. That’s what makes it my favorite,” she said.
Outside of the gym, Kobe has her sights set on a future as a plastic surgeon. With her work ethic, intellect, and support system, there’s no doubt she’ll achieve whatever she sets her mind to.
Her message to others is clear: “Never give up. And like my mom says, keep your grades up — you can’t do anything if you can’t read. Academics first.” She also emphasizes the importance of being humble, grateful, and helping others. “A lot of kids don’t have what I have. I never think I’m better than anyone else and I always try to help other kids when I can.”
Kobe Johnson is not just a talented athlete — she’s a role model for youth in Fort Wayne and beyond. With her unmatched dedication, deep humility, and unwavering family support, she’s proving that greatness is not only about winning — it’s about how you carry yourself through the journey. And for Kobe, that journey is just beginning.