BEN YOSEF: You are crushing it in all your IPL divisions! But this NATURALMAG feature is about your success on the Sports Model stage. So, let’s get into it! First, big congrats to you for killing it in that division! Tell us about your basketball background…

MEGAN JOHNSON-MCCULLOUGH: My dad is the winningest basketball coach in California high school history (for boys). So, a ball was in my hand as early as second grade. I got a full ride scholarship and played in college in Denver, CO. I still hold four high school records. I’ve played, I’ve coached, I’ve trained pros and now I dribble on stage.

BEN: Love it! Your presentation and performance in the IPL Sports Model division are certainly some of the highlights of the shows! Do you still play? Or, as you said…you just dribble on stage?

MEGAN: Haven’t played in years. I own a fitness studio, so I’ve gone from one type of gym all day playing ball to now playing “trainer” all day. This makes me sound old, but at this point, if I go play I don’t want to get hurt. I got bodybuilding goals to crush, so no time for injuries.

BEN: Makes total sense! I definitely hear you there! You have to keep injury-free. I actually would love to start getting into MMA. But I get the feeling that will definitely get in the way of my physique goals! Also, I don’t want to get beat up and injured. [laughs] So, at the time this magazine cover launched you were a 1X Pro Sports Model Champion. You have since earned your second title and you’re competing in a week from now, aiming for your third! We are trying to get this issue of NATURALMAG released in the next few days. But it might not release until after that show. So I have to keep up with you, and keep updating. [laughs] Do you ever think you will choose another sport other than Basketball?

MEGAN: Nah, Basketball is my jam. I’ll keep perfecting it for every show.

BEN: Nice. You bring your husband out to help you with your walk/routine at Finals, which is pretty cool! What does he think of all this?

MEGAN: He played basketball for my dad in high school and our first date was playing hoops. I’ve known him since the third grade and he’s been my biggest fan and cheerleader all these years. I’m sure you hear him in the crowd.

BEN YOSEF: Oh, how cool! Sounds like a storybook relationship! Love it! You are a top, title winning IPL Sports Model Pro. And you always have an impressive showing. Do you ever think about what your competitors, specifically in Sports Model might be bringing to the stage? Like, do you ever think about possibly being outdone by someone else’s physique or sports presentation? What is your mindset like in this area?

MEGAN: I do watch for results from other shows and on basketball I was a point guard. That means I was in charge of running plays and leading my team to the W. Now on stage my team is me, so I know how to bring it. And when the competition gets tough or looks close, it only makes me dig deeper, work harder and want to win even more.