Tessa Johnson Brings Laughter to Gamecock Nation While Eyeing Bigger Role in 2025
South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson gave fans a lighthearted glimpse into her personality this week when she shared what she called an “unserious” TikTok moment.
In the clip, Johnson was dancing with two Gamecocks staffers when athletic trainer Craig Oates unexpectedly crashed the video, drawing laughs. She captioned it: “So unserious,” showcasing the fun, family-like atmosphere that has become a staple of South Carolina’s locker room.
Since arriving in Columbia as a five-star recruit in 2023, the Minnesota native has quickly made her mark on one of the nation’s deepest rosters. As a freshman, Johnson averaged 6.6 points per game and played a key role in the Gamecocks’ national championship run. Her breakout moment came in the 2024 NCAA title game, where she poured in 19 points to secure South Carolina’s perfect season. That performance earned her a spot on the NCAA All-Tournament Team and established her as one of the program’s rising stars.
Her sophomore year brought further growth as she averaged 8.3 points per game, showing steady improvement in her ball-handling, perimeter defense, and confidence in big moments. Now a junior, Johnson is expected to step into an even larger role as Dawn Staley’s squad looks to reclaim the NCAA crown from UConn.
But Johnson knows her next step is all about consistency.
“I would like me to play like Tournament Tessa stinking every single game,” she told ON3’s Chris Wellbaum during the NCAA Tournament. “And I need to be more consistent throughout the season. If I was consistent throughout the season and also (added on) in the tournament, then I would like Tournament Tessa.”
Having already proven herself in March Madness, Johnson’s challenge is translating that elite play over the course of a full season. With her confidence growing and her role expanding, she aims to be one of the Gamecocks’ most reliable weapons in 2025.
