Former Petro Gazz import Janisa Johnson passed away at 32, the team announced on social media on Tuesday, June 4. 

“With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Janisa Johnson, our Finals MVP in the 2019 Reinforced Conference, who passed away after a courageous fight against cancer. Soar high with the real angels in heaven. Rest in peace, Janisa,” the post read.

The American outside hitter succumbed to cancer after three years of courageous battle. 

In 2018, Johnson launched herself as an import in the PVL Reinforced Conference with BaliPure-National University squad composed of then young players Jen Nierva, Ivy Lacsina and Cess Robles. 

It didn’t take long for Johnson to find herself back in the local shores as she returned a year later to the league with the Angels. 

There, Johnson captained Petro Gazz to its first franchise title and was hailed Finals MVP for her key role in the conquest. 

She joined forces with Cuban Wilma Salas in the same conference. 

Johnson was already seeing action for Radomka in the Polish Women’s Volleyball League in 2021 when she announced her illness, which immediately sidelined her for the remainder of that season. 

Since then, the Angels have offered their support for Johnson as she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before her eventual demise three years later.