ASICS AMERICA SIGNS MEN’S TENNIS ATHLETE STEVE JOHNSON

ASICS America is pleased to announce the signing of two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) singles champion Steve Johnson. Johnson played four years at the University of Southern California (USC)before leaving this past May as one of the most decorated tennis players in college history.  

“I am proud of my college career at USC and all that I was able to accomplish, but now am looking forward to taking my game to the next level,” says Johnson, who is represented by Sam Duvall at Lagardere Unlimited. “ASICS is a great partner that will provide me with not only high performance tennis apparel and footwear, but also a great all-around support system. They truly value their athletes and understand the individual needs that we have. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of their team.”

While at USC, Johnson led the Trojans to four consecutive NCAA team titles and completed a 72-match winning streak as he defended his NCAA singles title. He is a seven-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American and was named the 2011 and 2012 Campbell/ITA National College Player of the Year as well as the 2011 and 2012 Pac-12 Men’s Player of the Year.

Johnson, 22 years old, is from Orange, Calif. and began playing tennis at the age of two with his father serving as his coach. Like many young tennis athletes in the 90s, he idolized Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. He currently trains with the United States Tennis Association at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and likes to spend his free time relaxing at the beach. He describes himself as confident, tough and relaxed, three attributes that will certainly come in handy on the pro circuit.

“ASICS is committed to supporting quality athletes that embody our mantra of STOP AT NEVER,” says Laura Greatbanks, Marketing Manager for Team Sports. “Stevie does just that. His impressive college career is only the beginning for him. We are very excited to welcome Stevie to the ASICS family and look forward to watching him flourish in the years to come.”

Johnson plays tonight in the singles draw of the Farmers Classic at the LA Tennis Center at UCLA and will also compete at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Winston-Salem Open in Winston-Salem, N.C. later this summer.

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Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as, other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.