The Johnsons heeded the call, and we scheduled the photo shoot for the following spring break week. Indeed, this couple is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as my photographer would put it. We met Trevor and Katie Johnson, sweet little Hailey, and baby Carter at their cozy home. The views of the Grand River right out the back slider are stunning. It’s that kind of panoramic view that makes you want to sit on the deck at dusk, in a comfy chair with a glass of wine and stare out at the river to see what kind of wildlife you bear witness to.

Together, Katie and Trevor balance demanding careers, young children, and a shared commitment to the growth of students and athletes across the district.   Here’s their wonderful story!

Trevor and Katie are proud parents of two young children who attend Little Lakers. Their daughter Hailey turned three last April, and their son Carter is currently ten months old and will celebrate his first birthday on August 8.

Katie shares, “Hailey has been the most perfect child since the moment she was born. She is almost always happy to do anything, she is polite, and so understanding. I’ve taken her to late-night lacrosse games where she patiently waits to give her daddy ‘one more huggy.’” She adds that Hailey has already embraced her role as a big sister: “She is so proud to get him a bottle, gets him toys, and hands me wipes whenever I change his diaper.”

Their son Carter, she says, is “just as perfect in his own way,” describing him as “the most nosey boy who has to know what’s going on.”

Trevor and Katie’s relationship began online, but their connection quickly became something much more meaningful. Katie recalls that Trevor “put in a lot of effort to get to know me even though I ghosted him a few times.” He finally managed to reel her into more conversations by mentioning Adam Sandler movies, which happens to be Katie’s favorite actor.  Way to think on your feet, Trevor!

Their story took a memorable turn when Katie unexpectedly saw Trevor while driving through Allendale: “I drove past Trevor, who was waving at me from his cop car. It gave me butterflies to just get a glimpse of him.” That moment led to a first meeting in a Family Fare parking lot, followed by a coffee date the next morning. “We met at Starbucks in Muskegon, talked for at least two hours, and I was hooked,” beams Katie.   

When asked what she admires most about Trevor, Katie says, “How selfless he is. Whether he's working on the road or with students, all he thinks about is how he can help make everyone's day better. He would do anything for his lacrosse kids, his family, friends, and his community.” 

Trevor reflects just as warmly on Katie, saying, “Katie is the most supportive wife and loving mother on the planet.  With me often coaching late and my team constantly on my mind, she always listens and never complains. She gets to know these young men while they are in intermediate/middle school before they get to high school, so she’s just as invested in their growth and wellbeing as I am.”  He adds, “We are all so very lucky to have her in our lives!”

Trevor is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where he earned a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology while also playing four years of collegiate lacrosse. Today, he serves the community as an officer with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and as the School Resource Officer for Spring Lake Schools.

Katie, originally from Montague, Michigan, is continuing her path in education with plans to become a certified classroom teacher. She currently supports students as a Reading Interventionist and hopes to transition into a 5th or 6th-grade teaching role in the future.

Trevor has been coaching lacrosse in Spring Lake for six years and now leads the varsity program. His commitment to student-athletes is a cornerstone of his role in the community.

Katie, meanwhile, stays closely connected to students through her work at the intermediate school and even through everyday moments like recess duty and crossing guard responsibilities. She shares, “Although I give Principal Fitzpatrick a hard time, it’s the best way to get to know the students… I enjoy bonding with every student, and it’s a great place to do some recruiting for Trevor!

When they are not working or coaching, the Johnson family enjoys simple moments together. Katie describes their downtime: “When the weather is nice, we love going for a run or a walk to the park. Mom and Dad love being lazy on the couch, usually watching Micky Mouse Club with Hailey. It’s even better when Mom has a cookie to eat,” Hailey laughs.  

Trevor and Katie are loyal supporters of the University of Michigan athletics and enjoy following international soccer, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, which even inspired their basement décor. “When we first met, Christiano was playing for the soccer team, Juventus (Italian soccer team),” recalls Trevor. “So, our basement is covered in their black and white memorabilia.”  This man cave is no joke and even has a full U of M-themed additional kitchen!

Trevor grew up in Grand Rapids with his parents, Phil and Brenda, and older brother Jamison. “My paternal grandparents. Jim and Jean Johnson lived on E. Savidge St, which initially introduced me to the area,” says Trevor. “I quickly knew it’s where I wanted to lay down roots.”

Katie is originally from Montague and grew up with her parents, Gary and Diane Hedrick. “I was my parents’ surprise kid, being born 7 years after my 3 siblings, Jerry, Eric, and Melissa. They all continue to serve as role models to Katie, who also felt a connection with Spring Lake when her brother Eric moved here several years ago. “It was pure fate when I met Trevor in 2019 and learned he also lived in Spring Lake.”

Both were drawn to this community long before they met and now raise their beautiful, young family in the same place they work and call home. Trevor and Katie exemplify what it means to be a family rooted in service, education, and community.  When on the lacrosse field, in the classroom, or at home, their story is one of teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to the people around them!