Kucheria Johnson’s days are anything but typical. As a Pre-K teacher, a mother of three, and a professional football player for the D.C. Divas, she wears multiple hats—and shoulder pads—with pride. Her story is one of energy, resilience, and a deep passion for the game.
A Sound of Determination: “Ka-Ching”
For Johnson, every step she takes on the football field is more than just movement—it’s momentum.
“When my feet hit the ground, it’s the sound of money. So every time I’m going, it’s like Ka-Ching,” Johnson says, recalling the spark that launched her football journey in 2012 with the Divas.
Now a return specialist and defensive back, the Riverdale native has become an integral part of Washington’s professional women’s football team, which competes in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA).
From Cheerleading to Crushing It on Defense
Johnson didn’t start out on defense. Surprisingly, her first position was on the offensive side of the ball, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that defense was where she truly belonged.
“I’m more of an electric player… that first hit, it was just like everything goes away. I felt complete,” she says. “Being able to do that for this team is something I enjoy and love.”
That love for the sport and her teammates has only deepened with time. For Johnson, the D.C. Divas are more than a team—they’re family.
“Even outside the field, we are a family… a big giant family of people coming from all over, playing this game among beautiful women.”
Balancing the Game of Life
Off the field, Johnson juggles a full plate. She teaches Pre-K in Washington, D.C., and is the devoted mother of three children.
“There are struggles… being a mother to three children, also being a school teacher, and playing football,” she admits. “I take my kids to practices and games so they can see that side of me.”
Johnson believes in the power of balance—allocating her energy across her different roles to avoid burnout and maintain a sense of purpose.
“I can’t put my whole hundred percent in one area… I have to have balance and structure to feel complete.”
But no matter how many roles she plays, being a mother comes first.
A Milestone Season
This season is especially meaningful for Johnson. The D.C. Divas are celebrating their 25th anniversary, and Johnson, who wears jersey number 25, finds extra pride in that coincidence.
“It makes it even more special for me being able to wear that number in the 25th anniversary year.”
The Divas, three-time national champions (2006, 2015, 2016), are back in the WFA Playoffs and aiming for their fourth title. Next up, they face the Tampa Inferno in the quarterfinals.
Johnson and her defensive unit are ready.
“We want to stop the run and force them to throw… that’s why my group is called Lunch Money—because we’re hungry. We want to eat. We want to take your lunch money and take it to the house. Not just a pick—we need a pick-six.”
Looking Ahead: A Future in Coaching?
While Johnson is still playing, she’s already envisioning ways to stay connected to the game after she hangs up her cleats.
“I would love to coach. I know the game, I’ve played the game,” she says. “If the opportunity comes—even if it’s just helping or being present—I would love to be involved.”
Whether she’s guiding young students, raising her kids, or making plays under the Friday night lights, Kucheria Johnson embodies the spirit of strength, dedication, and passion—on and off the field.
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