Johnstown Christian senior joining prominent Division III basketball program

HOLLSOPPLE — Johnstown Christian School senior Unity Miller might not be a household name in Somerset County girls' basketball.

The Blue Jays compete in the Allegheny Christian League and do not play many of the local schools. However, Miller made a name for herself the past four seasons with her scoring prowess and leadership.

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On Wednesday, Miller announced her intentions to attend and play basketball for coach Mike Miller at Division III Messiah University.

"The main thing that stuck out was the coaching staff. They're super supportive and involved in their team," said Miller of her decision to commit to Messiah. "Just a super long legacy there also. Just a great program."

Miller shares a tight-knit bond with her teammates and classmates at Johnstown Christian. She is hoping that will continue in college.

"I definitely loved their team aspect," she said of Messiah. "It feels like family, which that's what I have here at JCS, so I'm hoping to get a new family there as well."

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This season, Miller racked up 373 points, 262 rebounds and 138 assists in 19 games. She surpassed 1,000 career points as a junior. Miller has been playing the sport for years and has put in the time to earn the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

"I played since kindergarten, so this has always been a dream to play at the next level," Miller said.

Messiah has made the NCAA Division III Tournament seven of the last eight years. There was not a Division III tournament in 2021.

She is eager to join the program and help continue the rich tradition at Messiah.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to be challenged, grow in my skills and just be able to be a part of a new team and a great program."

Miller, who boasts a 4.0-plus GPA, plans to major in health and physical education. She is a part of the stage crew for musical, a teacher's assistant in the preschool room and a member of tour choir at Johnstown Christian.

She is the daughter of Nick and Patti Miller. She thanks her parents, especially her father, who has been there for her all the way and encouraged her ever since Miller began playing.

Miller's skillset translates on and off the court, which will benefit her in the future.

"Her leadership is incredible," Johnstown Christian first-year coach Kevin Yoder said. "She's one of the most skilled basketball players I've seen in a long time. But as good as she is on the court, she's better off the court. The way she leads the team. Her spiritual leadership is amazing. Someone of her athletic ability ‒ you get one or the other ‒ she's really a combination of the two."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Johnstown Christian's Miller taking talents to Messiah University