#1 Moulayna Johnson "MJ" Sidi Baba
Year: Graduate Student
Height: 6-1
Position: Guard
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
Previous School: Miami
Major: Master of Software Engineering
 
How did you get started playing basketball?
I played a lot of sports when I was growing up. I wasn't good at basketball in the beginning. Every sport I was doing was going great, but basketball was not my thing. I always laugh at myself when I watch old videos so that kind of gave me the motivation to keep going with basketball. I also had a coach who would tell me that I was going to be great at basketball and that I just needed to give it time, and now I'm here.
 
What other sports did you play?
Every sport from frisbee to muay thai and mixed martial arts. I did soccer, chess, almost everything.
 
When did you start to see your growth on the basketball court?
I was 15 when I received my first DI offer. I also played with the national team and was the leader in almost every category. After that I got a lot more offers and kind of understood that maybe I'm good at this.
 
What influenced your decision to come to UC Irvine as a grad transfer?
Academically, it's a great school and software engineering is something I've always wanted to study. Also, I loved the location and that it's a winning program. I want to win. I want to come in and help get us to the dance in March. It felt like a perfect situation for me in terms of school, location, winning and making a difference in program history.
 
Can you tell us a little about your experience in Guadeloupe this summer?
It was an amazing trip. I've been to the Caribbean once or twice, but I loved Guadeloupe. Just seeing the community and how important basketball is to them was special. Looking at the games we played, there were a bunch of people there, which inspired me. Also, running the clinic with the younger girls, it showed the love for basketball is all over the world.
 
Do you have any family members who play(ed) sports?
My dad played football for Texas A&M and my cousin plays tennis at Louisville.
 
How important has your family been in getting you to this point in your career?
They've been really supportive, but it's also been a different situation for them. I'm doing things that no one has really done in my family so it kind of opened doors for them to understand what's out there and has also helped to inspire my younger cousins. But they've also helped me along the way, especially when I was entering the transfer portal. I talked to them a lot about where I wanted to be and my goals. So, they've just been there for me every step of the way.
 
How was the transition for you going from Sweden to Miami, and now Miami to Irvine?
Going from Sweden to Miami was a big transition both mentally and physically. Being put in a situation where I got to play at a high level right away was a lot, but I would say now moving from Miami to Irvine, I feel like I have more experience so I know what to expect and I'm happy I'm here now.
 
What are your post-collegiate goals?
Next summer, my plan is to play with the Senior National Team. I would also love to build a strong network here in Irvine and hopefully get a job or play professionally.