FAIRFAX, Va. – Women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis has announced the addition of Texas A&M and Ball State transfer Maliyah "MJ" Johnson to the Patriots' 2025-26 roster.
 
"We couldn't be more excited to add Maliyah Johnson to our roster," said Blair-Lewis. "She's a dynamic post player who can stretch the floor with her jumper, finish around the rim with both hands, and anchor our defense with her shot-altering ability. Even more impressive is her championship experience and team-first mentality—qualities that will make her an immediate difference-maker both on the court and in our locker room."
 
A 6'3" graduate student originally from Chicago, Ill., Johnson comes off a year at Ball State University. She previously spent four seasons, including one redshirt year, at Texas A&M.
 
Last year, Johnson scored 194 points in 35 games, making one start. She scored a 14-point career-high last December vs. Anderson (Ind.).
 
A product of Summer Creek High School, Johnson was a four-star recruit by espnW HoopGurlz, which ranked her 18^th amongst forwards.
 
Since then, she's won a MAC Championship and been to three NCAA Tournaments – one at Ball State and two at Texas A&M, including their 2021 Sweet Sixteen appearance.
 
Johnson joins Rhode Island transfer Hawa Komara, as well as five freshmen who signed last fall.