Raven Johnson's message to South Carolina fans before final home game in March Madness

Story by

Story by
Raven Johnson's message to South Carolina fans before final home game in March Madness

Raven Johnson's message to South Carolina fans before final home game in March Madness

Lulu Kesin, Greenville News · Greenville News

Sun, Mar 22, 2026 ·

3 min read

About Our Ads

COLUMBIA — Four years, four months and 21 days ago Raven Johnson ran onto the court in Colonial Life Arena for warmups for the first time.

It was just an exhibition game but South Carolina women's basketball fans showed up. For Johnson, it was the first time she really saw everything the fan base had to offer.

"I was nervous ... I remember talking to the coach ( Dawn Staley ) and saying, 'How do the girls play in front of all of this?'" Johnson said March 22.

Johnson has since learned that playing in a Gamecocks uniform is playing for more than just herself, she says, it's for teammates and for the fans.

1 /54

Raven Johnson, Indiana Fever guard, South Carolina women's basketball star

May 20, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson (3) dribbles the ball while Portland Fire center Megan Gustafson (17) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 20: Head coach Stephanie White of the Indiana Fever speaks with Raven Johnson #3 of the Indiana Fever during the second half against the Portland Fire at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 20, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Justin Casterline, Getty Images)

Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Raven Johnson who was selected tenth overall by the Indiana Fever during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Raven Johnson poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) and guard Raven Johnson (25) react in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) battle for the ball in the second quarter during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Agot Makeer #44 and Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks high five during the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sahara Williams #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks takes a shot against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)

Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Senior South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) gets a hug from head coach Dawn Staley as she leaves her home court for the last time in the second half against the USC Trojans at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the Southern Jaguars in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game against the Texas Longhorns at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)

Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) dives for the ball Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) defends Louisiana State Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson (4) Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News, Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maryam Dauda (30) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) Friday, March 6, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News, Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) collides with Mississippi Rebels forward Christeen Iwuala (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks blocks a shot from Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)

Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) and guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrate in the closing moments of their win over the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) steals the ball from South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Florida guard Emilija Dakic (7) blocks South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of an NCAA womenâ€™s basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 4, 2026. North Carolina won 74-63 [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood, Alan Youngblood / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates with teammates during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the NCAA women's basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Colonial Life Arena on December 14, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Sean Rayford, Getty Images)

Dec 7, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the North Carolina Central Eagles in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cheers her teammates from the bench against the Queens Royals in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley jokes with guard Raven Johnson (25) against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Mia Moore (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)

Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots against Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks cuts down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 30, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) leaps for the ball against the Vanderbilt during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)

Jan 24, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Aneesah Morrow (24) has her shot blocked by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Jan 9, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Dec 29, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes the ball against the Wofford Terriers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)

Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
(Chris Jones-Imagn Images)

Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts down the net to celebrate the victory after the game in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
(Gregory Fisher, Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots a layup against Oregon State Beavers forward Raegan Beers (15) during the second half in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
(Gregory Fisher, Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports)

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts part of the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) greets South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) during the third quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates with teammates after South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) made a game winning shot to beat Tennessee in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)

Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives around UConn Huskies guard KK Arnold (2) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)

Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a three point basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)

Nov 24, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) high fives a fan after their win over the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 12: South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates making a three-point basket against the Maryland Terrapins as former Gamcocks player and WNBA star A’ja Wilson cheers in the background during their game in Columbia, South Carolina. The No. 4 Gamecocks defeated the No. 11 Terrapins 114-86.
(Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 31, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Feb 12, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward LaDazhia Williams (0) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) battle for rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)

March 23 will be the last time the fifth-year point guard runs out for warmups in CLA as the No. 1 seed Gamecocks (32-3) play No. 9 Southern Cal (18-13) with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) .

"The things (the fans) do don't go unnoticed and I'm going to be very sad to leave CLA and the fans," Johnson said.

Raven Johnson has chance for two South Carolina records

Hosting the first two rounds of the Women's NCAA Tournament means you get up to two extra games in front of the home crowd. But every March Madness game is still win or go home.

"It's hitting me but it hasn't hit me to the full (extent) of it," Johnson said because she is hunting for history that spans beyond Columbia.

South Carolina wants to make a sixth straight Final Four appearance, which would mean Johnson made it every year she's been on the team and give her the most appearances among any Gamecocks player.

She said her focus is on one thing and that's winning a national championship. She would be the only player under Staley to win three titles.

When Johnson arrived as the No. 2 recruit in the country, she had a star-studded group to learn from. But her playing experience was cut short after tearing an ACL two games into the season.

From the sidelines then post recovery, Johnson has learned to embrace her home crowd and eventually became a leader, something neither Johnson or Staley saw happening at first.

"No I still don't picture it because it's different," Staley said. "Obviously she leads by example ... she's serious but it can come off as funny. But when she's really ready to rock and roll only things that matter come out of her mouth."

Staley said this team has different groups of players who are really close but the common thread between all groups of two or three is Johnson.

"She's able to reach a lot of different people with a lot of different personalities and that's what you want your leader to be able to do," Staley said.

Raven Johnson close to 1,000 career points

Johnson is just seven points away from 1,000 in her career.

But her thoughts and emotions don't reflect that milestone. She just wants "to win."

"I'm not really thinking about 1,000, whatever crap that is. I'm really just thinking about winning and advancing to the next round," Johnson said.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com . Follow her on X @Lulukesin and Bluesky ‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What Raven Johnson said about final home game for South Carolina

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: