“Big Game Tessa” Shows Why Champions Are Made When Nobody’s Watching
The final buzzer had sounded. The fans had filtered out of Colonial Life Arena. The lights were dimming, and South Carolina’s victory over Georgia was already becoming yesterday’s news. But for Tessa Johnson, the work was just beginning.
A Rare Off Night
Johnson struggled mightily against Georgia, enduring one of her worst shooting performances of the season. The shots that normally fall with ease simply weren’t dropping. The rhythm that makes her such a dangerous scorer was nowhere to be found. For most players, a win would be enough to move past a poor individual performance.
Not for Tessa Johnson.
When the Arena Was Empty
Long after her teammates had showered and left, long after the crowd had dispersed and the arena staff had begun their cleanup, Johnson did something that exemplifies why she’s earned the nickname “Big Game Tessa.” She changed back into her practice gear, returned to the empty court, and got to work.
No coaches watching. No fans cheering. No cameras recording. Just Johnson, a basketball, and her determination to be better.
This is the side of elite athletes that most fans never see—the relentless pursuit of excellence that happens in the quiet moments when nobody’s watching. While others might sulk over a bad shooting night or simply chalk it up to an off day, Johnson chose accountability and action.
The Championship Mentality
Johnson’s decision to return to the court speaks volumes about her character and work ethic. It’s easy to put in extra work when you’re playing well and everything is clicking. The true test of a champion is how they respond to adversity, failure, and frustration.
Johnson could have made excuses. She could have rationalized that the team still won, so her poor shooting didn’t matter. She could have waited until the next scheduled practice to address her struggles. Instead, she took immediate ownership and did something about it.
This mentality is precisely why Johnson has become one of South Carolina’s most reliable players in crucial moments. “Big Game Tessa” isn’t just a catchy nickname—it’s a reflection of someone who refuses to let bad performances define her and who puts in the work necessary to ensure those performances don’t become a pattern.
Leading by Example
What makes Johnson’s post-game shooting session even more significant is the example it sets for her teammates, particularly the younger players on the roster. Actions speak louder than words, and Johnson’s decision to immediately address her struggles sends a powerful message about the standard of excellence expected at South Carolina.
Freshman and sophomore players watching Johnson’s response to adversity are learning invaluable lessons about accountability, work ethic, and what it takes to compete at a championship level. They’re seeing firsthand that being a great player isn’t just about talent—it’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way.
This is precisely the type of leadership Dawn Staley values and cultivates in her program. The Gamecocks’ championship culture isn’t built solely on what happens during games or official practices—it’s forged in moments like these, when players choose to hold themselves accountable and put in extra work without being asked.
Why She Does Things the Right Way
Johnson’s approach embodies what coaches mean when they talk about players who “do things the right way.” It’s not flashy. It won’t make highlight reels. Most fans will never know it happened. But this is the foundation upon which championship teams are built.
The willingness to put in extra work after a bad performance. The refusal to make excuses. The commitment to continuous improvement. These are the qualities that separate good players from great ones, and great players from champions.
Johnson understands that excellence isn’t a destination—it’s a continuous journey that requires constant maintenance and improvement. One bad shooting night doesn’t define her, but how she responds to it absolutely does.
The Bigger Picture
As South Carolina prepares for its massive showdown with Texas on Thursday, Johnson’s post-Georgia work session takes on even greater significance. The Gamecocks will need their best players performing at their highest level against the Longhorns, and Johnson’s commitment to addressing her shooting struggles immediately rather than waiting ensures she’ll be ready for the moment.
This is why she’s “Big Game Tessa.” Not just because she performs well in important games, but because she puts in the work necessary to ensure she’s always ready when those big moments arrive.
The Unseen Work of Champions
Fans see the game-winning shots, the crucial defensive stops, and the clutch performances in pressure-packed moments. What they don’t see are the countless hours of work in empty gyms, the extra shooting sessions after everyone else has gone home, and the relentless pursuit of improvement even after victories.
Tessa Johnson’s decision to return to Colonial Life Arena after her teammates, coaches, and fans had departed is a reminder that championship-level success is built on a foundation of work that nobody sees. It’s in these quiet moments, when the arena is empty and the only person watching is yourself, that champions are truly made.
The Takeaway
South Carolina didn’t just win a basketball game against Georgia on Sunday. They reinforced a culture of excellence and accountability that extends far beyond the final score. Tessa Johnson’s post-game shooting session exemplifies the standard that makes the Gamecocks a perennial championship contender.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead—starting with Thursday’s showdown against Texas—fans can take comfort knowing that players like Johnson aren’t satisfied with simply winning. They’re committed to continuous improvement, relentless work ethic, and doing whatever it takes to be their best when their team needs them most.
That’s why she’s Big Game Tessa. That’s why she’s a great player and an even better example to her teammates. And that’s why, when the biggest moments arrive, she’ll be ready—because she’s been preparing for them long after everyone else has gone home.
The Champion’s Formula:
✅ Bad performance → Immediate accountability
✅ No excuses → Extra work
✅ No audience → Maximum effort
✅ Team victory → Personal improvement
This is the culture Dawn Staley has built. This is why South Carolina wins championships. And Tessa Johnson’s empty-arena shooting session is the perfect example of how it all works.
