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Just weeks after the 2024-25 season wrapped up, South Carolina sophomore Tessa Johnson is already grinding in the gym, with her sights set on the upcoming FIBA 3×3 World Cup scheduled for June 2025.
South Carolina assistant coach Khadijah Sessions shared a clip of Johnson in action during a workout session, captioning the video on Instagram:
“USA 3X3 preparation!!! BIG TESSA !🐔🐔🐔🐔😤. Ps the words fit for what’s coming.”
The United States is aiming to reclaim its dominance in the tournament, having secured its third FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup title in 2023, defeating France 16-12 in the final. That game saw standout performances from Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith, who each contributed seven points.
Now, Tessa Johnson is preparing to make her mark. Though she didn’t start any games this past season, she was a crucial contributor off the bench for the Gamecocks, appearing in 37 games and averaging 21.2 minutes and 8.4 points per game. This was a clear step up from her freshman campaign, where she averaged 6.6 points and 17.8 minutes over 35 appearances, including two starts.
Her breakout moment came during her freshman year on college basketball’s biggest stage — the 2024 national championship game against Iowa, where she scored a career-high 19 points, the most by any player on her team that night.
A former four-star recruit from St. Michael-Albertville High School, Johnson chose South Carolina over top programs like Minnesota and Baylor.
Following the Gamecocks’ loss to UConn in the 2025 national title game, where Johnson logged 22 minutes and scored 10 points in the 82-59 defeat, she took to Instagram to reflect and refocus.
“Tournament Tessa looked a little bit different this time,” Johnson wrote.
“After last year, we came home celebrating, after an amazing and historic season. This year we were #OnAQuest for a back to back championship, but we came up short… No time to sit around and reflect on the past, I’m already working on next year!”
With several key players departing, Tessa Johnson is poised to take on a larger role in the upcoming season — and if her current mindset is any indication, she’s more than ready for it.
