South Carolina Star Raven Johnson Back in Training, Eyes Redemption in 2025-26 Season
Raven Johnson, the standout guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has officially resumed training as she gears up for her senior season in the 2025-26 campaign. Johnson was instrumental in helping the Gamecocks reach the national championship earlier this year, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to UConn. Now, fans are hopeful that her final run will end with a title.
On Friday, a popular Gamecocks fan page on Instagram posted footage of Johnson back in action, showcasing her relentless work ethic. The video showed the senior putting in work at a training facility in Atlanta, focusing on shooting drills and cardio.
“University of South Carolina guard @hollywood_raven came back to Atlanta yesterday and got some work in with @bwoods_sports at @elitepinstitute 🔥,” the post was captioned.
The comment section quickly lit up with praise and excitement from college basketball fans:
- “Just watch.”
- “🔥🔥 She’s got a great personality, love it!”
- “3-time national champion incoming 🚀🏆.”
- “Looks like her release got shorter and quicker! Great job!”
- “My favorite college point guard.”
- “Let’s go @hollywood_raven, Seatbelt CEO with the jumper 🔥🔥.”
Johnson’s return to the gym has only fueled speculation about a major comeback season. And the Gamecocks faithful have good reason to be excited.
Raven Johnson Set for Senior Season at South Carolina
Johnson recently confirmed she will return to South Carolina for her final year of eligibility. While she initially hesitated to make a decision after the national title loss, she hinted at unfinished business in her journey.
“Kind of, yes,” she said when asked if she was leaning toward a return. “It’s making me think a little bit because I would love to end on a good note.”
Her return was solidified when she shared a warm welcome message on social media for her former high school teammate Ta’Niya Latson, who transferred to join the Gamecocks.
A top-ranked recruit from the class of 2021, Johnson’s career got off to a rocky start after she tore her ACL in just her second college game. She was granted a medical redshirt and bounced back stronger, becoming a two-year starter for Dawn Staley’s squad.
During the 2024-25 season, Johnson averaged 4.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while earning Second Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team. She was also an SEC All-Freshman in 2023.
Though eligible for the 2025 WNBA Draft alongside teammates Bree Hall, Te-Hina Pao Pao, and Sania Feagin, Johnson chose to stay and chase one last shot at glory in Columbia.
With her sights set on a strong senior campaign, and a renewed fire after coming so close to a championship, Raven Johnson could be poised to help lead South Carolina to the promised land in 2026.
