KU Soccer great Johnson named to Cameroon World Cup squad

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Kansas soccer star Estelle Johnson was selected to the Cameroon National Team that will compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup next month in France. The Jayhawk great made the final roster of 23 players, which will open the tournament in group play on June 10 against Canada.

A defender from Fort Collins, Colorado, Johnson appeared in 85 games for the Jayhawks from 2006-09. She was a multiple time All-Region performer for the Jayhawks, anchoring some of the top defenses in program history. After her days in Lawrence, Johnson began what has turned into an impressive professional career.

In 2013 Johnson joined the NWSL as a member of the Western New York Flash, playing in all 22 games and clocking more minutes (1,980) than any other player on the roster. Johnson did not play in 2014 and was traded to the Washington Spirit prior to the start of the 2015 Season. In her four seasons with the Spirit, Johnson Totaled 71 appearances and two goals. In addition, she was named the Washington Spirit’s 2018 Defender of the Year. In January, she was traded to Sky Blue FC in Howell, New Jersey.

Johnson and her Cameroon teammates will kick off their World Cup run in Group E which includes the teams from Canada, New Zealand and Netherlands. The first match will pit Cameroon against Canada on June 10 at 2 p.m. (CT) in Montpellier. Following the three matches of group play, the top two teams from each of the six groups plus the next four best will advance to the elimination round in the quarterfinals to begin on June 22.