University of Maine at Fort Kent women’s soccer team standout, Shaniah Johnson (‘27), recently was named as a midfielder to the country of Grenada’s senior women’s national football (soccer) team, it was announced by the Grenada Football Association.
Johnson, a St. George, Grenada native, joined the Grenadian national team in late February for the 29-team competition in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) women’s qualifying round to fill six spots for the CONCACAF championship. The competition also serves as a pathway to the 2027 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Johnson’s first match with her national teammates was against Guatemala in Guatemala City. While Grenada lost that contest, Johnson is expected to participate in Grenada’s next rounds of CONCACAF qualifying competition in a home match against the Cayman Islands on April 14 and an away match versus Bermuda on April 18.
This is not the first time that Johnson has been a member of a “Spice Isle” nation’s women’s national team. Previously, she captained the Under 17 (U17) and Under 20 (U20) national teams. Members of the senior women’s national team are known as the “Spice Girlz.”
“I am very happy to represent my country in the CONCACAF competition,” said Johnson. “After tearing my ACL in 2023, I was not sure if I would ever be selected again. I watched from the sidelines, wishing I could be there. To finally be back is an amazing feeling,” she added.
The junior environmental studies major is much more than a key member of the women’s soccer team. She is the epitome of a true student-athlete.
This past fall, Johnson was named a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-Academic Team for 2025. Johnson has a 3.6 grade point average.
In addition to her performance on the field, Johnson is highly engaged in campus life. She is an active member of the Student Activities Board, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Career Club, Bengal Executives, and the International Student Organization. Johnson also serves as a tutor on campus, demonstrating her commitment to academic success and her willingness to support her peers.
Johnson’s international competition recognition comes as no surprise to her UMFK Lady Bengals Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Jermaine West.
“Shaniah has been a key contributor in the midfield for UMFK, demonstrating consistency, work rate, and tactical awareness throughout the season. As a box-to-box midfielder, she plays an important role in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. What separates Shaniah is her work ethic and commitment to the team. She covers significant grounds in each match, supports defensively, and contributes to maintaining team shape. Her willingness to do the ‘unseen work,’ tracking back, winning second balls, and linking play makes her an invaluable asset to the squad,” said West.
UMFK Athletic Director, Jason Coleman, observed, “It is incredibly significant for UMFK’s athletic program to have a current student-athlete receive this level of recognition. Achievements like this elevate not only the individual but the entire university community, reinforcing the strength and credibility of UMFK athletics on a broader stage. For the women’s soccer program specifically, this recognition highlights the quality of coaching, player development, and competitive environment that UMFK provides. It sends a strong message to prospective student-athletes that they can come to UMFK and not only compete but truly excel and gain meaningful recognition for their efforts.
“Moments like this are a source of immense pride, not just for the athletic department, but for the entire university community. To see one of our own reach this level of achievement is both inspiring and deeply affirming,” Coleman noted.
Johnson credits her playing time at UMFK as helping build and refine her soccer skills.
“Being a Lady Bengal has helped me gain confidence. My teammates, coaches and community helped me realize the impact that we have and how much more we can achieve: learning different styles of plays, developing a greater sense of the game and just having fun,” she said.