As the countdown to WNBA Draft night ticked closer, the excitement wasn’t just building on the broadcast floor — it was already in full swing behind the scenes, where South Carolina Gamecocks family showed up and showed out in true fashion.
Raven Johnson, one of the most anticipated names heading into the draft, was deep in her glam session getting red-carpet ready when her fellow South Carolina alum Courtney Williams linked up with her, turning the makeup chair into an unofficial pre-draft party. The two were clearly in great spirits, laughing and keeping the energy high just hours before one of the biggest nights of Raven’s life.
But the real moment that had everyone talking? Coach Dawn Staley joining the fun via FaceTime. Never one to miss a chance to rally behind her players, the legendary South Carolina head coach dialed in to hype Raven up — and couldn’t resist throwing in a little draft-night humor. In true Dawn Staley fashion, she jokingly told Courtney to call Cheryl and make sure Raven got picked at No. 2 — to which Courtney fired back with a grin, “I’m bout to make the phone call right now.” The room erupted.
It was a lighthearted, hilarious moment that captured exactly what makes the South Carolina program so special — a sisterhood that doesn’t stop at graduation.
And when the glam was finally complete? Raven Johnson stepped out looking nothing short of a Hollywood star. With a stunning, flawless beat courtesy of @reneemadeulook and @bhamton, and hair beautifully styled by @elizabeth.semande, Raven was absolutely radiant — poised, polished, and ready to walk into her destiny. Fans online were quick to note the glow-up, with many drawing comparisons to a certain Disney Channel icon, saying she was giving full “Hollywood Raven” vibes — and honestly? They weren’t wrong.
CLICK 👇TO WATCH
With draft coverage kicking off at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN, the buzz around who would go No. 1 was at a fever pitch. But one thing was already crystal clear before a single name was called — Raven Johnson was walking into that draft looking like a first-round pick in every sense of the word.
And with Dawn Staley in her corner, always pulling, always pushing, always present — how could she be anything less? ❤️
